The Ute Indian Tribe Head Start program welcomed some special visitors last month from the University of Utah Physician Assistant Program. Medical students, Physician Assistant students, and doctors from the U came on two days to ensure that the nearly one hundred 3 and 4 year olds in the Head Start program received their yearly physical and dental exam. It had been two years since the visit to the Ute Tribe Head Start because of the COVID-19 pandemic and all were eager to get going again.
The experience was especially special for two of the U students, Timina Powaukee and Develiah Alanis, who both participated in the Ute Indian Tribe Head Start program growing up. “ I have cousins and nieces and nephews I was treating today,” shared Powaukee. “The fact that I was able to help these kids was super beneficial to me.” Alanis felt inspired by the experience and made time to comfort the kids by coloring with them and reading stories while they waited for their exams. Now that the program is back up and running it is anticipated to continue annually.
