Spring/Summer 2010
Transcription
Spring/Summer 2010
S Healthy pirit S p r i n g / S u m m e r 2 0 10 Spring 2010 P U B L I C AT I O N O F I N D I A N H E A LT H C A R E R E S O U R C E C E N T E R O F T U L S A Wellness Adventures Camp at the Tulsa Public Schools HelmZar Challenge Course Operationally Speaking Eddie Hathcoat, COO Hello, I am Eddie Hathcoat, the Chief Operating Officer for Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa. From time to time, I will use this space in the Healthy Spirit quarterly newsletter to make announcements, make comments and provide other general information of potential interest to you. In this issue, I am excited to announce several recent enhancements and additions to our operations: • Phase one of our major facility expansion project was completed in mid-June. Completion of this initial part of our construction and remodeling project has allowed our pharmacy, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment and diabetes wellness staff to move into their permanent new spaces. The medical team is also able to start using nine of our new exam rooms. • Our Diagnostic Imaging Department is going digital. The quality of our images, ability to access, store and share images with other health care entities will be greatly enhanced with the Selenia Dimensions 2D mammography equipment by Hologic and our new Carestream DR 7500 x-ray equipment. The digital data will be managed with the Carestream Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) and the Radiology Information Systems (RIS) by Kodak. • The Komen for the Cure – Tulsa Affiliate has renewed our mammography funding in the amount of $109,030 for another year. These monies greatly enhance our mammography services. • We conducted Patient Satisfaction Surveys in April and May. We will be publishing the results of the surveys in the next newsletter. • We have several new employees who I would like to introduce you to: Miranda Hall, Pharm.D., is our newest full time pharmacist and Larry Lofstron, D.Ph., is our newest part-time pharmacist. With our expanded pharmacy soon opening with drive thru and other enhanced features, I know they will both be welcome additions to our pharmacy team. Ray Arsee, MLT, has joined our medical team to run our medical lab and to provide phlebotomy services. Ray works very well with our providers and staff for an efficient experience. Shirley Womack is our newest dental assistant to support our expanded Dental department. Beth Conner, RT (R), has accepted the position of Diagnostic Imaging Technologist. This position became open upon the recent retirement of Ruth Simpson, who had worked at IHCRC for over five years. Beth previously worked as our Diagnostic Imaging Clerk. Karly Fenscke, RT (R), has been hired as a Diagnostic Imaging Clerk and will serve as a back up technologist for Beth. Good luck to Ruth and welcome to all IHCRC’s new employees. Indian Health Care Hours of Operation Scheduled appointments In this issue of the Healthy Spirit 2 3 5 6 8 10 11 12 14 15 15 15 16 17 18 New digs and services for the IHCRC pharmacy Welcome to the IHCRC Pharmacy online refill system Schedule an oral health exam for your child today A tribute to Wilma Mankiller, former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Food for Life celebrates its first anniversary Patronize your local farmers’ market Use your SNAP food benefits to shop at local farmers’ markets Summer camps for Native American Children Highlights of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Health Reform for American Indians and Alaska Natives Key benefits of health reform for Native Americans Calendar of Events Childhood Obesity Task Force Unveils Action Plan Diabetes Facts Mammography Department Excels We can help you schedule an appointment, if you will call (918) 588-1900, Option 1, 1 in advance of your visit. Scheduled appointments allow the time for you to be seen for more than one health need, including prescription refills. Thank you for understanding and being patient. We are doing our best to see as many patients as possible. Busy daily schedules do not allow us to schedule all requests for a same-day appointment. Medical services hours Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8 am-5 pm Thursday 10 am-7 pm 1st Wednesday of the month the Medical clinic opens at 1 pm (closed in morning for staff meeting) Human services hours Monday - Wednesday 8 am-6 pm Thursday 10 am-7 pm Friday 8 am-5 pm 1st Wednesday of the month the Human Services clinic opens at 1 pm (closed in morning for staff meeting) 19 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 30 31 32 33 36 38 Diagnostic Imaging Digitizes First Patient About Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Komen Tulsa Affiliate Benefits of digital radiology Transitions in Diagnostic Imaging Meet Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director, Indian Health Service SoonerCare eligibility to go online with No Wrong Door New grant promotes enrollment in SoonerCare Child Health Insurance Restoring Harmony Pow Wow a Great Success Addressing the mental health needs of young children and their families The Systems