Category: Health

Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera visit Southern Ute Indian Tribe

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2023

 

Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Primavera visit Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – Chairman Baker and Tribal Council, extended a warm welcome to Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, and the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs Director Kathryn Redhorse during a visit to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

During a productive meeting, a wide range of critical issues were discussed that hold significant importance for the Tribal community and the State of Colorado. These topics included Broadband, Behavioral Health, Housing, Transit, and legislative concerns, showcasing a commitment to addressing the pressing needs of both parties for the benefit of Tribal and Non-Tribal residents. Informative presentations were provided by the Southern Ute Shared Services and the Tribal Health Department.

Chairman Baker and Governor Polis highlighted the importance of maintaining and strengthening the sovereign-to-sovereign relationship. “This relationship is progressive and has been a model for State and Tribal relationships”, said Chairman Baker. Governor Polis expressed willingness to elevate and collaborate with the Tribe on issues. Both leaders expressed interest in identifying future opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera toured the SunUte Community Center with Representative Barbara McLachlan. The tour was led by Robin Duffy-Wirth and SunUte staff to showcase the facility, amenities, and its role in fostering physical health, wellness, and community engagement across all ages. Following the tour, Tribal youth shared with the State leadership about their roles in SunUte, educational goals, and future plans.

The commitment to forging a brighter, more prosperous future remains steadfast, as Chairman Baker, Tribal Council, Governor Polis, and his team continue to work hand in hand as separate sovereign governments to address the challenges and opportunities. For more information, please contact Tribal Council Affairs at 970-563-2313.

 

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Summer R. Begay

Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137

Office: 970-563-2313

Work Cell: 970-553-0052

 

Southern Ute Health Center Announces Vaccine Clinics

The Southern Ute Health Center Walk-In vaccine clinics will be held on Thursday afternoons from 1:00-4:00PM, for Southern Ute Health Center patients beginning October 12, 2023, through the end of the year (with the exception of Thursday, November 23, 2023, no clinic due to the Thanksgiving Holiday). Patients can also schedule by calling (970) 563-4581.   Available vaccines are the following:

COVID 19 (adult and pediatric),

Flu (adult and pediatric),

RSV (60 years of age+ and pediatric ages younger than 20 months old)

All three vaccines can be administered on the same day, if desired. CDC recommends patients remain under observation for 15 minutes, or 30 minutes if they have a history of severe allergic reaction after a COVID-19 vaccination.

 

Please feel free to call the Southern Ute Health Center with any additional questions at (970) 563-4581.

Thank you,

Lee Williamson, RN

Chief Nursing Officer-Southern Ute Health Center

 

Southern Ute Air Quality Alert – Smoke Particulate Matter – Very Unheathly

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Division operates three air quality stations on the Reservation and maintains a website that provides real-time air pollutant and EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) health alerts from data collected at these stations. Smoke from wildfires can cause unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter (PM) in the air.

Particulate matter is continuously measured at the Ute 3 monitoring station near Bondad Hill and the Ute 1 monitoring station in Ignacio.

As of Friday 9/29/2023, 7:30am, the Ute 1 station is currently reading high PM concentrations with a corresponding AQI of Hazardous.  Everyone should avoid any outdoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should remain indoors. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

To view the ambient monitoring program website, and for more information about how to understand the AQI forecast, follow the links below:

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Ambient Monitoring Program Website

 

EPA Air Quality Index Information Website

 

Wildfire Smoke Resources to Protect Your Health | US EPA

 

EPA Air Now Article – How Smoke From Fires Can Affect Your Health

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

EPD, Air Quality – 970.563.2244

 

Jacob Henry

Air Quality Technician

Environmental Programs Division

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

970-563-2296

jhenry@southernute-nsn.gov

 

For Immediate Release: Biden Administration Initiative Allocates Vital Resources to Address Legacy Pollution

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Melvin J. Baker, Chairman – 970.563.2320

Summer Begay, Communication Specialist– 970.563.2313

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2023

Biden Administration Initiative Allocates Vital Resources to Address Legacy Pollution

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Department of the Interior has announced an initial allocation of nearly $40 million as part of President Biden’s “Investing in America” initiative. This substantial funding represents the first phase of a comprehensive effort to support Tribal communities in addressing abandoned oil and gas wells across Indian Country. The primary goals of this investment include advocating for Tribal land rights, promoting economic opportunities, addressing legacy pollution, and mitigating environmental hazards.

The Southern Ute Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with the Tribe’s Contracts and Grants Department, applied for a grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Section 40601 Orphaned Well Program from the Department of Interior. Their grant application was specifically tailored to secure funds for conducting technical and field investigations into legacy plugged and abandoned wells, ensuring their integrity and long-term environmental protection. Andy Wetherell, Energy Manager at the Southern Ute Department of Energy, said, “the team is appreciative of Tribal Council’s support and the collaboration with the Tribe’s Contracts and Grants Department to proactively manage the Tribe’s resources and ensure legacy issues related to energy development are managed appropriately.”

Chairman Melvin J. Baker expressed, “The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is honored to have been awarded this funding, which will serve as a valuable resource in furthering our commitment to a clean and sustainable future.” In recognition of their dedication and proactive efforts, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe has been granted $497,850. This financial support will enable the Tribe to play a pivotal role in the broader mission of addressing legacy pollution and enhancing the well-being of Tribal communities.

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Summer R. Begay

Communication Specialist | Tribal Council Affairs

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 737 Ignacio, CO 81137

Office: 970-563-2313

Work Cell: 970-553-0052

Follow the Tribal Council:

Facebook | @southernute

Twitter | @SUIT_Council

Instagram | @suit_tribalcouncil

Southern Ute Agriculture Produce Order

The Southern Ute Agriculture Division will be taking Produce Orders from the tribal membership. Please review your order forms before submitting. The agriculture office does not ACCEPT Credit Card payments.  Please submit payment in the form of EXACT cash payments or money orders or personal checks. The deadline for FINAL orders is September 26, 2023.
If you have any questions, please call 970.563.0220.
Thank you.
Agriculture Division

2023 Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Health Fair

This year’s Southern Ute Health Fair is quickly approaching, and Southern Ute Health Services Division would love to see you participate in this event. Please find the event flyer as well as the vendor form attached below. Vendor admission is FREE, but we ask that you provide a raffle prize for contribution toward this event. Paperwork is due back to me no later than Friday, October 20th, 2023. Thank you for your interest in participation and we look forward to seeing many friendly faces there!

 

Toghoyaqh, 

 

Alyssa Seibel

Admin Assistant I

Community & Home Health Services

Office: 970-563-2348

Cell: 970-553-0118

March 11th COVID-19 Viral Drive Thru Testing Event

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will be offering COVID-19 viral testing to the entire community. Testing is an important piece to protecting our tribal community. Individuals must check-in at the testing event located at the hotel entrance. Follow signs directing traffic to hotel entrance. Face masks are required.

Testing will take place at the Sky Ute Casino Resort, Hotel Entrance TODAY, March 11, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Testing at this event will be less intrusive and will only take approximately 15 seconds to complete!

Testing will be open to enrolled Southern Ute tribal members, other Ute tribal members, tribal staff and the public for the duration of the entire event, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Results from the testing event will be communicated by tribal staff within 5 business days.

For questions, please contact the Southern Ute COVID-19 Call Center by dialing 970.563.0214, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

March COVID-19 Drive-thru Viral Testing Event