Tribe's medical center has new name

Effective today, the Benewah Medical & Wellness Center is changing its name to Marimn Health. The community is invited to attend the celebration of the new name at a renaming ceremony today at 5:30 p.m. at the Marimn Health Wellness Center, 1100 A Street, Plummer.

Marimn (pronounced Mar-ee-min) is a Coeur d’Alene Tribal language word based on the verb marim, which means, “to treat.” Marimn translates into the word “medicine,” but it also can be translated as “they treat others.”

“This new name reflects our intrinsic connection to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and honors the culture by promoting the Tribe’s ancient language. Our name has changed, but our calling hasn’t,” said Helo Hancock, Marimn Health’s CEO. “We will continue to provide the same award-winning healthcare services to the community that we always have,” he added.

Marimn Health is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Created in 1990, the medical center was the result of the first partnership between Indian Health Services and United States Department of Health and Human Services to establish a tribally-run community health center. Since the start, the medical and wellness centers have served a patient population that extends beyond county and state borders into Washington and Montana.

Since 1990, the medical center has provided a holistic approach healthcare, serving both native and non-native patients regardless of their ability to pay. Marimn Health will continue to provide its high-quality, affordable, and comprehensive primary care, health and wellness services to anyone who needs it.

“The new name respects the connection with the Tribe and builds on the strong foundation of community healthcare we’ve built over the past three decades. I’m excited about the direction in which Marimn Health is headed,” said Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Marimn Health employs approximately 200 individuals with an annual budget in excess of $20 million. Today, about 6,300 patients receive 35,000 medical, dental, counseling, chiropractic, and optical services each year.

Marimn Health will have a complete new look, including signage and website www.marimnhealth.org. However its location and phone number will remain the same. Marimn Health is located at 427 N. 12th St., Plummer, ID. The Wellness Center will be known as the Marimn Health Wellness Center. For more information, phone 208-686-1931 or call toll free 800-325-7371.