of Care Approach 20th Annual Dance of the Two Moons Volunteers make Dance of the Two Moons 20th Anniversary a memorable event Success Story: Surviving Loopy Lupus July is National Picnic Month Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Board of Trustees Madeline Teague, President, Cherokee Janice Edmiston, Vice-President, Choctaw Jim Cameron, Secretary, Cherokee Herbert P. Haschke, Jr., Treasurer Bob Bitting, Cherokee Jay Anderson, DDS, Choctaw Cindy Bear Bobby Jones, Cherokee Charles Knife Chief, MD, Pawnee David D. Moon, DO, Choctaw Goldie Phillips, Comanche Ed Pierce, Citizen Nation Potawatomi Jimmy Reeder, Cherokee WIC Nutrition hours Monday - Friday 8 am-4:30 pm Same-day / fast track appointment policy When you come to the clinic for a sameday or fast track appointment we will do our best to work you into the schedule based on the following: Sickest people are seen first Patients are not seen on a first come first seen basis. One problem exam will be addressed – you are being seen for one problem only, for an illness that came on suddenly. Time limitations A same-day appointment does not allow time to talk about prescription refills or other issues. A walk-in appointment will be seen as soon as a provider is available if you are able to wait. We may not get to all walk-ins in a day; however we will do our best to serve all walk-ins. New digs and services for the Pharmacy By Justin Postier, IHCRC Pharmacy Director and Russell Burkhart, IHCRC Director of Planning and Development Downtown Tulsa as viewed through the new pharmacy drive thru lanes. Big changes have come to the IHCRC pharmacy operation. Phase one of the major IHCRC facility expansion project was completed in mid-June and Indian Health Care’s entire pharmacy operation moved into completely new quarters in the northeast corner of the building. The move brings Spring/Summer 2010 • 2 many welcome improvements and enhancements to the IHCRC pharmacy for both staff and patients alike. For starters, the pharmacy staff enjoy having room to move about without bumping into each other in their much expanded work area. A large sub-waiting room provides a comfortable area for patients to wait for a prescription to be filled. Patients can now use a new exterior door to enter the pharmacy directly without passing through the main front lobby. The pharmacy waiting area includes expanded consultation spaces for the pharmacists to educate patients on how to take their medications properly. Watch for one more big event in the pharmacy operation which will occur later in the year when the construction activity is cleared from the north parking area. The pharmacy will then add two drive-thru lanes for patients to pick up prescription refills without needing to leave their car. The convenience of the drive-thru lanes will further minimize the need for patients to stand in line waiting to pick up a prescription. In recent years, IHCRC has made a number of improvements to increase the efficiency and capacity of its in-house pharmacy. In 2004, the IHCRC pharmacy underwent a previous renovation and modernization effort. The centerpiece of this undertaking was the installation of an automated dispensing system, a robot affectionately known as “Bob.” The robot fills prescriptions quickly, while reducing the potential for errors. Handling approximately 70% of the prescriptions, the robot automatically counts the medication, fills the bottle and attaches the label. With the robotic automation system, the pharmacy staff is able to serve twice as many patients and significantly shorten the waiting time, while providing our patients with the most professional and accurate service possible. IHCRC expresses its continued appreciation to the many Tulsa philanthropic foundations who helped make the pharmacy automation project a reality. New pharmacy drive thru lanes near completion. Welcome to the Pharmacy Online Refill System In addition to the many physical improvements to the IHCRC pharmacy, other electronic improvements have been recently made to add a web-based prescription refill system. The pharmacy’s new online refill system is easy to use from the convenience of your home computer or smart phone. In addition to using the Internet to request a prescription refill, you can also use the new web- based refill system to see and print your medication profile and view the status of your prescription refill request. The “Prescription List” feature allows you to see the current status of your prescription and if it is ready to pick-up. The online system can also be used to link family members’ accounts for simplified refill requests. Look for new features in the future, including “prescription ready” notifications through e-mail and text messages! If you would like to set up an online pharmacy refill account, just ask the pharmacy staff to sign you up during your next visit to the IHCRC pharmacy. For more information call 918.382.1270. To access the online pharmacy refill system go to: www. ihcrc.org/pharmacy. Spring/Summer 2010 • 3 Miranda Hall, Pharm.D. Miranda Hall, Pharm.D., joined IHCRC as a full-time pharmacist in February. Ms. Hall comes to IHCRC