United Indian Health Services

06/13/2026

Registration is open for the 2026 May Gay Tolh Kwe Summer Camp!

Join us July 7–10 for a fun time with outdoor activities, cultural learning, recreation, and community.

Register at >> swiy.co/UIHS-Summer-Camp-2026

06/13/2026

Sports Physicals & Well Child Exams for Ages 6–18

Get your child ready for the upcoming school year and sports season with a Sports Physical or Well Child Exam.

Appointments are required, available dates...
- June 18 (1–5p)
- June 26 (8a–12p)
- July 14 (8a–12p)
- July 22 (1–5p)
- July 31 (8a–12p)
- August 6 (8a–12p)
- August 12 (1–5p)

UIHS | Rrak Jach Village | 4779 Valley East Blvd, Arcata
707-825-3700

06/12/2026

Dear Dr. Coyote;
Last month we had Women’s Health Week to honor our feminine half. I was wondering if there is anything similar to focus on men and boys?
Signed,
Proud XY Chromosome Dude

Dearest XY Dude;
There certainly is an annual event to focus on the healthcare needs of our masculine brethren. June just happens to be Men’s Health Month! This annual observance encourages men and boys to be thinking about their health by increasing good beneficial living decisions. The theme for this year’s observance is “Partners in Care: For Better Lifespans Across the Lifespan”

Men die on the average six years younger than women. This represents an average life span of 73 years for the overall population and ONLY 61 YEARS FOR AMERICAN INDIAN MEN. Additionally, men are at a higher risk of having negative health risks that result in severe diseases such as lung cancer (mostly from smoking), heart disease (also related to smoking) and getting HIV/AIDS.

As part of this month-long event men and boys are challenged to establish health related goals for their wellness and begin to create a plan for achieving those goals. This can include quitting or reducing use of commercial to***co and alcohol, losing weight (By eating fewer calories and increasing exercise) and checking in with their medical provider to get important health related testing done. Men’s Health Month is a great time to begin to improve your overall health including mental health.

Friday June 19th has been declared “Wear Blue Day.” This is to raise understanding about the significance of male health and to support men and boys to live longer and healthier lives. So, next Friday join your Furry Pal Dr. C in donning all shades of blue to acknowledge the importance of men and boy’s health issues.

Also remember that the 3rd Sunday in June (the 21st this year) is recognized as Father’s Day. Encourage your dads, or other important male role models, to find ways to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Join them for a long walk to just shoot the breeze and reconnect with them on this special day.

Signed,
Doc Coyote, Who is also a Dude (the Dude abides)

For more information and please go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clx84rKMhB0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idkezcCPsS4

https://www.lifespan.org/lifespan-living/importance-mens-health-month

https://menshealthmonth.org/

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

The UIHS Election Committee has completed the tabulation of ballots for the United Indian Health Services, Inc. Board of Directors Election held on June 10, 2026.

Election results remain unofficial until the completion of the election challenge period and final certification process.

June 11 - Unofficial Tabulation Notification
June 16 - Last day to file a written challenge to the election (3 working days post-election)
June 25 - Appeals committee meets to resolve any filed written challenges (if filed)
June 26 - Certification of Election Results (If a written challenge has not been filed)

06/11/2026

United Indian Health Service's annual summer camp, May Gay Tolh Kwe "A Healing Place" is being held at Sue-meg State Park from July 7-10, 2026. Applications are still being accepted for Peer Counselors (ages 15-17 and due Friday June 19). Camper applications (ages 9-11) are also open now and are due by Friday June 26, 2026. Both of these applications and more information is available at our website: https://uihs.org/summer-camp/

06/09/2026

TODAY!!!!

Caring for one another is at the heart of what we do.
We invite you to come together as a community for our Blood Drive on June 9. By donating, you’re helping protect and support the health of our relatives, friends, and neighbors.
🗓 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
⏰ 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Potawot – Front Parking Lot
1600 Weeot Way, Arcata
Your gift of blood is a gift of life. ❤️
Come donate. Save a life.

