What strategies support the health and wellness of the Tule River community? This may be a complicated question – but one that is the focus of a new TRIHCI community group, the Healthy Tule River Coalition (HTRC).
Our Vision for a Healthier Reservation
The HTRC is composed of 16 Tule River Tribal members including clinic and other tribal agency staff, Elders Council members, youth, and community members who have been meeting since May 2025 to explore and brainstorm answers to the question: "what is our vision for a healthier reservation?
As shared by HTRC member Ms. Paula Gomez,
“Being part of the Healthy Tule River Coalition means taking an important step toward building a stronger, healthier future for our reservation. Working alongside dedicated community members reminds me that real change happens when we come together with a shared purpose”.
Additionally, Mr. Vic Silvas, HTRC member shares,
“What I like about being a HTRC Member is being able to collaborate with other members and the community to improve public health that can lead to quality care for the community”
The HTRC will improve community health by obtaining quality, coordinated care and preventative services. This will reduce health disparities and help the community fulfill better health outcomes through community support and education on different health topics.
The HTRC meets monthly to work on 4 key goals including:
- Reviewing and advising the TRIHCI Public Health Department (PHD) on community health priorities,
- Identifying key community health measures,
- Informing/providing recommendations on PHD projects
- Providing input on future PHD programs.
Work on these goals began with defining the differences between public health and clinical healthcare services (types provided by doctors, dentists and nurses) and then asking how public health can benefit community wellness through intervention and prevention strategies. “Health in our tribal community is more than medicine—it is connection, culture, and care for one another. When we uplift our people, we honor who we are and where we come from,” said Ms. Shelly Gibson, HTRC member
Keep an eye out for future information and upcoming articles that will share the HTRC work in progress.
Multiple HTRC members share their thoughts on future goals.
For example, Ms. Jamie Gibson, HTRC member states: “I am really excited to see what more we have for the future”. And Mr. William Garfied, Tule River Elder says, “I look forward the HTRC getting community involved including youth and elders and more programs for everyone that supports their health at all stages of life.”
Let’s Build Healthier Communities Together
If your organization shares our commitment to culturally grounded, community-centered healthcare, we invite you to connect with us.