from a Walgreens Pharmacy in Tulsa where she was a staff pharmacist and from SouthCrest Hospital pharmacy where she was a pharmacy intern. Ms. Hall graduated from the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City where she earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and the Golden Key Honor Society. She is a member in good standing in several professional organizations, including the Oklahoma Society of Health-System Pharmacists (OSHP), the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association (OPhA), the Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) and the Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Lawrence L. Lofstrom, D.Ph. Lawrence “Larry” Lofstrom, D.Ph., joined the IHCRC Pharmacy Department as a parttime pharmacist in April. Prior to coming to IHCRC, Mr. Lofstrom has worked in the capacity of pharmacy manager and staff pharmacist for several retail pharmacies, including Homeland, Med-X and May’s Drug Corporation. Most recently, he worked for RPhS, an independent contractor of professional pharmacists. Mr. Lofsstrom is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. Pharmacy Team (l-r) back row: Teresa McIntosh, Ashley Simon, Miranda Hall, Becca Leath, Justin Postier and Sheramy Gregg. Front row: Stacey Wilson, Jo Ann Gower, Cammie McIntosh, Creek youth volunteer, Evelyn Neel, cashier and Seng Vang, cashier. Spring/Summer 2010 • 4 Schedule an oral health exam for your child today The IHCRC Dental Department is using a new oral health grant from the Indian Health Service to encourage Native American parents to schedule an appointment for an oral health exam for their children. Children as young as one year old can be seen. All children and adults are encouraged to get an oral health exam every six months. The Indian Health Care pediatric oral health program places priority on providing preventive and corrective oral health care to prevent disease and reduce tooth loss. The prevention of tooth and gum problems is emphasized by promoting regular check-ups at the clinic before problems develop. At each pediatric oral health screening session, a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) will clean and examine the patient’s teeth for caries, gum disease and any pediatric developmental issues. The dental hygienist and dentist will conduct a dental hygiene plan of care (assessment, Shirley Womack, Dental Assistant diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation). The dentist will discuss with the child and the parent any corrective procedure that may be needed and why. When treatment needs are identified, an appointment will be scheduled for the child with an IHCRC dentist. Prevention and diagnosis services provided by the dental hygienist include dental screening (routine oral health exam, including taking and interpreting oral digital x-rays) and conducting an oral health assessment of carries, baby bottle tooth decay, developmental eruption patterns and any periodontal disease. Shirley Womack joined the IHCRC Dental Department in March as a dental assistant. She has been in the dental field for 25 years and has worked in all areas of a dental office. She is certified by the State of Oklahoma Board of Dentistry in exposing radiographs, coronal polishing, assisting in the administration of nitrous oxide and placing sealants. Shirley was raised in During the visit, the dental hygienist will conduct teeth cleaning and removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the surfaces of the teeth. Application of dental sealants, fluoride and tooth polishing is performed as a preventive measure to control the future accretion of plaque and tartar. Oral hygiene patient education will include instruction on brushing and flossing techniques, a review of healthy nutritional guidelines, sports safety and tobacco education with referrals to the IHCRC tobacco cessation program. Oral health education includes the promotion of sound nutritional habits to avoid excessive consumption of sugared beverages and foods. McAlester, Oklahoma and attended the Crowder School until moving to Coweta in her sophomore year. She has two children, two grandsons, two dogs and one bird. Shirley enjoys yardwork, swing dancing and camping. She considers her greatest accomplishment raising two great children and one foster child for four years. A champion for the welfare of foster kids, Shirley encourages anybody who has ever considered fostering a child to do it. “I know that so many people have a great need for foster homes as does the state. So many of these kids never experience having a family meal, a warm bath at night, or somebody to give them hugs and love them for just being themselves.” said Shirley. Spring/Summer 2010 • 5 A tribute to Wilma Mankiller former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation T he first female chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller, passed away April 6 after battling pancreatic cancer. Upon the announcement of her diagnoses in March of 2010, Wilma offered the following words of inspiration, “I want my family and friends to know that I am mentally and spiritually prepared for