Welcome to Health Update, Gila River Health Care's monthly community newsletter! Published by the Public Relations & Marketing Department, Health Update keeps patients, families, and community members
informed with timely health information, organizational news, upcoming events, wellness tips, and stories that matter most to our community. Our goal is to share valuable resources and important updates that help you stay connected with Gila River Health Care and the services available to you. If your department has an upcoming event, program, health initiative, or other important information you'd like featured in a future issue, please contact the Public Relations & Marketing Department.
• National Immunization Awareness Month
- Stay Up to Date on Recommended Vaccines
- Vaccines Protect Every Stage of Life
- Immunizations: A Simple Step Toward Better Health
• National Breastfeeding Month
- Supporting Breastfeeding Families
- Resources for New Parents
- Breastfeeding Support Throughout Your Journey
• National Health Center Week (typically observed in early August)
- Celebrating Community Health
- Quality Care Close to Home
- Thank You for Trusting Us with Your Care
• Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
- Help Protect Your Child's Vision
- Back-to-School Eye Health Tips
- Healthy Eyes for Learning Success
- 3 Healthy Summer Recipes
August is National Wellness Month
National Wellness Month encourages everyone to prioritize self-care and healthy habits. Wellness includes physical, mental, and emotional health, and small daily choices make a di erence.
Eat nutritious foods, stay active, get enough sleep, manage stress, and maintain social connections to support well-being. Let this observance remind you that wellness is ongoing, and simple daily steps can
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month, observed each August, highlights the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccines. Immunizations protect people of all ages from serious, preventable diseases. Use this month to review vaccination records, schedule needed immunizations, and consult your healthcare provider about appropriate vaccines for your age, health, and lifestyle. Staying current helps protect both individual and community health.
For more information on immunization schedules, contact your provider today.
National Breastfeeding Month/World Breastfeeding Week
Each August, we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, a great time to highlight the health and societal benefits of breastfeeding. It focuses on supporting families with their feeding choices, creating welcoming environments where breastfeeding feels normal, and ensuring everyone has access to lactation support.
By encouraging each other and sharing information, we can help parents and babies start healthy and support long-term wellness. Let’s work together to raise awareness, remove hurdles to healthy feeding, support families, and share this message with others today. World Breastfeeding Week, observed in early August, highlights the vital role of breastfeeding in lifelong health and development. Supported by global health organizations, this week focuses on the essential support women and babies need from healthcare systems during breastfeeding.
Mothers need access to skilled counseling, supportive environments, and accurate information to breastfeed as long as they choose. Investing in these areas makes meaningful support possible.
Breastfeeding not only benefits health but also saves costs, boosts cognitive development, and strengthens economies. Support breastfeeding now to help create lasting positive outcomes.
National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week recognizes the essential role of community health centers in providing accessible, high-quality care. Health centers serve millions annually with preventive care, chronic disease management, behavioral health, dental care, and other vital services. This observance honors the dedication of healthcare professionals and sta who improve health outcomes and expand access to care. We appreciate the trust patients place in local healthcare providers.
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month promotes protecting children's vision. Good eye health supports learning, development, and daily activities, especially as students return to school.
Parents and caregivers should schedule regular eye exams, ensure children use protective eyewear during activities, and watch for signs of vision problems such as squinting, headaches, or di iculty reading. Early action can improve academic success and quality of life.
GRHC Optometry, Life Center, School Health Services Eyeglasses Wearing Contest
Congratulations to the top three schools. Mr. Barthell’s first grade class at Casa Blanca Elementary School placed first. Mrs. Thomas’ second grade class at Gila Crossing Community School placed second, and Ms. Moreno’s Kindergarten class at Sacaton Elementary School placed third. Thank you for participating in our Third Annual Eyeglass Contest, and best wishes for the new school year.
Seed Farm Pavillion
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Health Center
Vechij Shon (New Beginnings)
Cool o this summer with three fresh, flavorful recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious. These healthy summer recipes are full of fresh ingredients, provide lasting energy, and make it easy to enjoy nutritious meals all season long.
Summer Tepary Bean Salad
This plant-based salad can be prepared in advance for meal prep or gatherings.
Ingredients
• 2 cups cooked Tan Tepary Beans
• 1–2 pints of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1–3 mixed bell peppers, diced
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cucumbers, diced
• 1–2 cups of chopped and cooked Nopales cactus
• Dressing: Red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh or dried herbs, and chili flakes
Instructions
• Rinse and soak the Tepary beans for 4–8 hours.
• Place beans in a large pot with 8 cups of water, season with salt, pepper, and onions, and boil for 2–4 hours until so .
• If using fresh nopales, ensure the spines are cleaned o before cooking.
• Combine the cooked beans with tomatoes, peppers, corn, cucumbers, and nopales in a large bowl.
• Whisk together the dressing ingredients and toss with the salad.
• Serve chilled, with tortilla chips if desired.
Chicken and Cucumber Lettuce Wraps with Peanut Sauce
This low-carb, high-protein meal is easy to assemble for lunch or dinner. Ingredients
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and sliced)
GUEST SPEAKERS, TRADITIONAL BLESSING, CLOSING SONG
OPIOID AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION EDUCATION
FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED
GILA RIVER HEALTH CARE RESOURCES
Behavioral Health ................... . Ext. 7100
Customer Service.
Ext. 1177 / 4017
Dental Ext. 1209
Imaging
Infusion Clinic
Behavioral Health .................. . Ext. 6008
Customer Service.
Ext. 1232
Ext. 1219
Inpatient Clinic Ext. 1218
Laboratory. ..........................
Life Center ..........................
Ext. 1220
Ext. 7940
Optometry Ext 7365
Patient Registration
Pharmacy Refill Line
Ext. 6609
Dental Ext. 6015
Imaging .
Ext. 6044
Laboratory ......................... . Ext. 6016
Life Center Ext. 6470
Optometry ......................... . Ext. 6012
Patient Registration
Ext. 1204
Ext. 1270
Physical Therapy Ext. 1230
Podiatry
Primary Care ........................
Ext. 1258
Ext. 1495
Purchased Referred Care Ext. 6025
Women’s Health Clinic
. Ext. 1400
Hau’pal (Red Tail Hawk) Heal th Center
Audiology
Ext. 2965
Behavioral Health .................. . Ext. 2620
Customer Service Ext 2619
Dental Ext 2682
Imaging
Ext. 6006
Pharmacy Refill Line Ext. 1303
Physical Therapy ................... . Ext. 6213
Podiatry
Ext. 6520
Primary Care Ext. 6000
Purchased Referred Care
Ext. 5000
Women’s Health Clinic ............. . Ext. 6110
Ext. 2655
Infusion Clinic Ext. 1219
Inpatient Clinic Ext. 1218
Laboratory ......................... . Ext. 2651
Life Center Ext 2657
Optometry Ext 2690
Patient Registration
Ext. 2737
Physical Therapy Ext 2715
Podiatry Ext 2664
Primary Care ....................... . Ext. 2697
Purchased Referred Care Ext. 5000
Women’s Health Clinic Ext 2693 Gila River Indian Community District Service Centers District 1
550-3805
(520) 215-2110 District 2 (520) 562-3450 District 3 ........................... . (520) 562-3334 District 4 ........................... . (520) 418-3661 District 5 (520) 315-3441 District 6 ...........................
