November 15, 2006
YKHC’s Health Services Vice President Jack Crow, center right, congratulates Nunapitchuk clinic staff. From left: Nick Keene, Clinic Maintenance; Julia Twitchell and Alice Nick Alexie, Health Aides.
by Danielle Dizon, YKHC Public Relations
For 26 years, Julia Twitchell has provided healthcare service to the village of Nunapitchuk and surrounding areas. Like many other Health Aides across the region, she has been through many flu seasons, watched her community expand, and, most importantly, has given countless hours of medical service to her people.
On October 13, the Nunapitchuk Tribal Council honored Twitchell and more than a dozen other community workers who have maintained their village’s security, health and order.
Tribal council members presented certificates of appreciation to clinic staff, city workers, and select community members. Members of the tribal council government were also recognized for their many years of dedicated service.
Among those present from the clinic were Alice Nick Alexie who was honored for her nine years of service; Nick Keene, the clinic facility manager; and long time Health Aide Julia Twitchell. Though not present, Thomas Andrew, now a Health Aide in Napakiak, was also recognized for his 30 years of service to the Nunapitchuk community.
Jack Robert Crow, Vice President for Health Services, personally thanked clinic staff for their commitment to health care and presented gift certificates to each employee present. Crow also reminded families about the flu season and the importance of immunizations this winter, and commended the Tribal Council for holding a unifying event.
Chuck Chaliak, Tribal council member and YKHC Board Member, expressed his gratitude to the health aides for serving their community.
“Our Health Aides have a tough job and deserve thanks for their hard work,” Chaliak said. “We want to thank them for giving to our community.”
The event was held at the community hall right next door to the clinic and school; the room was packed with parents, children, elders, village police officers, schoolteachers, and clinic staff. A potluck followed the ceremony.