this journey; a journey that all human beings will take at one time or another. I learned a long time ago that I can’t control the challenges the Creator sends my way but I can control the way I think about them and deal with them. On balance, I have been blessed with an extraordinarily rich and wonderful life, Spring/Summer 2010 • 6 filled with incredible experiences.” Immediately following the news of Chief Mankiller’s passing, numerous government officials and leaders in Indian Country expressed their admiration of her leadership, achievements and service to her Cherokee people. The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council honored former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller with a resolution naming her a National Treasure of the Cherokee Nation. “Chief Mankiller was a real treasure to the Cherokee people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “We feel overwhelmed and lost when we realize she has left us, but we should reflect on what legacy she leaves us. We are better people and a stronger tribal nation because of her example of Cherokee leadership, statesmanship, humility, grace, determination and decisiveness.” “Chief Mankiller was a trailblazer for all women. Her leadership strengthened the relationship between the Cherokee Nation and the Federal Government and her good works and commitment to a brighter future for all,” Rep. Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Democratic Chairman of the House Native American Caucus says in a statement. Chief Mankiller, who was awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998, was also memorialized by President Obama. “Her legacy will continue to Wilma Mankiller tells Dick Pryor about her struggles and triumphs in a remarkable personal journey on OETA’s “A Conversation With Wilma Mankiller.” Photo courtesy of Leon Smith, OETA-The Oklahoma Network. encourage and motivate all who carry on her work,” he says in a statement. The Interior Dept. also noted that under Mankiller’s leadership, Cherokee tribal enrollment tripled, employment doubled and new health centers and children’s programs blossomed. In a unanimous vote held on April 14, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1237 to honor the life of Chief Wilma Mankiller. The Resolution was introduced by Oklahoma Second District Congressman Dan Boren and co-sponsored by the entire Oklahoma House Delegation, the Co-Chairs of the House Native American Caucus, and the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Rep. Boren stated, “I am pleased the House moved swiftly to acknowledge Chief Wilma Mankiller’s life and career, and to express its deep sorrow on her passing . . . Chief Mankiller was an inspiration to her tribe and to the nation. Her dedication to improving women’s role within the Cherokee Nation, and her work strengthening her tribe’s Nation-to-Nation relationship with the U.S. government, make her a beloved and legendary figure in Oklahoma.” Spring/Summer 2010 • 7 Local Food Week at the Living Kitchen Father’s Day Chow Down Buffet and farm tour. Food for Life Celebrates its first anniversary By Steve Eberle, IHCRC Food and Garden Coordinator I ndian Health Care’s “Food for Life” community food project celebrated its first anniversary on May 1. The Food for Life program addresses food security in northeast Oklahoma. The program takes a three-prong approach to food insecurity and food deserts – teaching moms and children how to cook and shop for healthy foods, installing and encouraging community gardens in neighborhoods and behind schools, Spring/Summer 2010 • 8 and encouraging legislation to enhance food security. With the help of many associates from the Tulsa Food Security Council, many exciting projects have developed over the past year. The formation of the Tulsa Food Security Council (TFSC) has organized more than 30 community agencies and individuals to become a unified voice to end food deserts – neighborhoods without any grocery stores. Legislation is vital in provoking change, especially in food security. TFSC members have spoken before State House committees to support the passage of the Healthy Corner Store (HCS) Initiative. The HCS Initiative will support the creation of co-op for healthy corner stores and non-profit organizations that currently buy groceries retail. Through leadership provided by State House Representative Seneca Scott, HB3015 is a crucial activity conducted by the TFSC by providing presentations on food deserts and the need to end a diet of processed food and fast food. The McLain High School Initiative has brought the school’s greenhouse out of mothballs and developed a Greenhouse Council of 15 students. These students are growing plants in the greenhouse and installed raised beds for vegetables. The students work each week in the greenhouse and gardens. The McLain High School Foundation has formed with a board of directors and established nonprofit status. The Foundation will be used to was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor to provide low interest loans to create new stores in food deserts. TFSC has also been active in the media promoting “buy