Aug. 11, 2026
Media Advisory: Gila River Indian Community, University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care to announce historic partnership
What: The Gila River Indian Community, University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care will announce a historic partnership.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 4 p.m. MST
Where: Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass, The Showroom. 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85226
RSVP: Media should RSVP to media-requests@list.arizona.edu.
TUCSON, Ariz. —The Gila River Indian Community, University of Arizona and Gila River Health Care will announce a historic partnership.
The announcement represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a sovereign tribal nation, a public research university and a tribally operated healthcare system. Community, university and healthcare leaders will discuss the significance of the partnership and its impact on Arizona and beyond.
Following the announcement, the following speakers will be available for media interviews:
Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella
Gila River Health Care Board Chairman Robert Pablo
University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Dean, Dr. Fredric Wondisford
Community, university and healthcare leaders
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Media contact:
University Communications
media-requests@list.arizona.edu
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.