The Dena’ina Wellness Center is an integrated medical facility offering a holistic approach to care. Our un’ina, “those who come to us,” receive access to our services under the Dene’ Philosophy of Care. This philosophy takes a whole-person approach toward wellness – addressing physical, spiritual, emotional and social health as contributing factors to overall well-being. We place our un’ina at the center of this philosophy, walking beside them on their health path.
Services include medical, dental, behavioral health, chemical dependency, wellness, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacy support and traditional healing. The building also features a gym, classroom space and wellness kitchen. Alaska Native and American Indian people have access to all programs, while programs that receive state funding – primarily behavioral health – are open to the entire community. The 52,000-square-foot facility is conveniently located on our campus in Old Town Kenai, an early Kahtnuht’ana Dena’ina village site, where we also operate the Tyotkas Elder Center, Kenaitze Tribal Courthouse, and a range of social services and education programs.
The Dena’ina Wellness Center’s design supports the Dene’ Philosophy of Care, with integrated workspaces allowing care teams to collaborate on treatment plans and customize them to each individual. Architectural details throughout the building represent the history of the area and our people. Century-old Douglas fir planks reclaimed from a Kenai River cannery span much of the interior. The ocean is depicted in blue across the floor near the main entrance; agates inset in the flooring were collected by tribal members; and Dena’ina names are used throughout the facility.
The tribe earned a coveted Indian Health Service Joint Venture Award in 2011 to cover the building’s operational and maintenance costs for at least the next 20 years. The Dena’ina Wellness Center also achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification.
CARF International has accredited the Tribe’s integrated Behavioral Health and Primary Care services, and outpatient Behavioral Health programs for adults, children and adolescents, including substance use disorder treatment for adults.
Contact – Location
508 Upland St.
Kenai, AK 99611
Phone: 907-335-7500
Medical records fax: 888-490-2368
Behavioral Health department fax: 888-491-3243
