Uintah-Ouray Service Unit
CONTACT INFORMATION
Uintah-Ouray Service Unit
Fort Duchesne PHS Indian Health Center
P.O. Box 160
Fort Duchesne, Utah 84026
Phone: (435) 722-5122
IMAGE WAS DUPLICATE OF OWYHEE
Rainbow trout, walleye and bass crowd lakes and streams. Ancient petroglyphs tell the tales of long-gone tribes. The bones of mighty prehistoric creatures peek from a sandstone cliff. In this corner of the world technology takes a back seat to nature. This is the land of the Ute, Shoshone, Goshute, and Paiute Indians, encompassing parts of Utah.
The Ute Indians
Our Service Unit primarily provides health care to the Ute Indians of the Uintah and Ouray (U & O) Reservation, who are the major population group in this region.
A division of the Shoshoni and related to the Paiutes, the Ute Indians once roamed the territories of Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. The state of Utah derives its name from their proud heritage.
Modern times brought newfound wealth in the form of natural gas and oil discovered on the reservations. Today's Ute Indians mix traditional customs with an urbanized lifestyle. Most speak English, in addition to their native language.
Annual Bear dances and powwows are held in the spring and summer, respectively. Religious rites, such as sweat ceremonies, purification, and prayers take place throughout the year. The other tribes in Utah have their own traditions, as well. You'll find the atmosphere is quite different from suburban America and poses its own set of challenges.
Fort Duchesne
The Fort Duchesne Service Unit encompasses the small northwestern band of Shoshone Indians, the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and the Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians as well as the Ute Tribes of the Uintah and Ouray Reservations.
However, only the Ute Tribes of the U & O reservations have direct access to the health center. We serve this community of about 4,250 people. The other tribes receive care through contract health services and other state-aided health care programs.
You will enjoy a small town life at Fort Duchesne, Roosevelt, or Vernal, the "Dinosaur Capital of the United States," about a half-hour away. The nearest large city is Salt Lake, approximately 160 miles to the northwest. The state's capital and the University of Utah are located here.
Ft. Duchesne sits within the bowl of the Uintah Basin and is surrounded by mountains. The area varies greatly in elevation and its upper peaks are often crested with snow. You will experience winter temperatures around 20 degrees and summer highs of 90 degrees.
This gives you full opportunity to participate in year-round activities. Ice-fish in Flaming Gorge Lake during the winter. Raft the cool Green River in the heat of the summer. See the bones of more than 1,800 fossilized dinosaurs, the largest concentration in the world. Drive through the heart of canyon country for spectacular views down sheer cliffs.
Spend a weekend at Salt Lake City, world headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and hear an organ recital at the famed Mormon Tabernacle. Or stay closer to home for Vernal's annual dinosaur celebration and parade. You will delight all your senses as you appreciate everything this area has to offer.
Fort Duchesne Health Center
Leave the hazards of urban life behind and apply your skills to a wide scope of health care. Our ambulatory 40-hour facility is staffed by three physicians, one physician's assistant, and two dentists. We provide comprehensive public health services including general medical, surgical follow-up, pediatric, prenatal and postpartum care. Dental and optometry services are also available. Other clinical specialties are provided by visiting consultants and are scheduled
periodically.
After-hours and weekend coverage is handled through the emergency room at the Duchesne County Hospital in Roosevelt by IHS physicians or local physicians on an on-call basis. Patients requiring more complex medical care are referred to the hospital or other contract facilities.
PITU
The Paiute Indian Tribes of Utah
are part of the U&O Service Unit. They are located over 330 miles from Ft. Duchesne on the southwest corner of the state of Utah. They receive health care through IHS and tribal contract care.
Community Health Services
The convergence of modern culture upon the old often produces new health and social problems. Our public health nursing, social services, mental health, nutrition education, substance abuse, health education and environmental health programs are designed to meet the needs of the people.
You are fascinated by the contours of the land and the life of the people. Experience the special camaraderie that exists here. As part of a vital health team, you will apply your skills at many different levels.
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