September 15, 2007
Kwethluk turns out to welcome Senator Lisa Murkowski and celebrate the new clinic opening.
Senator Murkowski joins Kwethluk celebration
Senator Lisa Murkowski joined the Kwethluk community for a special ribbon cutting ceremony, hallmarking the opening of the Betty Guy Memorial Clinic.
The new health facility has been named in honor of Betty Guy who was a volunteer medicine distributor during the tuberculosis epidemic. Soon after, she became the first Health Aide for Kwethluk. She is remembered as a health professional role model to the Alaska Native people. Mrs. Guy passed away in September 1994.
“This new clinic is a shining example of the spirit and determination that makes things happen in Alaska,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am honored to have joined with the community of Kwethluk to dedicate this beautiful new facility to the blessed memory of Betty Guy.”
The 3,200 square foot facility features exam rooms, a dentistry office, sleepover quarters, a behavioral health office, pharmacy room, waiting area, bathrooms and an office.
“I love it!” exclaimed Elena Alexie, Health Aide for nearly 20 years. “It makes me feel more comfortable and I know my patients will feel more comfortable. There is a lot more room and we have an emergency room now.”
In partnership with the Kwethluk IRA Council, who received approximately $2.2 million dollars in grants from the Denali Commission, Housing and Urban Development and the Indian Health Service, YKHC began construction in 2006.
“This has been a long awaited opening and a much needed service for our patients,” said Gene Peltola, President/CEO for YKHC. “We are meeting the needs of our patients and working towards excellence in health care.”
The village of Kwethluk is located along the Kuskokwim River with a population of more than 700.