UIHS representatives, including tribal elders, members of the board of directors and staff members, were on hand to present the awards to HSU President Rollin Richmond.
“We gave the award to Humboldt State University this year for its valuable service in support and promotion in the delivery of health care to all American Indians,” says UIHS CEO Jerome Simone.
Twelve HSU programs and departments were presented with award certificates for their active involvement with UIHS programs.
UIHS commended the Office of the President for providing a forum that fosters communication between HSU and Northern California tribes and for recognizing the unique status of American Indian tribes and their government-to-government relationships.
The California Center for Rural Policy was recognized for working with the UIHS Community Garden and Traditional Resources program to identify ways to address food security issues in Indian country.
The Center for Indian Community Development, the first location of UIHS, was honored for helping the local Indian community make its dream of developing an Indian health program become a reality.
HSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) was honored for providing ongoing support for first generation and underrepresented students, including American Indian students.
UIHS honored the Indian Natural Resources Science & Engineering Program for supporting American Indian students who enter the sciences and plan to go on to become medical professionals.
The Indian Teacher Educational Personnel Program (ITEPP) was recognized for providing opportunities for American Indian students to develop leadership skills that they can put to use in later careers.
The MultiCultural Center was honored for supporting programs that bring American Indian communities together and helping students with organizing events such as the annual California Big Time & Social Gathering, among other events.
The Native American Studies Department was recognized for providing coursework that emphasizes understanding the importance and complexity of native nations and worldviews.
UIHS acknowledged the Nursing Department for providing internship opportunities for nursing students in a diverse community clinic setting.
HSU’s Service Learning Center earned recognition for supporting volunteer recruitment at Potawot Health Village.
The Schatz Energy Research Center was honored for its work with UIHS in the preliminary cost assessment and designs for a solar electric system at Potawot Health Village. The Center was also recognized for its support of ongoing solar education efforts in Indian Country.
The Social Work Department was honored for its partnership with UIHS in providing internship opportunities for students in the Masters of Social Work Program. The department was also recognized for offering classes that teach students how to provide culturally sensitive social services.
United Indian Health Services Inc., founded in Humboldt County in 1970, has been providing the American Indian community with health services for more than 40 years.