06/09/2026

Tips On Tuesday-June Is Safety Month

The National Safety Council has declared June Safety Month every year since 1996. While this is primarily an opportunity to focus on safety in the workplace we can also look at other aspects of our day to day lives to improve safety. It’s time to repair broken steps, brush up on basic first aid and CPR, clean out the medicine cabinet, update earthquake preparedness plans, and install lighting in dim hallways.

This is a great time of year to check around your house for ways to improve safety. Do you have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand? Does your house have debris and undergrowth cleared to create a 30-foot defensible space to protect you from wildfires? Are your home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors working and have fresh batteries?

According to US News and World Report here are the top 10 things to do for home safety:
1) Install a Home Security System
2) Check Homeowners or Renters Insurance
3) Store Hazardous Substances Safely
4) Dispose of Expired or Unused Medications
5) Remove Brush and Flammable Material from Around Your House
6) Inspect and Replace Water Feed Lines
7) Improve the Lighting Around Your Home
8) Add Some Security Cameras
9) Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
10) Get To Know Your Neighbors
For more complete details on these 10 tips you can find the entire article here:
https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/home-security/tips-for-home-safety

Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility. Take these steps to make your life safer and healthier. Small changes can make big improvements.

For more information please go to:
http://nsc.org/nsm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-kits/basics/art-20056673

https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2024/06/05/safety-month-2024/

https://www.chcw.org/june-is-summer-safety-month/

https://mdpremier.com/essential-home-safety-tips-for-national-safe-at-home-week/

06/05/2026

On Tuesday, June 2, United Indian Health Services held its annual Garden Blessing, with Alme Allen leading the blessing ceremony. Following the blessing our staff, board and community members, all gathered for a luncheon. During our luncheon, we also recognized and honored the scholarship recipients of the H. D. “Timm” Williams Memorial American Indian Scholarship" who were able to attend.
The Garden Blessing provides an opportunity to come together in gratitude, acknowledge our deep roots and support the next generation. We are grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this event possible!

06/05/2026

Dear Dr. Coyote; We all love a day at the beach, lake or river. What can you tell me about being safe around the water? Signed, Always Prepared.

Dear Prepared; Be cautious about our regions, creeks, lakes, rivers and other waterways. Water temperatures are very cold and the water is flowing swiftly. These can combine to quickly overcome anyone and can lead to accidental drownings. Many locals stay out of the water until mid to late June and some even wait until July. According to the National Weather Service, “Cold water drains body heat up to four times faster than cold air. When your body hits cold water, 'cold shock' can cause dramatic changes in breathing, heart rate and blood pressure creating a greater risk of drowning even for confident swimmers in calm waters."

Before you head to the water’s edge look for sunscreen to slather you and your family with. Find one that is at least SPF 30 and sweat/water resistant and reapply frequently. Wearing a hat and sunglasses that block UV rays are also good ideas.

Take a water bottle with you and sip from it frequently. It is always a good idea to carry an extra gallon or two of good ol’ H2O in your car so you can fill up when there are no other sources of drinkable water.

If you will be getting in the water consider a life vest or other flotation device for those who may not be good swimmers. Water noodles or other inflatables can be more than just toys they can also help keep young ones afloat.

If you are at the ocean do not turn your back on the water. Sneaker waves can pounce unexpectedly and sweep you off your feet. Also, be aware of rip tides that make swimming difficult.

None of this even takes into consideration of the water serpent that many local tribes have stories about. The Karuk call it Apsunxarah, the Yurok refer to it as Knewolek and the Hupa call it Kamas or Tehk’ixolxit. This giant water snake swims in local rivers, stays in caves on the banks of rivers, upends boats, grabs people on the sides of the water and can drown unwary victims. These traditional stories tell about one of the many dangers people have to consider when spending time on the water.

Keeping your wits about you, know your surroundings and being cautious are all ways that can keep your time at the water safe. Signed, Dr. Coyote Who Wears a Life Jacket.

For more information and resources please go to:

VIDEO: Tips For Water Safety
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB8XftMNau8

VIDEO: Top 10 Water Safety Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS4VfY4N2vs

https://news.caloes.ca.gov/cold-water-dangers/

https://shorturl.at/smYwS

https://news.caloes.ca.gov/4th-of-july-weekend-celebration-water-safety-tips/