TUBA CITY — On Oct. 2, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRHCC) leaders briefed staff from the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs on the challenges of operating a rural hospital.
The Senate staff, having visited other locations across Indian Country, sought insight into TCRHCC’s needs and concerns. Among a long list of health care topics, Chief Executive Officer Joette Walters highlighted the difficulty of attracting medical professionals to rural areas.
A Senate staffer acknowledged their visit’s value, noting their shift to visiting communities directly. Walters discussed the mismatch between congressional funding and practical needs, explaining, “They provide funding for us (tribes) to build, but the hiring process is more complicated.”
Walters also emphasized TCRHCC’s role as a regional referral center, offering specialized care like surgical orthopedics, which attracts patients from across the reservation. She pointed out the need for a new, updated hospital facility and shared progress on the larger new facility in Bodaway/Gap.
Board President Franklin Fowler appreciated the extended time with Senate staff, expressing TCRHCC’s commitment to managing its own healthcare system and striving for equitable care. Walters highlighted that TCRHCC is the only Level III Trauma Center in the region outside of Flagstaff, offering critical care for tourists and residents alike.
Board member Leila McCabe asked about the next steps. Indian Affairs staffer Amber Ebarb mentioned possible congressional actions, drawing from the meeting and prior discussions.
The Senate staff concluded their one and half hour visit with a tour of TCRHCC’s facilities, including the updated Emergency Department, Cancer Center, and new MRI machine, observing the recent expansions and improvements.
# # #
