FAQs

A person may 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. They will take the report and initiate an epidemiological investigation, provide education, and if needed, make a referral to their primary care physician.

Reports are received daily from the Arizona Department of Health Services on over 100 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 tribal health 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,  scrubbing 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. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people that are ill. Wearing a mask when you have an infection can also reduce the spread of the virus to others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and use an alcohol based hand rub, when soap and water are not available. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.  The single best way to prevent respiratory illness is to get vaccinated each year for the flu, every 6 months for COVID-19, and stay home if you are sick, avoiding contact with other people as much as possible. If you notice increasing fever,sore throat, have difficulty breathing, or inability to keep fluids or food down, go to your medical provider for treatment.

When used correctly, condoms work to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are free of charge at all Gila River Health Care facilities and Family Planning Mobile Unit, and the Gila River Tribal Health Department. Information on STD facts, prevention and treatment is available at each of the sites. Or you may also call the Tribal Health Nurse, and/or visit the STD page for more information.