FAQs

A person make submit a report of a suspected communicable disease to the Tribal Health Department by calling the phone 520-562-5100 and ask to speak with the Tribal Health Nurse who will take the report and initiate an epidemiological investigation, provide education, and if needed make a referral to the primary care physician.

Reports are received daily from the Arizona Department of Health Services on 88 different reportable illnesses through the AZDHS Medsis Program, an electronic web based secure tracking system. Reports are also received from Gila River Health Care Infection Prevention Program through a secure web based program.

Federal law governs the Federal Health Information and Portability Act (HIPAA) which protects health information and the DS nurse attends HIPAA training annually on keeping health information confidential. Your health information is only shared with your medical provider.

Hand washing  101 – scrub hands for at least 20 seconds with soapy warm water by vigorously rubbing hands together,  scrubing wrists, under finger nails, between fingers, thumbs, and the back of the hand. Rinse with warm water, and dry your hands with a disposable paper towel. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet. Regular hand washing is one of the best ways to remove germs avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Wash hands after using the bathroom, before preparing food, after changing diapers and if you may have touched a contaminated surface.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Cough into your elbow to prevent those around you from becoming sick. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.  The single best way to prevent seasonal Flu is to get vaccinated each year and stay home if you are sick, avoid contact with other people as much as possible, for increasing fever or sore throat, difficult breathing, or inability to keep fluids or food down, go to your medical provider for treatment.

When used correctly and every time Condoms work to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and are available free of charge at each health care facility in Gila River, Tribal Health Department, and Family Planning Mobile Unit. Information is available at each of the facilities on STD facts, prevention, and treatment. Please call the Tribal Health Nurse.