Nimiipuu Health has two locations to serve its patients.  The Lapwai Clinic is located in Lapwai, Idaho approximately 13 miles from Lewiston in North Central Idaho.  The current clinic is a new 43,000 square foot building that opened in 2004.  The Lapwai facility offers comprehensive clinical services including medical care, lab and x-ray services, pharmacy, dental care, physical therapy, optometry, mental health and substance abuse services, and a wide variety of community health services.  Services not provided on site may be available through contract health services.

The Indian Health Service provided healthcare to the Nez Perce Tribe until 1997 when the Tribe took over under P.L. 93-638 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.  The Tribe has since transitioned into a Self-Governance Compact in 2002, which allows the Tribe more autonomy and flexibility.  This has enabled the Tribe to reallocate funds to best suit the needs of its population and to access other sources of funding such as grants for program expansion and construction.

The Vision of Nimiipuu Health

   We see a healthy, Native American community with pride in our heritage that empowers our future and where a superior quality of life prevails.  

     We see our patients and staff working together in an atmosphere of trust and respect and encourage communication and teamwork among employees, board members, and the community.  

     We see two comprehensive healthcare facilities at Lapwai and Kamiah with all health programs under one roof; with state-of-the-art technology & equipment; with access to traditional healing; and with décor and music that reflect our pride in Indian art an culture.  

     In addition to the services we currently provide, our clinics should include orthodontics, a wellness/fitness center, a dialysis unit, a nursing home, a drive up pharmacy, a complete dental lab, full service lab and x-ray departments, and an eye care center.

     We see a team of healthcare providers with a reputation for excellence, who are valued for their unique talents and skills.  We see an increasing number of Native American professionals who mentor and encourage young people wishing to enter the health professions.

     We see a helpful and friendly staff who promote customer service and encourage the patient to take an active roll in making personal healthcare decisions.  

     We see a smooth, efficient system in which patients move through little inconvenience or delay.  We see a system that accommodates working and homebound clients.

     We see a system that is financially sound and competitive, yet responsive to individual needs; a system that generates the resources necessary to meet the demands of growing healthcare entity.  

     We see a commitment to health and healthful living and permeates the staff, the Tribe and our entire community.

Making Appointments

Most health care is by appointment only.  To make an appointment, call your clinic. 

Kamiah:  208-935-0733   or toll free  1-888-891-2924
Lapwai:  208-843-2271    or toll free  1-888-891-2920

Clinic Hours

The clinics are open from 8:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  
On Wednesday they are open from 1:00-5:00.

Express Care.  Express Care is only available at the Lapwai Clinic.  Express Care is for injuries and illnesses that need to be seen the same day.  No appointment is needed for Express Care.

 Express Care Hours:  1:00-6:00 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, and

                                      1:00-5:00 on Wednesday & Friday

Dental Emergencies.  Dental emergencies are seen without an appointment from 8:30-11:00 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and 1:00-3:00 on Wednesday.

Medical Emergencies.  For medical emergencies call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

Who’s Who at Nimiipuu Health

The following people can be reached through our main number at Lapwai:  208-843-2271 or toll free at 888-891-2920.  The Kamiah Clinic Director can be reached at 208-935-0733 or toll free at 888-891-2924.

Executive Director 

Medical Director

Dental Director 

Kamiah Clinic Director

Community Health Co-Directors

Substance Abuse Services  

Mental Health Services

Chief Pharmacist

Lab/X-ray Services

Human Resources Director

Contract Health Services

Medical Records

Business Office

Facilities Manager

WIC Coordinator

Diabetes Coordinator

Fitness Coordinator

Vacant

Dr. Lois Niska

Dr. James Palerino

Marnell Frizzell

Leslie Smith, R.N.
Julie Keller, R.D., C.D.E.

Vacant

Pam Hirsch

Vacant

Laurie Birch

  Debborah Cuevas-Jimenez

Artrette Sampson

Freda Montelongo

Mildred Rogers

Tom Haugen

Julie Keller

Jeanne Laws

Lilly James