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Fort Yuma Service Unit |
Undulating sand dunes dot the horizon. The mighty Colorado River flows down to Mexico. A
thriving community is enhanced by its colorful past. Step from one century into another and
back again. This is Yuma, the desert country of the Quechan and Cocopah Indians.
The Quechan and Cocopah Indians
The Qeuchan Reservation consists of 45,814 desert acres along the Colorado River in California's
Imperial County, just outside Yuma. The Cocopah Reservation is comprised of 1,772 acres near
Somerton, AZ, a small town south-west of Yuma.
Seed-gathering tribes centuries ago, the Cocopah
and Quechan are now contemporary, English-speaking Indians. But a few of the old ways linger.
Traditional tribal members still practice cremation of the dead, which includes the burning of
property belonging to the deceased.
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Services
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• General Medical
• Dental
• Nutrition
• Public Health Nursing
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Health Education
• Environmental Health
• Social Services
• Emergency Services
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The cultural experiences are deeper here. Even the native language bears linguistic similarities to the ancient Aztecs. It's a different world with varied and exciting career possibilities.
Yuma
The Fort Yuma Service Unit is located on the Quechan/Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation and serves
approximately 2,434 tribal members. This site gives residents of both the Quechan and Cocopah
tribes access to our facilities within one hour. The hospital is right across the river
from Yuma. A small, family-oriented city, Yuma offers a good choice of housing and shopping
centers, as well as recreational and educational opportunities. In addition to elementary
and high schools, Arizona Western College is based here, and extension courses are available
from Northern Arizona University. The municipality also includes an airport and a Marine
Corps air station.
An arid desert climate with an elevation of 141 feet, Yuma is an area of extreme temperature
variations. Mild most of the year, Yuma experiences hot summers. This is tempered by the
abundance of lively water sports on the Colorado River and nearby lakes.
Join vacationers from all over the country as you enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and
waterskiing. Be adventurous and take a ride over Yuma's famous sand dunes. Or venture into the
old Territorial Prison and see how the Wild West was tamed.
Head south of the border to a quaint Mexican village. Spend a weekend by the ocean in San Diego,
just a few hours away. If you are seeking to leave the anxieties of urban life behind, the Fort
Yuma Service Unit offers you fulfilling work in a comfortable community.
Ft. Yuma Service Unit
While other health professionals are bound to market trends and profit centers, you can focus
your skills on helping others. The services we provide here include general medical, ambulatory, pediatric,
community health, preventative health, and mental health. Dental care is also available, with
one dentist on staff.
Special ambulatory services are provided on-site by IHS staff based in Phoenix or private
contract specialists. Obstetric patients and those requiring surgery are referred to the Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), in Yuma, or to Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC), in Phoenix. Ground and air transport are available for emergency care.
Community Health Services
The impact of old and new traditions often lead to dysfunctional social and health practices.
Your dedication is a vital component in community health care. The services we offer include
public health nursing, nutritional services, social services, mental health services, substance
abuse, health education, and environmental health services.
You are drawn by the lore of the Indians and the lure of the old West. We invite you to become a
member of our health team. As you gain the respect and trust of the people, you will feel a s
ubtle change in your life, as well.
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Phoenix Area Indian Health Service
Two Renaissance Square • 40 North Central Avenue • Phoenix, AZ 85004-4424
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