Chinle Indian Health Service

11/25/2025

Pinon Health Center’s Optometry Department Closure

Pinon, AZ-Pinon Health Center’s Optometry Department will be closed on November 28, 2025, due to staffing shortages. If you need Optometry services, please visit Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility’s Optometry Department. All calls made to Pinon Health Center’s Optometry Department will be forwarded to Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility’s Optometry Department. All regular Optometry services will be available, Monday, December 1, 2025.

If you have urgent or emergent eye concerns, please head to your nearest emergency department or urgent care. Pinon Health Center apologizes for any inconvenience.

For more information regarding Pinon Health Center’s Optometry Department, please call
928-674-7163. Thank you.

# # #

11/20/2025

Vendors: Please contact Sheila Tsosie, Lynette Mitchell, or Leander Yazzie for more information. Thank you.

10/30/2025

Upcoming community Flu/COVID-19 vaccination clinics!

For information, contact: Chinle and Tsaile at (928) 674-7179; for Pinon, call (928) 725-9728.

10/29/2025

COVID-19 VACCINE AVAILABILITY
St. Michaels, AZ- Navajo Area Indian Health Service have COVID-19 vaccine available at each of our hospitals and Health Centers.

IHS recommends COVID-19 vaccine for patients:
• 6 months and older
• 65 years and older (strongly recommended)
• 6 months and older with risk factors (strongly recommended)
Navajo Area IHS encourages all individuals to speak with their Healthcare Team to discuss and understand their individual options regarding vaccinations.
Please contact the nearest Navajo Area IHS hospital or Health Center for an informed decision-making on the benefits and risks of COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, your local IHS facility will provide information on upcoming vaccination events.

# # #

CSU Public Health Nursing Community Flu/COVID Schedule

11/05/2025 Chinle Bashas’ Indoor Clinic 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
11/06/2025 Low Mountain Elementary School 8:30 am – 11:30 am
11/06/2025 Dine College 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
11/13/2025 Pinon High School 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
11/13/2025 Lukachukai Chapter 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
11/20/2025 Many Farms Chapter House 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
12/04/2025 Pinon Bashas Parking Lot 8:30 am – 11:30 am

10/01/2025

The Indian Health Service has received advance appropriations for fiscal year 2026, which means that IHS will continue to operate business-as-usual during a lapse of appropriations. 100% of IHS staff will report for work and health care services across Indian Country will not be impacted.

We appreciate the entire IHS team for their continued dedication to our mission and the patients and communities we serve.

09/09/2025

Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility Water Line Maintenance and Repairs on September 14, 2025

Chinle, AZ – The Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility will conduct crucial hospital water line maintenance and repairs on Sunday, September 14, 2025, starting at 5:30 AM. This proactive measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. Five plumbing teams will complete needed water line repairs, including the replacement of water line isolation valves. The teams are expected to complete all tasks by 5:00 PM on the same day. These critical repairs will impact all central hospital departments. Domestic water will not be available for the hospital’s restrooms, handwashing sinks, or showers while the work is underway.
Emergency Department and Urgent Care patients will have access to restrooms in the main Laboratory. Temporary hand hygiene washing stations will be readily available and maintained while the main water supply is turned off. The Inpatient Department will ensure patients have access to restrooms, and hand-washing stations will be placed throughout the Inpatient areas. Bottled drinking water will be provided to patients and staff on the day of the operation.
We want to assure the community that Chinle Comprehensive Health Center will remain open during the waterline repairs. Protocols will be set in place for the safety of our patients and staff.
For more information and to stay updated, please feel free to contact Ryan Goldtooth, Public Information Officer at (928) 674-7802 or visit www.facebook.com/ChinleHealthCare. We are committed to keeping you informed and connected during this time.
# # #

08/26/2025

08/25/2025

Public Service Announcement

Chinle Respiratory Care Clinic Drive-Through:

Closure and Alternative Care Options
Chinle, AZ - The Chinle Respiratory Care Clinic drive-through will close its doors on August 25, 2025. We want to assure you that alternative care options are available. Patients who need to
be seen for respiratory illnesses should make an appointment with primary care clinic or come to the Chinle Emergency Department if it is an emergency. If you have non-emergency medical questions, you can call the Nurse Advice call line at 1-800-242-9271.
For more information, contact Ryan Goldtooth, Public Information Officer at (928) 674-7802

