Puyallup Tribal Health Authority

11/24/2025

We were so grateful to be part of the Puyallup Tribe’s Wellness Powwow this weekend. 💙

Each year, it’s an absolute joy to help judge the Tiny Tots—these little dancers bring so much enthusiasm, excitement, and pride to the floor. It’s truly special to watch them grow and return year after year, carrying forward an important cultural tradition.

Culture is medicine, and the Wellness Powwow is a beautiful reminder of how our community comes together to lift one another up through shared identity, healing, and celebration. ✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s event so meaningful.

11/24/2025

11/21/2025

PTHA welcomed several key leaders from the Indian Health Service to our campus, including Acting Director Benjamin Smith, Acting Deputy Director Darrell LaRoche, Chief of Staff Clayton W. Fulton, and Portland Area Director Rear Adm. Marcus Martinez, P.E. Their visit was a meaningful opportunity to share the important strides PTHA is making in Native healthcare.

Our guests met with members of our leadership team—including Executive Director David Tonemah, Deputy Director Ryan Gilbert, and other PTHA leaders—for thoughtful conversations about our ongoing work. They also joined us for a brief tour of our facilities, where we discussed our expanding services, strengthened partnerships with IHS, and rising patient satisfaction, especially in supporting and appreciating cultural needs. We were grateful to highlight our continuing commitment to training new resident physicians, both Native and non-Native alike, in providing outstanding care to our Alaska Native and American Indian patients.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who visited and contributed to such a positive, collaborative experience. We would be honored to welcome our IHS partners back anytime to continue these important conversations and strengthen our shared commitment to Native health.

11/14/2025

🚧Construction Progress at PTHA🚧

We’d like to share a quick update about construction happening around the Kwawachee Building as we continue expanding to make more space for patient care.

Beginning Monday, November 17, you may notice:
🔹 Increased construction traffic
🔹 Some parking spaces temporarily unavailable
🔹 Activity around the building site as crews begin soil mitigation work

This work includes carefully managed soil work and abatement as part of the next phase of construction. Environmental experts have confirmed there are no concerns about air or water safety, and crews will be taking every precaution to protect our patients, staff, and community.

This phase is expected to last about four weeks, though timelines and closure areas may shift as work progresses. Please continue to use caution and follow posted signs when visiting our campus.

Thank you for your patience as we continue to grow and improve PTHA facilities for our community!

Stay up to date on construction and other news:
👉 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
👉 Visit the News page on our website

11/13/2025

Yesterday we celebrated Rock Your Mocs Week and Native American Heritage Month with Rock Your Mocs / Rock Your Heritage! Many employees proudly wore cultural regalia, moccasins, and traditional beadwork, jewelry, and other meaningful adornments.

While most participants represented their respective American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, we also saw beautiful regalia and attire from Samoa, Scandinavia, Germany, and beyond. We’re honored to celebrate the diversity that strengthens and connects us all.

What became clear throughout the day was that every piece carried a story — a reflection of community, of relationships built through shared traditions, and of the care and craftsmanship passed down through generations. Each item served as a living connection to heritage, history, and the people who keep those traditions alive.

11/12/2025

In celebration of k’ʷədidəɫdat (Day of Thankfulness and Potlatch Days) we will be open for patients on Wednesday, November 26 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, and will be closed for the rest of the day. We will also be closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28.

Please keep these changes to our hours in mind as you plan for prescription refills and other visits to our facility.

Thank you. We are grateful for you all.

11/07/2025

🌿 Community Support During the Government Shutdown 🌿

With recent funding disruptions caused by the federal government shutdown, many families are understandably concerned about how this may impact WIC and SNAP benefits. We know this can be a stressful and uncertain time — and you’re not alone. 💛

In response, Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA) has started our annual holiday food drive early this year. Staff and patients have already begun donating to help support families in need. If you’d like to contribute, please bring shelf-stable, unopened items that are safe to eat and in good condition. Every can, box, and jar helps — especially now. 🥫✨

While some federal programs may experience delays, local and state agencies are working hard to keep essential services like WIC and SNAP funded and operating, even if at reduced capacity.

