United Indian Health Services

02/16/2026

Behavioral Health and the Vision Department at our Jaroujiji Clinic in Eureka will be temporarily closed for a few days.

Medical and Pharmacy services will remain open during this time.

Please contact 707.296.2500 if you have questions. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

02/14/2026

Dear Doctor Coyote, My teen has been getting more interested in dating. I know this can pose potential problems when dealing with personal relationships. What should I know to help protect my child? Signed, Concerned Parent.

Dear Concerned Parent, this is the month for Valentine’s Day and romance but February is also Teen Dating Violence awareness month. If your children are getting to the age where they are wanting to go out on dates you need to help them be aware of the realities of the potential for problems in these relationships.

Reach out to your youngsters so they know that you love and care for them and want to help identify potentially bad situations. Talk to them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol as it relates to dating. Suggest they use a buddy system or date in a group setting when getting to know someone. Help them to establish personal boundaries and what to do if they are violated.

According to loveIsRespect.org here are some signs to identify the potential for dating violence:
• Checking your phone, email, or social media accounts without permission.
• Putting you down frequently, especially in front of others.
• Isolating you from friends or family (physically, financially, or emotionally).
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity.
• Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings.
• Any form of physical harm.
• Possessiveness or controlling behavior.
• Pressuring you or forcing you to have s*x.

The Boys and Girls Club of America reports “today, 1 in 3 high school students experiences some form of dating violence in their relationships. For Native American teens, the rate is even higher.” In one study by the Center for Disease Control, the rate of teen dating violence among high school students in Alaska’s Native communities is 13.3 percent, nearly 4 percent higher than the national average of 9.8 percent.

Having open communications with your teen is the best way to let them know you are there for them. Showing them that women have a traditional role of honor and respect in our societies can give them a sense of self-confidence and increased accountability. Share with them the teen dating violence hotline phone number 1-866-331-9474 or to text loveis to 22522.

Signed, Dr. C, who has a very special love song

For more information and resources on Teen Dating Violence please go to:

VIDEO: Teen Dating Violence Awareness-Signs to Look Out For
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2WE2I1nkYA

VIDEO: American Indians and Teen Dating Violence Awareness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OmLA25zxP8

VIDEO: Teen Dating Violence in Native Communities Curriculum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Du3gOlazvuY

https://www.ncai.org/section/vawa/overview/key-statistics

https://www.thehotline.org/

https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/teen-dating-violence

https://www.loveisrespect.org/

02/14/2026

This week marked an exciting opportunity for our leadership to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the March on Washington and advocate for the communities we serve.

Members of our Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team met with key members of Congress, sharing the voices, priorities, and needs of American Indian communities at the national level. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and direct advocacy in shaping the future of Tribal Health Care.

We are proud of the work accomplished during this meaningful week in our nation’s capital. On behalf of United Indian Health Services, we’re honored to continue standing up for the health and wellbeing of our community.

02/12/2026

02/11/2026

Today, we gather in community to hold a Talking Circle in honor of Celinda Gonzalez from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Weitchpec at the Libby Nix Community Center, 11500 CA-96.

All are welcome to join in community and support.

02/11/2026

TOT-Bird Nesting Season

As spring approaches, it's essential to be aware of our feathered friends and their nesting habits. It is a crucial time for birds as they work tirelessly to ensure the survival of their offspring. It is important to be cautious and mindful of nesting birds, as disturbance can have serious consequences for their productivity and well-being.

Bird nesting season is vital for the conservation of avian species. By respecting nesting areas and keeping a safe distance from nests, we can help ensure the successful raising of young birds. Many bird species are also facing threats like habitat loss and climate change, making it even more critical to safeguard nesting sites.

There are steps you can take to help protect nesting birds during the breeding season:
1. If you have pets, make sure to keep them on a leash during walks to prevent them from disturbing nesting birds or their young.
2. When enjoying outdoor activities, be aware of your surroundings and watch out for signs of nesting birds. Avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could startle them.
3. If you notice any illegal activities such as nest destruction or disturbance, report them to the appropriate authorities.
4. Be mindful of nests when mowing, pruning and working in and around your yard.

Remember that touching or moving a nest can cause harm to the birds and disrupt their breeding cycle. It's essential to respect the natural environment and allow birds to carry out their parental duties without interference.

