About the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Health

Vision

Building a strong mind, body, and spirit together
Waz`a\ hini gira wi
(We Care)

Mission Statement

To promote a high quality of life with holistic health care to those we serve with an emphasis on the traditional Ho-Chunk way of life; and to empower each individual and family to make informed decisions regarding their present and future health.

Core Values

Respect

We recognize the inherent dignity of each individual and will treat each person with reverence and respect. The personal privacy and cultural diversity of each individual will be respected at all times.
Behaviors:

  • Listen attentively to others
  • Acknowledge and revere individual positions within the community (i.e. workplace, tribal community, etc.)
  • Accept and honor personal and cultural differences

Empowerment

We support, protect and promote the rights of our patients, family members and staff, giving them opportunities to provide input toward improving the quality of their lives.
Behaviors:

  • Elicit input from others in matters that relate to their wellbeing
  • Advocate on behalf of our patients, families, and staff

Compassion

We are committed to treating all individuals with compassion and understanding.
Behaviors:

  • Use appropriate tone, body language and words to respect individual dignity
  • Be open-minded related to individual preferences.
  • Personalize our interactions as we navigate the processes of life and death

Stewardship
We will use fiscal, material and human resources to provide the greatest benefit to the individuals and communities we serve. We will be responsible for our use of resources and our care for the environment.
Behaviors:
  • Recycle all materials appropriately
  • Treat all we are entrusted with in a highly responsible and conscientious manner by assessing the fiscal, material, human resource, and environmental impact of decisions and act responsibly

Excellence

We are committed to the pursuit of excellence through ongoing training, performance measurement and self-evaluation.
Behaviors:

  • Actively participate in performance measurement, self-evaluation, and improvement
  • Acknowledge the importance and take personal responsibility for individual growth by completing required training on time and seeking out additional training, as needed.

Integrity

We will be honest and direct with one another, treating each other with honor in a genuine and open manner, while respecting Ho-Chunk culture and traditions.
Behaviors:

  • Openly discuss issues related to each other with the appropriate individual(s)
  • Listen to each other to resolve issues at an individual and organizational level
  • Acknowledge and respect the decision making process.

Overview of the Health Department

The Ho-Chunk Department of Health provides ambulatory and public health care services in order to improve the health and well being of its tribal members. The Health Department operates its services in two (2) ambulatory clinics, five (5) satellite health offices, a Food Distribution Center, and the Central Health office.

The clinics, Ho-Chunk Health Care Center and House of Wellness, offer health maintenance exams for people of all ages, diabetic management, chronic illness care, acute illness care, podiatry, pharmacy and optical care. When staffed, each clinic can also provide dental care. These clinics have laboratories (selective) facilities and x-ray capability.

The five satellite offices serve for public health care as provided by our community health nurses and representatives, dieticians/nutritionists, the mental health clinicians, and alcohol/drug program staff.

The Central Health office was the former clinic building. It now houses staff who work for our Behavior Health services.

The Food Distribution Center is the main facility for distribution of our fresh produce and commodities to our community in need.

With the support of the Ho-Chunk Nation, Indian Health Services (IHS) and other Federal and State grants, the Division of Health includes many dedicated and hard working employees.