If you currently receive WIC or SNAP benefits, please check directly with those programs for the latest updates and available support:

🔹 WIC Program – doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/wic
PTHA WIC patients can also reach out directly to our WIC coordinator or check for updates in the WIC app.
🔹 SNAP (Basic Food Assistance) – dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/basic-food

If you need extra help putting food on the table, several local food banks and community programs are stepping up to fill the gap:

🥕 Local Food Resources
🔹Tacoma & Pierce County Food Banks – piercecountywa.gov/454/Food-Banks
🔹Help Me Grow Washington – helpmegrowwa.org/food
🔹211 Washington (Food Resources) – wa211.org/resources/food
🔹Food Lifeline – foodlifeline.org/find-food
🔹Northwest Harvest – northwestharvest.org/our-work/food-access-network
🔹FAQ for those visiting a food bank for the first time: hungerfreewa.org/foodbanks

🌿Additional Native Specific Resources
🔹Native Resources Hub – nativehub.org
🔹Tahoma Indian Center – tahomaindiancenter.org
🔹Puyallup Tribe’s Wrap Around Department Food Pantry (Tribal Members Only): email WrapAroundProgram@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov

❤️ We’re all in this together. Whether you’re donating to the food drive or reaching out for support, your PTHA community is here to help make sure no one faces this season alone.

10/31/2025

🎀 Wrapping Up Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Halloween Style!

Getting your mammogram is one of the best ways to take charge of your health. 💗 Early detection helps catch cancer when it’s most treatable—empowering you to stay strong and healthy for yourself and your loved ones.

Today’s mobile mammogram screenings help make preventive care more accessible for our community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who added a ribbon to our Wall of Honor to recognize someone whose life has been touched by cancer. Your love and support keep awareness—and hope—alive.

10/29/2025

Candy’s fun—cavities aren’t! 🍬🪥
Brush and floss every day to keep the sugar monsters away. 👻✨

10/27/2025

We will be closed for sləx̌il ʔə ti tubšədad (Warrior's Day) on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Please keep this closure in mind when you plan to visit PTHA or request prescription refills.

We raise our hands to all our Veterans—patients, staff and community. We are grateful to you all!

10/23/2025

Join us for a Su***de Prevention Walk, an afternoon dedicated to raising awareness, strengthening connections, and promoting healing within our community. Together, we can walk in support of hope, understanding, and resilience.

🌱 Su***de Prevention Walk
📅 Sunday, Oct. 26 | 1–4 PM
📍 Chief Leschi Auditorium

✨1:00 PM – Registration, Resource Tables & Activities
Stop by early to check in, visit resource tables, and participate in interactive activities designed to promote mental wellness.
✨2:00 PM – Prevention Walk
Take part in a meaningful walk to honor loved ones and show support for su***de prevention.
✨2:30 PM – QPR Class (Question, Persuade, Refer)
Learn practical tools to recognize warning signs, offer support, and connect others to help. This important class takes approximately 60–75 minutes to complete.

Box lunches and giveaways will be provided for attendees.

This event is free and open to the community — all are welcome! Whether you’re joining to learn, to remember, or to show support, your presence matters.

10/20/2025

🎃🦠 It’s Infection Prevention & Control Week!
We’re excited for the return of our Build-a-Bug competition — this year with a Halloween twist! 👻 Staff teams created infection-inspired “bugs” using pumpkins, showing off their creativity while raising awareness about real infections that can affect patients.

Now we need your help! 🗳️
Vote for your favorite by liking or commenting directly on the photo of the Bug you love most.

💥 The Bug with the most reactions and comments across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn by Friday, October 24 at 11:00 a.m. will win our People’s Choice Award!

🩺 Patients and visitors can also vote in person in the Takopid Lobby.