By Alan Sorensen
Rocky Boys Diabetes Wellness Clinic will hosts its grand opening ceremonies beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 25.
The clinic is located in a modular unit erected across the road from the Chippewa Cree Tribal Health Clinic and behind the fitness center.
The Rocky Boy Health Board funded the Diabetes Wellness Clinic through a grant for Special Diabetes Program for Indians in the summer of 1998. The wellness center was designed with comfort and learning in mind and is handicapped accessible with a ramp in front and 3-foot wide doors. It includes a very spacious kitchen, dining area, office, physical therapy room, exercise area, and a patient learning area. It also contains mens an womens shower and rest facilities.
The Health Board also hired Yvonne M. Hill, RN, about a year ago to serve as diabetes coordinator for the Chippewa Cree Tribe. She has spent the year preparing and implementing the program for tribal residents.
The goal, Hill said, is to decrease complications and promote healthy lifestyles with diet and exercise.
Im getting really excited because its been forthcoming for several months, Hill said. We thought we were opening in February, but its almost June now, so Im excited about getting things going in the clinic.
The tentative agenda for the grand opening ceremonies at the clinic on Rocky Boys Indian Reservation is:
10-10:15 a.m. Opening prayer by Pat Chief Stick, Sr.
10:15-10:30 Ribbon cutting by Rocky Boy Health Board Chairman Alvin Windy Boy Sr.
10:30-11:30 a.m. Health and Wellness Stations tour (with random blood testing, presentations on the importance of diet and exercise)
11:30-1 p.m. Diabetic lunch for all. (Whole wheat rolls, choice of turkey or ham, pasta salad and cheeses).
Everyone is welcome to attend and to help tribal health personnel celebrate what they call a step in the right direction toward the new millennium.
For more information about the Diabetes Wellness Clinic, call Hill at 395-4486, ext. 251.