By following simple guidelines and being mindful of nesting birds, we can help create a safe environment for them to raise their young. So, let's all do our part to protect our feathered friends during this important time of year! Contact your local wildlife care center if you find an injured animal or bird. In Humboldt County that is: https://birdallyx.net/humboldt-wildlife-care-center-2/

For more information, please go to:

VIDEO: Dos and Do Nots of Giving Nesting Materials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLeIjW5su-o

https://www.fws.gov/story/bird-nests

https://www.cityofarcata.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/570

02/10/2026

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming commercial tobacco-free or would like to learn more about cessation, specialized resources are available to support these goals! 💚
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 (United Indian Health Services) provides culturally specific information and resources tailored for UIHS clients including...
𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐬
- Culturally specific "quit kits" are available for clients at all UIHS sites.
- Direct Support: To request a kit or speak with project staff, please contact UIHS at 707-825-5000.
𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚
For additional support, Kick It California offers an accessible, evidence-based program featuring...
- Free, customizable quit plans and progress trackers.
- Clinically proven behavior change strategies.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐈𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐚
- https://kickitca.org
- Call the helpline at 1-800-300-8086.
- Text "quit smoking" or "quit va**ng" to 66819 to enroll via text.

02/10/2026

A Talking Circle and Grief Support gathering for Celinda Gonzalez will be held today from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Yurok Tribal Office, Conference Room - 190 Klamath Blvd, Klamath
Everyone from the community is welcome.

02/07/2026

UIHS is seeking interested Indian Community Members in serving as potential Candidates to be members of the UIHS Board of Directors.

Potential Candidates must meet the criteria for membership as an Indian Community Member and must reside in and around the UIHS Voting Area within one of the following:

- Area 2: In and around Orick, Trinidad, McKinleyville, and Blue Lake - Seeking a Primary Delegate and an Alternate Delegate for a (3) three-year term (June 2026 – June 2029)

- Area 4: In and around Hoopa and Willow Creek - Seeking a Primary Delegate and an Alternate Delegate for a (3) three-year term (June 2026 – June 2029)

- Area 5: In and around Weitchpec, Johnsons, and Orleans – Seeking an Alternate Delegate to fill the remaining (1) one-year term of a (3) three-year term (June 2026 – June 2027)

All interested Indian Community Members may obtain a Declaration of Candidacy packet at https://uihs.org/board-elections or call (707) 825-4121 or (707) 825-4136. You may also receive a Declaration of Candidacy packet by visiting Potawot Health Village or at your local UIHS clinic.

The completed Declaration of Candidacy form and Candidacy Statement must be delivered by certified mail to the address below, postmarked no later than March 11, 2026, or hand delivered to Potawot Health Village Administration front office by close of business on March 11, 2026.

Mail to: UIHS Election Committee, P.O. Box 4238, Arcata, CA 95518

02/07/2026

United Indian Health Services would like to invite our community to join together in a supportive talking circle to honor and grieve the loss of a beloved member of the community. Please come in a good way as we hold space for healing and connection.

All relatives and community members are welcome to come share, listen, and receive support.

Please join us on Tuesday, February 10, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Yurok Tribal office in the conference room. 190 Klamath Blvd, Klamath, Ca 95548

And on Wednesday, February 11, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
at the Libby Nix Community Center, 11500 CA-96, Hoopa, CA 95546

02/07/2026

Dear Dr. Coyote; My Father died a young man from a heart attack. What can I do to help prevent that from happening to me?
Signed, Still Kicken’

Dear Still Kicken’; February is American Heart Month. Cardiovascular or Heart Disease is the number one killer of people in the United States. Some factors that increase your risk of contracting heart disease are smoking, stress and unhealthy eating habits. The fact is that the impacts of heart disease are, for the most part, completely avoidable.

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients have been shown to have double the incidence of coronary heart disease then the rest of the population. According to the American Heart Association cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of AI/AN.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000773

You can make some small changes in your life to reduce the risk of heart disease. Here are some heart healthy tips from healthline.com: https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-heart-tips
• Manage excess body fat
• Include fiber into your diet
• Make time for breakfast
• Eat fish and nuts
• Limit your salt intake
• Reduce your saturated fat intake
• Drink tea
• Eat dark chocolate

Another way of combating the risk of hearts problems is to increase your daily exercise and reduce stress as much as possible. Walking is the easiest form of exercise. Aim for 10,000 steps a day (most phones have a pedometer app). Keeping active will make your heart happy.
Signed, Dr. C Who Starts His Day With A Long Walk

For more information please see:
VIDEO: The American Heart Association-Life's Essential 8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMsTLXiyQWc

VIDEO: A Dietitian's Guide to Heart-Healthy Meals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBtRkjXSMmk

VIDEO: 3 Exercises to Improve Heart Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNUq_rCtbxQ

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/heart-disease-and-american-indiansalaska-natives

http://www.americanheart.org

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/american_heart_month.htm

02/06/2026

Our Diabetes Awareness program is hosting a Healthy Eating for Diabetes interactive class series. Registration is due by February 16, 2026! Please contact Irina Smith at 707-825-3998 for more information.