(Rocky Boy) On August 4, the Rocky Boy Health Center’s Miyo Pimātisiwinkamik Youth Wellness Center will officially open its Youth Health Care Clinic. This is a new and innovative health care model that integrates mental, physical, behavioral, and spiritual health across all aspects of a child’s life. The kids get to know their medical team at an early age and form a good relationship with our healthcare system in Rocky Boy.
“This is part of a broader wellness model. Youth can participate in educational programs, cultural activities, nutrition, recreation, and preventive health services in one location, making wellness a natural part of everyday life,” said Emily Kallenberger, Miyo Pimatiswinkamik Director.
Initially, the clinic will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm for routine check-ups, well-child visits, and sports physicals. In the future, the MIYO Clinic hopes to expand services and hours, offer same-day appointments, and host drives and other events. For now, patients should call 406-395-1876 to make an appointment. If children are sick or injured, they should go to the main Rocky Boy Health Center building for care.
“We want every child in our Rocky Boy and Box Elder communities to have a regular annual well-child exam,” said Jamie Molina, Clinical Services Manager. “Health care isn’t just about seeing a doctor when you’re sick or hurt. We want our kids to learn about their bodies, their minds, and their overall wellness, and to understand that regular check-ups are an important part of staying healthy throughout their lives.”
On March 27, the Rocky Boy Health Center celebrated the grand opening of the Miyo Pimātisiwinkamik Youth Wellness Center. Miyo Pimātisiwinkamik means Good Living Lodge. The center was established to provide experiences for young people to grow physically, emotionally, culturally, socially, and spiritually. Youth enrolled in the program learn through structured activities to gain the knowledge, skills, confidence, and healthy habits for lifelong success.
Summer activities included the Olympics, Warrior Challenges, gardening, and a mini powwow. Programs are designed to build strong foundations for a good life by teaching about nutrition, developing healthy habits, deepening understanding of the Rocky Boy land and culture, and fostering community connections. Summer programs will end on August 14, and fall programming will begin on August 31.
“Miyo Pimātisiwinkamik is our investment into our youth and is the start of a brighter future for our tribe,” said Joel Rosette, CEO, Rocky Boy Health Center. “So much happens during a kid’s life, and we want to make sure they have a safe place to explore who they are. In this space, we can help our youth grow to be resilient adults connected to their culture and community.”
Rocky Boy Health Center is the only comprehensive health provider on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation in north-central Montana, serving 5,000 patients annually. For more information about Miyo Pimātisiwinkamik, contact Emily Kallenberger at ekallenberger@rblclinic.org or 406-395-1866 or follow its Facebook page @MIYOYouthCenter.
