Health

Open Access helps reduce no-shows

Since the start of the Open Access system, PTHA’s no-show rate has decreased significantly. When patients fail to give at least 24-hour notice for cancelling an appointment, it is considered a no-show. When one patient is a no-show, other patients miss out on that time to be seen by a doctor. Open Access is helping to decrease the number of no-shows. Read more...

Staff Spotlight: Gladys Rarden

Switchboard operator

Puyallup tribal member Gladys Rarden has worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist for the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (PTHA) since 1991. Read more...

Improving the health of our nation’s youth – one snack at a time!

Your child’s nutrition is important to his/her overall health. Proper nutrition can prevent many medical problems, including becoming overweight, developing weak bones and developing diabetes. It will also ensure that your child physically grows to his/her full potential. Parents play a key role in making healthy choices for their children. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise should be a regular part of your family’s life. It is much easier if everyone in the house follows good healthy eating habits than if your child has to do it alone. Read more...

Staff Spotlight: Karen O’Neal

Human Resources Assistant Director

Karen O’Neal has always had a knack for working with people, and has spent the last 26 years working in the human resources field in one way or another. Read more...

Alternate Resource Screening to begin

Starting in March, all PTHA patients shall be screened for the availability of other sources of money. These resources include private health insurance, Medicare, military veteran, worker’s compensation, motor vehicle, crime victim, and various programs administered by DSHS, including Medicaid. Read more...

New incentives for Kwawachee clients

The Kwawachee Counseling Center (KCC) at PTHA has started a new incentive based program to encourage clients to stay healthy. This month they will be opening the “Trading Post,” a program designed to reward clients of KCC who keep all of their scheduled appointments and follow through with their treatment plan. Read more...

Bullying: What it is and what you can do to stop and prevent it

A lot of people have a good idea of what bullying is because they see it every day. Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that is intentional – it is not accidental or done in fun – and involves an imbalance of power or strength.  Bullying may be physical actions like punching, shoving, spreading bad rumors about people or keeping certain people out of a certain group. Bullying may also happen online or electronically. Cyberbullying is when individuals bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This may include sending mean texts, emails, or instant messages or even using someone else’s user name to spread rumors or lies about someone. Read more...

Childhood obesity on the rise… PTHA is taking action!

A shocking disturbance is the rising levels of childhood obesity in our nation. The youngest generation could actually face a shorter expected lifespan than its parents. This startling fact has many leaders today looking for solutions to the obesity epidemic. Read more...

Nurturing the circle of healthy relationships

“The more balanced you are as a parent, the easier it will be to provide your child with long-lasting sustenance…Practicing this respect in everyday life, and encouraging others to do the same, is to be of good spirit.” Read more...

February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. Read more...