March 15, 2008
Paul Tinker, the Lone Ranger Health Aide of Marshall.
Marshall ‘Superman' responds to health care needs
by Dannielle Dizon, YKHC Public Relations
Imagine an entire community depending on you to deliver wellness for all types of ailments. Imagine the responsibility to care for medical needs of family members, children who are sick late at night, and any sudden emergencies that may arise.
For Paul Tinker of Marshall, he lives up to this duty every day.
Over the past nine months, Paul Tinker has been the sole Community Health Aide in Marshall, a village of nearly 400 people. He is the source for routine and emergency health care, daily home visits, and regular appointments.
You can call him a medical Superman. When someone is in need, Paul is there.
On February 20, YKHC's CHAP Director, Bill Schreiner, and Compliance Officer Jessica Horras joined the village of Marshall to recognize Paul Tinker. Tribal Council members, City Council members and community members gathered to honor Paul Tinker and his commitment at a special luncheon.
"Paul Tinker is doing something that many of us could never endure," said Ray Alstrom, YKHC Board Chairman and City Manager. "Only good will come back to a man who serves his community in this capacity. We are grateful."
During the special luncheon, a special letter drafted by the Ohogamiut Tribal Council was read by Nick Andrew Jr., which disclosed an effort to provide adequate housing for Paul Tinker and his family in appreciation for his tireless work.
Andrea Matchian, Supervisor Instructor, who oversees Health Aide operations for the village of Marshall knew Paul well deserved the recognition and helped organize the event. "For the most part, he has worked alone in emergency, chronic, acute and preventative care, serving the people of Marshall whole-heartedly," said Matchian. "One can only picture the stress of being on-call day and night and the burn out it can cause; but Paul is always there."
In addition to the delicious fish, muktuk and traditional foods shared at the feast, Subway was also flown in as a special treat.
YKHC honors Paul Tinker, his dedication and lasting commitment serving health care needs for the people of Marshall.
Health Aide's insistence earns doctor's praise
I want to thank Savanna Strongheart for taking great care of a young child recently. She did strong work by persisting to get a medevac when I wanted to send the patient on regular flight.
I underestimated the patient's degree of illness, and I think Savanna's persistence probably saved this child's life. Many thanks for her persistence and standing up for her patient.
-Dr. Mehran Mosley