August 08, 2011 –
MAYETTA: Mary Truhe has been named the administrator of the PBPN Health Center for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and began her position July 18.
Truhe’s work experience includes having worked in a variety of health care positions. She is a registered nurse and was on the Board of Nursing for the State of Kansas for several years that involved helping regulate the licensing, education, and legal aspects of nursing in the state. In addition, Truhe has worked n Kansas for Social Rehabilitation Services as a quality program manager and has also acted as the director of a nursing home. She resides in Topeka.
Academically she holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Leadership from Friends University and a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Ft. Hays State University.
When asked what she wants to do as health care administrator for the Prairie Band health center she said, “One of my goals is to continue to provide services for the tribal people that will encourage and allow them to lead healthy lives. My philosophy is to meet each person on their own terms and to help them understand their bodies both mentally and physically. I’m a believer in the holistic approach to health care.”
Truhe also said that one of the reasons she took the job is because she thinks highly of the staff who work at the center. “I see a big commitment on their part to serve the needs of patients and that is great,” she said. “It’s not just a ‘me and you’ effort here but more of an ‘us’.”
Truhe’s office is located in the administrative area at the health center. The center was built in 2006 and located on 158 Road on the Prairie Band Common Land. It consists of three wings that provide medical, dental, and social services and also offers educational programs and other wellness materials for American Indian people. The health center received The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for the second time last spring for being in compliance with national standards for health care quality and safety in ambulatory care organizations.