Yellowhawk is expanding
By Terry Murry on Monday, July 24th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
MISSION – Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center (Yellowhawk) is eager to announce the much anticipated expansion of our clinic facilities. This expansion will accommodate the growth of our services, staff and patients.
“Yellowhawk continues to deliver the quality healthcare and resources our community deserves – upgrading and expanding our building will be beneficial to patients, as well as staff. Yellowhawk has gained more than 40 employees since we opened our new space in 2018, and we continue to grow our team and the services we provide. We have rapidly outgrown our functional footprint and have been working diligently to be creative, strategic and flexible with our limited space. The expansion it is crucial for the well-being of patients, staff and the growth of services,” stated Aaron Hines, Yellowhawk Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The planned expansion enlarges the medical wing by adding extra hallway(s) for exams rooms which will allow patients increased appointment offerings and increased services. A supplementary storage wing will allow for spaces we currently use as storage to be utilized as originally intended, such as office space or talking rooms. Perhaps the most valuable addition will be the dedicated Elders entrance. The new entrance will be located at the back of the clinic to allow Elders closer proximity to our medical department and access to new, nearby parking.
“We are committed to improving and expanding Yellowhawk health services which includes accessibility and health equity. Being able to improve access for our Elders is a priority of the Health Commission and Management Team,” said Hines.
In addition to our growing facility, Yellowhawk is pleased to be moving forward in partnership with Interpath Laboratory and Spright, the drone division of Air Methods, to launch a first-of-its-kind drone delivery network that can transfer lab specimens. This ongoing pilot project has been in the test phasing since February of 2022. The proposed drone-delivery initiative would enable samples to be repeatedly picked up and delivered to Interpath throughout the day, providing a more green solution that removes more gasoline-powered vehicles from roads and lessens local traffic. Expected initiation date of this service will coincide with the expansion of Yellowhawk.
“We look forward to these improvements that will add value to our community,” said Medical Administrator Shana Alexander.
Photo provided by Yellowhawk
