Naval Branch Health Clinic Yuma was recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a level three Patient-Centered Medical Home, Dec. 31, 2012. “The patient will notice a different level of care in a PCMH, although much of the PCMH teamwork goes on behind the scenes,î said Lt. Cmdr. Greg Whaley, the department head…

Prime Service Areas are geographic areas where TRICARE Prime is offered. These PSAs were created to ensure the medical readiness of the active duty force by augmenting the capability of military hospitals and clinics. Effective Oct. 1, 2013, TRICARE Prime will no longer be available to beneficiaries living in certain areas of the United States…

YUMA, Ariz. – It seems Marines will now face random breathalyzer tests, as well as tests before assuming a duty post, as part of the Alcohol Screening Program. The days of being allowed one beer at lunch are long gone, and now the days of showing up to work with alcohol still in your system…

A Marine Administrative Message signed by Brig. Gen. R. F. Hedelund, director of Marine and Family Programs Division, announced a change in urinalysis testing for synthetic chemical compounds such as Spice. Urinalysis testing for synthetic compounds is separate and distinct from the urinalysis program all specimens are subjected to in the search of service members…

1. When putting up Christmas lights at home for the holidays, make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition. Never run cords under the carpet and avoid overloading sockets with many plugs because this can start an electrical fire.   2. When visiting other people’s homes, remember that their homes may not be…

Effective Jan. 1, 2014, pull-ups will replace the flexed arm (FAH) hang for female Marines running their annual Physical Fitness Test (PFT). This change will take place in two phases, with phase one beginning Jan.1, 2013.  Phase one will serve as a transition period and is intended to allow commanders and individual female Marines to…

FORT LEE, Va. – Seeing pink as you’re slicing into your beautifully browned holiday turkey is enough to strike fear into the heart of any cook, no matter how experienced they are. Follow these few tips to avoid that scene this holiday season. First, make sure your turkey is completely thawed before being prepped for…

Sgt. Leslie Rodriguez, Marine Attack Squadron 311 career planner, plays basketball with students of Desert View Academy, during the school’s red ribbon week carnival, Oct. 26. The Marines taking part in the event had visited the school several times throughout the week, judging dress up days as part of the nation’s oldest anti-drug campaign. The…