fresh, buy local,” from healthy corner stores and community gardens. Oklahoma Horizon recently aired a 30-minute documentary on food security in Oklahoma based on interviews with TFSC members. Community education raise much needed funds for school uniforms, sports equipment, the greenhouse program and other needs that Tulsa Public Schools cannot fund. So many schools and communities have added gardens this spring. Food for Life will be implementing a program to maintain or oversee those gardens during the summer months. Many schools have summer programs so the children can be involved in the gardens year around. The purchase of garden tillers allows volunteers to till existing community gardens, as well as seniors’ home gardens. Cooking 101 is a program which teaches moms to cook, a lost art in many families. We’re talking about making healthy meals in 30 minutes or less, using real basic food ingredients and no prepackaged, processed food helper kits. Regularly scheduled cooking lessons are held at community centers, apartment complexes, healthy corner stores and for our WIC clients. Through the leadership of the Oklahoma Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign, Local Food Week was celebrated in Tulsa this June for the second year in a row. Created by Sustainable Green Country, Tulsa’s Local Foods Week festivities highlighted local family farms and farmers’ markets who hosted a variety of events, a farm table dinner, cooking demonstrations, a scavenger hunt for children, a salsa festival and canning classes. Gov. Brad Henry has made the event official with a proclamation encouraging Oklahomans to celebrate Local Foods Week during the week of June 13-20, 2010. Above: Cooking 101. Below: Taste of North Tulsa held at McLain High School. Spring/Summer 2010 • 9 Spring/Summer 2010 • 9 Patronize your LOCAL Farmers’ Market A rea farmers’ markets are open for the 2010 growing season. Every Thursday evening from 4:00-7 pm you can visit the Pearl Farmers Market, located across the street from Indian Health Care Resource Center at 6th Street and Peoria Avenue in Centennial Park. As Tulsa’s only evening farmers’ market, the Pearl Farmers Market is open all summer, until its September 30 close. The Pearl Market offerings include Oklahoma grown fresh produce, organic eggs, free range meat and live garden and bedding plants. Adding ambience to a visit to the market in the park is a regular fare of free music. Spring/Summer 2010 • 10 Come out and join the fun! IHCRC provides grant support to the Pearl Farmers Market and Sustainable Green Country’s Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign to promote a healthier, more sustainable community. Area farmers’ markets underscore a commitment to build the local food supply and support our local farmers. Farmers’ markets offer food shoppers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and other farmfresh items. Many markets also have eggs, honey, plants, flowers and handcrafted items. Some have meats, dairy products, nuts, and other tasty foods. Farmers markets provide family farmers a reliable place to sell the fruits of their labor directly to the public. Visit a Green Country farmers’ market near your work or home, and get to know your local farmers. Every crop has a season in which it grows and becomes ready for harvest. Some do well in cool temperatures and others need lots of heat. Fruits and vegetables are most flavorful when picked at or near their peak ripeness. When shopping at an Oklahoma Grown farmers’ market, expect to find an ever changing selection of fruits and vegetables over the course of the growing season. SNAP Use your food benefits to shop at local farmers’ markets Many farmers’ markets in Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma now accept SNAP/EBT cards (formerly known as food stamps). This means Access Oklahoma cardholders can now use their SNAP benefits to buy locally grown fruits and vegetables. To use your “Access Oklahoma” SNAP/EBT card to any farmers’ market where a sign is displayed saying, “SNAP/EBT accepted here.” The Market Manager will swipe your EBT card using a wireless swiping machine for the amount you want to spend. In return the Market Manager will give you “wooden market tokens” which you can use to make purchases from any food vendor in the market. The addition of EBT machines at Oklahoma farmers’ markets has finally removed an access barrier for local low-income residents who wanted to shop at farmers’ markets to get fresh, locally grown foods. It’s a win-win for shoppers and farmers alike to now have a system in place to allow farmers to sell to SNAP customers. Now SNAP shoppers can take advantage of the bounty of our green country local farms, instead of buying produce and meats that have been transported long distances from other states and countries. