September 15, 2007
Nothing says "congratulations" like a cake.
Building partnerships builds clinic in Kipnuk
A collaborative effort that began in 2006 between the Kipnuk Tribal Council and YKHC has borne fruit this month with the opening of a new health clinic.
Kipnuk elders David Paul and Paul Kiunya cut the ribbon in a community celebration Sept. 5.
For many years, Kipnuk Community Health Aides envisioned a larger clinic that held more exam rooms to handle patient flow more efficiently and better serve patient care needs. The new clinic features exam rooms, a dentistry office, traveling specialist sleeping quarters, behavioral health office, a pharmacy room, waiting area, bathrooms and an office.
“Our congratulations to you and the Kipnuk community along with your many design and construction partners on the successful completion of your clinic,” said George Cannelos, Denali Commision Co-Chair. “This is truly a testimony to the hard work and partnership of all those concerned.”
YKHC and the Kipnuk Tribal Council partnered together to initiate funding and construction for the new 3,200 square foot facility. Kipnuk Tribal Council received grants from the Denali Commission in the amount of $1,688,632, a matching grant from HUD in the amount of $198,215, and an Indian Health Service Medical Equipment grant in the amount of $306,328.
The village of Kipnuk has a population of nearly 700 and is located on the west bank of the Kugkaktlik River, 85 miles southwest of Bethel, and four miles inland from the Bering Sea Coast.