Tribal Health Building holds open house
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POLSON — The grand opening of the new Tribal Health Building drew about 94 guests on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Staff members took visitors on tours of the three-story building from 1 to 4 p.m. After the tours, folks could enjoy lunch catered by the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino.
Administrators Kevin Howlett, Director of Tribal Health and Human Services, and Nancy Vaughan, Assistant Director of Health and Human Services were on hand to visit and answer questions.
Several visitors said they wanted to see the inside of the 23,000 square foot distinctive building they’d seen being built, although the clinic has been open for business since May 31.
Clarice Cooper, Clinical Services Manager said approximately 31 to 35 employees staff the building, which is a big jump from the old clinic.
The first floor houses the reception desk and office manager, the pharmacy, state-of-the-art X-ray facilities and Dr. Leeanna Muzquiz’s office. Muzquiz has been working on the Flathead Reservation for seven years, she said.
Dentists Ann Penturf and Dave Sievert work on the second floor as does optometrist Clint Hoxie. The optical clinic offers glasses and will soon offer contact lenses as well.
Medical records are located on the second floor, also.
According to Vaughan, employees are “very aware and very protective of patient confidentiality.”
Physical therapy services and offices for the community health nurse, community health representatives, diabetes educators, health education team, licensed addiction counselors, mental health counselors and administrators share the third floor with a large conference room.
Renee Running Rabbit, one of the licensed addition counselors, said, “It’s great to be up in this area with the referrals we get.”
Since Running Rabbit works with juvenile and adult probation she spends time in the Lake County Court House, handily located kitty corner from the THHS building.
Although St. Ignatius Tribal Health will probably still remain the hub of Indian Health Services on the Flathead Reservation, the new Tribal Health building offers area tribal members and descendants care closer to home in a brand new building.