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, helps people buy enough food each month. People who meet the eligibility requirements receive a monthly SNAP benefit. The SNAP benefit varies from family to family according to income, family size, and available resources. SNAP benefits are placed on the Access Oklahoma electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. The Access Oklahoma card looks like a credit or debit card and is used in the same way. Visit your local Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) to apply for SNAP benefits. You can use SNAP benefits to purchase: •Foods for the household to eat • Breads and cereals •Fruits and vegetables • Meat, fish, and poultry •Dairy products • Plants and seeds which produce food for the household to eat Spring/Summer 2010 • 11 Summer camps for Native American Children I t’s summer camp time again for Tulsa area Native children and youth. For a ninth consecutive year, the Health Education and Wellness Department of Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC) will host the popular camp program. The camps emphasize the role of healthy lifestyle choices to maintain an active lifestyle, nutritious diets and healthy weight. By promoting healthy lifestyles to young children, the IHCRC staff strives to establish behaviors which will be continued into adulthood to prevent diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This year, an expanded ten weeks of summer camp programs will be offered to an expected attendance of 400 Native children and youth. A healthy breakfast and lunch will be provided Spring/Summer 2010 • 12 to all attendees at the Indian Youth Program Wellness Camps, with the exception of the half-day basketball camp which includes a healthy snack. All of the camps are free to any Native American child with a CDIB card. Financial support of the camps is provided through the annual Dance of the Two Moons fundraising event and government wellness grants. All camp participants must provide a current medical release form, demonstrating they have received a well child exam within the past year and can safely participate in the camp activities. Although camp enrollment is full, parents can call 588-1900, extension 3219 or 3218 to find out if any slots become available due to cancellations. Healthy Trails Camp features CATCH curriculum fitness and nutrition lessons, experiential learning activities, vegetable gardening activities and traditional Indian games. These camps will be held at Jane Addams Elementary School, 5323 S. 65th W. Avenue, Tulsa. The Wellness Adventures Camp is focused on diabetes prevention in Native American children. Participants will enjoy adventure-based health and fitness activities at the Tulsa Public Schools HelmZar Challenge Course (1006 N. Quaker). Activities will focus on nutrition and fitness, diabetes awareness and prevention, cultural awareness, making healthy choices and problem-solving skills. This year, the children will also take a field trip to Camp Okiwanee. Sports & Recreation Camps teach youth the fundamental skills of 8 to 10 sports. Sports offered include basketball, softball/baseball, football and soccer. The camps emphasize skill development. A healthy breakfast and lunch will be provided. The Sports & Recreation camps will be offered on July 19-23 from 8:30 am to 3 pm for youth who have completed grades 3 to 6. Basketball Camp is for boys and girls who have completed grades 3 to 6, and will meet July 12-16. This camp will meet from 8:30 am to noon. Emphasis is on fundamentals, shooting skills, and basics of offense and defense. Friendly tournament competition engages youth to highlight the week. Basketball Camp location will be determined due to school repairs. Deanna Douthit, New Activity Specialist introduces herself Hello! I am Deanna Douthit, the new activity specialist within the IHCRC Health Education and Wellness Department. I earned my BS in Health Promotion from Oklahoma State University, with an emphasis on Exercise Science. This career path is one that is near and dear to my heart, as I have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure – all due to poor eating habits and inactive lifestyles. I made the decision to take a career that would allow me the opportunity to not only help my family and myself live healthier lives, but also help others change their lives for the better! I currently operate my own personal training and wellness business and teach group exercise classes for the YMCA. I previously worked as a healthy lifestyles educator, teaching companies the importance of regular physical activity, proper nutrition and stress management. As an Activity Specialist at IHCRC, I conduct individual and group exercise classes on a weekly basis within the Health Education and Wellness Department. I also participate in a children’s fitness group once a week and the employee wellness programs. My role is to help educate and motivate our patients to move more for better overall health. At IHCRC, we are able to combine physical activity instruction with our wellness staff of registered dietitians and licensed counselors who provide patients with a well-rounded program of nutrition, counseling and fitness all in one location – giving them all the necessary tools to succeed and improve their health status. If you have any fitness related questions, feel free to contact me at (918) 382-2226. If you would like more information about the services and programs offered