May 15, 2005
Toksook Bay Health Aides Patricia Sipary, Anna John, Bessie Francis and Anna Lincoln prepare the cake.
The communities of Toksook Bay, Tununak, Nightmute, Mekoryuk, Chefornak, and Newtok celebrated the opening of their new Subregional Clinic in Toksook Bay on Friday, April 15.
The new 14,000 square foot facility is now open to serve the region, offering medical and dental services.
Plans for construction began many years earlier. "It has been a long process getting to this point," said Fred Watson, Toksook Bay SRC Manager. "But it's very satisfying to have officially opened the doors. Much thanks goes to the community and everyone involved in this project for making it a reality."
Nick Therchik, Sr. started the grand opening ceremony with a prayer and a blessing for the new clinic. James Sipary, Nunakauyak Tribal Council and YKHC Board member, spoke of the personal responsibility of living a healthy lifestyle. "The health of our people is contingent on the choices our people make," Sipary said, "and I encourage our people to make healthy choices."
In addition to the Toksook Bay community and surrounding villages, YKHC's President/CEO Gene Peltola and other YKHC staff, as well as the Executive Director of the Denali Commission, Al Ewing, attended the grand opening.
"It's been good working with local people to make this project happen," said Ewing. The Denali Commission provided a major portion of the funding for the Subregional Clinic. Ewing presented letters from Governor Frank Murkowski and U.S. Senator Ted Stevens to Toksook Bay's Fred Watson.
"My staff informs me that this project is a product of teamwork of the community, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and the skilled workmanship of your laborers," Murkowski wrote. "Congratulations on bringing the project to completion on time and within budget."
Stevens also applauded the partnership and joint efforts of all involved. "You have proved that by working together to achieve effective community based and regionally supported planning, with emphasis on teamwork and sustainability, the quality of life for everyone in Toksook Bay and the Yukon-Kuskokwim region has improved," he said in his letter. "Congratulations to the entire community on a job well done."
The Nunakauyak Traditional Council also thanked the Health Aides for their work and dedication. 'Hero' awards were given to Health Aides Myra Sipary, Anna Lincoln, Patricia Sipary, Veronica Simons, and Bessie Francis. Health Aide Anna R. John was recognized for 15 years of service to the Toksook Bay community.
With a ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Community Health Aides and Al Ewing, the doors for the new Toksook Clinic officially opened to the public.
Thank you to all
by Susan Hoeldt, Subregional Clinic Administrator
As the Grand Opening of the Toksook Bay Subregional Clinic settles down and the staff settle into a routine of taking care of clients from their entire region, a quiet sigh is breathed. The speeches delivered on April 15 were wonderful, but we can never thank enough all the people who contributed to the moment.
Many staff put in lots of hours, time and energy to make sure things went smoothly and they should all be recognized. Lots of hours and work went in by the construction crew and many specialties as they continue to finalize the buildings.
The existing subregional clinic staff at Aniak, Emmonak, and St Mary's can never be thanked enough for all their work in helping to train the staff. Toksook Bay staff visited many of the existing SRC facilities for training and the staff from the SRCs traveled to Toksook to help them set up their clinic. The midlevels, registration, x- ray, health aides, maintenance, lab, custodian, billing/coding, managers, and pharmacy all were willing to work or assist in any manner. Many went beyond their original jobs and were willing to do whatever it took to get Toksook transitioned from a village clinic to an SRC. The Toksook staff were also willing to travel to many different locations so they could work with other YKHC staff and be able to better understand their jobs and roles.
Along with the SRC departments, many departments at Bethel put in long hours to assist with the training and transition. Just to give an example of the wide array of departments from Bethel, they included Radiology, Supply, Purchasing, Bio-Med, Registration, Housing, Facilities, and Pharmacy. A big thank you goes to these departments and their managers in making this all possible.
None of this would be possible if it were not for the involvement of the communities and Traditional Councils. They put in hours preparing for the day and assisting with various transition activities. They will continue to be an integral part of the Subregional Clinic.
Grand Opening day is a great day and time for everyone to be proud, but we need to remember and be thankful to all the people who helped get to that day and all the people who will continue to help make Toksook Bay the best Subregional Clinic for the people in their area.
Quyana Caknek!