We're in!

Description of Organization:
Gila River Health Care, a non-profit, tribal health care organization, serves the health care needs of the Gila River Indian Community, a federally-recognized tribe comprising of two distinct tribal peoples called the Akimel O’otham (Pima) and the Pee Posh (Maricopa). Gila River Health Care provides medical services at two dialysis centers and the Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital, Ak-Chin Clinic and Gila Crossing Clinic. In 1995, Gila River Indian Community attained Title I (P.L. 93-638) program status from the Indian Health Service thereby assuming responsibility for all health care services to Gila River Indian community members. On average, Gila River Health Care encounters over 185,000 patient visits per year. Gila River Health Care is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization. A Board of Directors governs all organization obligations and responsibilities.

Description of project:
The overall goal of the project is to prevent or delay the development of type II diabetes among youth, particularly within the Gila River Indian Community. Project partners within Gila River Health Care include the School Health Services Department and the Life Center. Other project partners include schools within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community, the Genesis Program and the Gila River Health Resource Department. Major activities include an eight-session curriculum (one hour each week for eight weeks) designed specifically for youth and focused on nutrition and physical activity. Other project activities include hosting community/family-based activities to keep youth participants and their families engaged in the project. These activities may include, but are not limited to family fun night, cooking demonstrations, hiking trips, scavenger hunts, swimming, team sports, family picnics, health and wellness fairs and field trips. All activities will be related to nutrition, physical activity and/or diabetes prevention. The project will also co-host Impaired Glucose Tolerance education seminars for youth and their parents.