08/21/2025

COVID Cases on the Rise

Chinle, AZ - COVID cases are currently high in our community. Please consider taking extra precautions to protect yourself, your family, and those around you.
Protect Yourself and Others
• Consider wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, especially crowded areas.
• Stay up to date on COVID vaccines. You may be due for a COVID vaccine if:
 You did not get one during this past fall/winter,
 You are ≥ 65 years old or have a weakened immune system and have not had a COVID vaccine in 6 months or more.
Do You Have Respiratory Symptoms?
Such as a Cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, body aches
Most mild respiratory infections (like colds, flu, and COVID) can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines. Most people do not need to get a test when they are sick.
When You Might Need a Test
Testing is most useful if results could change what you do next.
You may benefit from a test if you:
• Are age 50 or older
• Have chronic medical conditions (heart disease, lung disease, weakened immune system)
Why?
Because if you test positive, you may be eligible for treatments that work best when started early.
What To Do If You’re Sick
• Stay home and rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Wear a mask if around others
• Seek medical care if symptoms are severe (trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration)

For more information, contact Ryan Goldtooth, public information officer at (928) 674-7802 or go to www.facebook.com/ChinleHealthCare for the latest updates.

# # #

08/12/2025

***NOTICE***

September 9 - Nazlini Chapter
September 18 - Rough Rock Chapter

08/12/2025

Chinle Service Unit’s “Just Move It (JMI)” Event Schedule Updates

Chinle, AZ -The remaining Chinle Service Unit’s Just Move It (JMI) events will have a modified schedule. Please see below for the specific start and end times for the remaining JMI events.


• 08/13/25 – Chinle Chapter
o Registration & Health Fair Start Time: 4:00 pm
o Walk/Run Start & Duration: 5:00-6:30 pm
o Health Fair Close: 5:30 pm
o Registration Close: 6:30 pm

• 08/21/25- Dine College
o Registration & Health Fair Start Time: 4:00 pm
o Walk/Run Start: 6:00 pm
o Health Fair Close: 5:30 pm
o Registration Close: 6:30 pm

• 09/09/25 – Nazlini Chapter
o Registration & Health Fair Start Time: 4:00 pm
o Walk/Run Start & Duration: 5:00-6:30 pm
o Health Fair Close: 5:30 pm
o Registration Close: 6:30 pm

• 09/18/25 – Rough Rock Chapter
o Registration & Health Fair Start Time: 4:00 pm
o Walk/Run Start & Duration: 5:00-6:30 pm
o Health Fair Close: 5:30 pm
o Registration Close: 6:30 pm


To avoid heat exhaustion, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolytes, and avoid drinks with caffeine. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty, and consider drinks with electrolytes for longer durations. Avoid sugary, caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and be mindful of the heat index.

If you have any questions or need further information, please call Tatyannia Johnson at 928-674-7661 or 928-674-7178. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have cause and appreciate your understanding.

# # #

08/07/2025

Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility Respiratory Care Clinic Drive-through Re-Opens

Chinle, Arizona – The Chinle Comprehensive Health Care Facility Respiratory Care Clinic (RCC) Drive-through re-opened on Monday, August 4, 2025. The clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The RCC will remain open during the lunch hour (12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.). The RCC drive-through offers respiratory viral testing and COVID/Influenza/RSV vaccines (when they become available for the 2025-2026 season).
Testing: Patients can be tested for respiratory viruses. Those with a positive test will be contacted about treatment options.
Vaccines: When the 2025-2026 vaccines become available, we will offer the following:
• COVID vaccine (for ages six months and older),
• Influenza (flu) vaccine (for ages six months and older),
• RSV vaccine for older adults (ages 50-74 with risk factors for severe RSV and everyone 75 years and older).
We will notify patients when the vaccines become available through public service announcements. As a reminder, Chinle Service Unit no longer provides return-to-work or return-to-school clearance letters after a positive COVID diagnosis.
If you have any questions, please call (928) 674-7994.
# # #