Table of Contents
The River People Health Center (RPHC) is a comprehensive healthcare facility dedicated to serving the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and surrounding Native populations. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, RPHC provides a wide range of culturally sensitive medical services aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of its patients.
Primary Care Services (River People Health Center List )
RPHC offers extensive primary care services, including:(River People Health Center List )
Well Visits:
General medical and annual check-ups for children, adults, and elders, encompassing physicals, preventive care, blood tests, and immunizations to prevent health issues before they arise.
Chronic Care Management: Development of comprehensive care plans to address significant health concerns, with providers collaborating across all RPHC services to ensure cohesive care.
Women’s Care:
Services such as Well Woman Visits, birth control options (including IUD and Nexplanon placement and removal), and prenatal care are available by appointment.
Same Day Appointments:
Existing patients can access same-day appointments for acute illnesses by calling 480-278-7742.
Other Services:
RPHC provides various additional services based on patient needs, including orthopedic injections, biopsies, EKGs, incision and drainage, cyst removal, STI testing, sutures, toenail removal, trigger finger injection, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Walk-In Services:
For acute illnesses, RPHC offers walk-in services between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Services include treatment for coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, STI screenings and treatment, urinary tract infections, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sports physicals, COPD, asthma, gout flare-ups, rashes, seasonal allergies, vaccinations, and eye redness or pink eye.
Primary Care Providers(River People Health Center List )
The dedicated team at RPHC includes:
Dr. Kody Smith:
Board Certified in Family Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Dr. Smith has interests in aerospace medicine, orthopedic and diabetic care, and working with patients of all ages.
Dr. Michael Truesdell:
The first member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe to earn a medical degree, Dr. Truesdell has a rich background in family medicine and has served in various leadership roles.
Gem Bartsch:
A Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with over 37 years of experience, Mrs. Bartsch specializes in adult family practice with an emphasis on diabetes management and wellness.
Christina Interpreter:
A Family Nurse Practitioner from the Hopi and Navajo tribes, Ms. Interpreter has extensive experience in public health, surgery, and emergency specialties, with a passion for diabetes medical management.
Priscilla Wilson:
A Certified Family Nurse Practitioner serving the SRPMIC Community since 2020, Ms. Wilson has a background in emergency and trauma services and enjoys outdoor activities in her free time.
Dr. Stacey Sullivan:
A member of the Navajo Nation, Dr. Sullivan completed her medical training in New Jersey and Arizona and is board certified in family medicine.
Facility Design and Community Impact
The design of RPHC reflects a deep connection to the SRPMIC’s culture and environment. The facility’s orientation and program spaces were influenced by nearby sacred peaks, particularly Red Mountain, aligning the main entry and building form to connect community members with this significant landmark. The community plaza on the center’s north side features diverse colors and textures in the concrete, symbolizing the changing nature of the Salt River over time. Water from the rooftops flows over symbol-embossed concrete walls into swales reminiscent of ancient canals, nurturing a landscape of native plants.(River People Health Center List )
Since its opening in March 2022, RPHC has experienced a steady increase in daily patient visits across all departments, with nearly 300 new patients seeking care each month. The center has also created numerous job opportunities for the community, with over 225 positions filled by community and tribal members a number expected to more than double as the center reaches full operational capacity.(River People Health Center List )
Contact Information (River People Health Center List )
Address:
10901 E. McDowell Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85256
Phone: 480-278-7742
Hours: Monday –Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Pharmacy Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Pharmacy Refill: Available during pharmacy hours
SRPMIC COVID-19 Hotline: 480-362-2603
Crisis Line: 480-850-9230 (Available 24/7)
Patient Advocate: 480-362-3470
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the RPHC website or contact the center directly.
Conclusion
The River People Health Center List. stands as a testament to the SRPMIC’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its community members. By offering comprehensive, culturally sensitive healthcare services and fostering a deep connection to the community’s cultural and environmental heritage, RPHC plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and surrounding Native populations.