within the Health Education and Wellness Department, please contact Kay Meek at (918) 382-2226. Spring/Summer 2010 • 13 Highlights of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act The Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA), which authorizes Congress to fund health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives through the Indian Health Service, was originally approved by Congress in 1976 and last reauthorized in 2000. The Affordable Care Act (national health reform law) of 2010 makes the reauthorization of this law permanent and authorizes new programs within the Indian Health Service to ensure the Service is more equipped to meet its mission to Spring/Summer 2010 • 14 raise the health status of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level. For example, it includes authorization to expand programs for mental and behavioral health treatment and prevention. The new IHCIA act also authorizes long-term care services, including home health care, assisted living and communitybased care. Finally, the IHCIA includes improvements in the Contract Health Services program, facilitation of care for Indian veterans and expanded support for urban Indian health programs. Importantly for Indian Health Care Resource Center and the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic, the IHCIA reaffirms both urban Indian health organizations as permanent programs within the Indian Health Service’s direct care program and their status as Service Units and Operating Units in the allocation of resources and coordination of care. Source: Adapted from an Indian Health Service fact sheet. Health Reform for American Indians and Alaska Natives American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) are celebrating passage of the historic national health reform law – the Affordable Care Act, P.L.111-148. This law will improve the quality of health care and make it more accessible and affordable for all Americans, including Native Americans. Enactment of the Affordable Care Act also included the permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which extends current law and authorizes new programs and services within the Indian Health Service. Upon passage of the IHCIA, President Barack Obama stated, “Our responsibility to provide health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives derives from the nation-tonation relationship between the federal and tribal governments. And today, with this bill, we have taken a critical step in fulfilling that responsibility by modernizing the Indian health care system and improving access to health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives.” Key benefits of health reform for Native Americans The Affordable Care Act law applies to American Indian and Alaska Native individuals because they are a part of the U.S. health care system, and may use sources of health care other than the Indian Health Service, such as private or employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, community health centers and the Veterans Administration. The Affordable Care Act provides expanded health coverage choices for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Members of federally recognized Indian tribes can continue to use the Indian Health Service –and they can purchase affordable health care coverage. Based upon their eligibility, they can also enroll to receive Medicare, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits. The Affordable Care Act also benefits Indian tribes because they may purchase insurance for their employees or their members, with the ability to offer more affordable insurance options and reduced costs. The Indian Health Service and its hospitals and clinics are also enhanced under the Affordable Care Act because many provisions expand coverage or improve the quality of health care for all Americans, including under-represented minorities. When the Affordable Care Act is fully implemented in 2014, all Americans will be guaranteed full eligibility, regardless of any pre-existing health conditions – this benefit becomes effective this year for children under the age of 18. Also effective this year, young adults up to age 26 will be allowed to be covered by their parents’ family insurance plan. In 2014, all health insurance plans will be prohibited from imposing any cost limitations on lifetime coverage benefits. Calendar of Events 2010 Holiday Clinic Closings Monthly Staff Training Closings First Wednesday morning of every month. Clinic opens at 1 pm on these days. Heart Savers Classes To learn more about how to become a participant in the Heart Saver’s Program for Type II Diabetes, call Stacy Berg, CVD Case Manager at (918) 588-1900 ext. 3228. Nurturing Families Classes Classes are held every other Wednesday from 1-2 pm at the IHCRC Satellite office, 1630 S. Main in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome – expecting parents, new or experienced parents and grandparents! Snacks provided, childcare provided and transportation available. Prenatal parents eligible for car seat drawing (last Wednesday session of the month) and baby door prizes. For more information, contact Susan Dudley, Maternal and Early Childhood Case Manager at (918) 382-1292; LaToyia Williams, Healthy Start Case Manager at 382-1275; Elizabeth Duncklee, LCSW at 382-3237 or Margaret McIntosh, Prenatal Assistant at (918) 588-1900 ext. 4256. Tobacco Cessation Classes The IHCRC Health and Wellness Department will be offering a six-week smoking cessation class to be held on Wednesday evenings at the IHCRC Satellite Office, 1630 S. Main. Classes are held on Wednesdays from 5:307 pm. We ask participants to attend all six sessions. Interested participants are eligible to receive Chantix nicotine replacement therapy patches if they attend at least four of the six sessions. IHCRC will see patients on a one-on-one basis as well, if schedule permits. For more information or to enroll, contact Clayton Tselee at (918) 588-1900 ext. 2244. Council and Camp Fire Community Family Club The Native Nations Youth Council and Camp Fire Community Family Club meet on an ongoing basis. Contact Kerri at 588-1900, ext. 3219 for more information. Continued to next page Spring/Summer 2010 • 15 Childhood Obesity Task Force Unveils Action Plan: Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation O n May 11, 2010, the federal Childhood Obesity Task Force unveiled its action plan: “Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation.” In February, First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let’s Move! campaign to solve the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation. As part of this effort, President Barack Obama established the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to develop and implement an interagency plan that details a coordinated strategy, identifies key benchmarks, and outlines an action plan to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. “For the first time, the nation will have goals, benchmarks, and measureable outcomes that will help us tackle the childhood obesity epidemic one child, one family, and one community at a time,” Mrs. Obama said. “We want to marshal every resource – public and private sector, mayors and governors, parents and educators, business owners and health care providers, coaches and athletes – to Spring/Summer 2010 • 16 ensure that we are providing each and every child the happy, healthy future they deserve.” The action plan defines solving the problem of childhood obesity in a generation as returning to a childhood obesity rate of just 5 percent by 2030, which was the rate before childhood obesity first began to rise in the late 1970s. In total, the report presents a series of 70 specific recommendations, many of which can be implemented right away. Summarizing them broadly, they include: Getting children a healthy start on life, with good prenatal care for their parents; support for breastfeeding; adherence to limits on “screen time”; and quality child care settings with nutritious food and ample opportunity for young children to be physically active. Empowering parents and caregivers with more actionable messages about nutritional choices based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans; improved labels on food and menus that provide clear information to help parents make healthy choices for children; reduced marketing of unhealthy products to children; and improved health care services, including BMI measurement for all children. Providing healthy food in schools, through improvements in federally-supported school lunches and breakfasts; upgrading the nutritional quality of other foods sold in schools; and improving nutrition education and the overall health of the school environment. Getting children more physically active, through quality physical education, recess, and other IHCRC Native Nations Youth opportunities in and after school; addressing aspects of the “built environment” that make it difficult for children to walk or bike safely in their communities; and improving access to safe parks, playgrounds, and indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. Improving access to healthy, affordable food, by eliminating “food deserts” in urban and rural America; lowering the relative prices of healthier foods; developing or reformulating food products to be healthier; and reducing the incidence of hunger, which has been linked to obesity. NNYC will hold regular meetings on the first and third Thursday of the month, from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Youth Services of Tulsa Activity Center, located at 311 S. Madison Avenue, just a few blocks northwest of the IHCRC main clinic. Healthy food and refreshments will be provided. Upcoming events: July 16-20 – National UNITY Conference – San Diego. August 5 – NNYC Dinner and Discussion (6:30-8:30 pm). We will meet at the Youth Services of Tulsa Activity Center at 6pm for dinner and fellowship. The attendees at the National UNITY Conference will share their experiences at UNITY Conference and will lead a discussion about developing plans for fall activities for the Native Nations Youth Council. TBA – Honoring Our Elders Inaugural NNYC Golf Tournament (tentative). Concept is under development – event may be held in late summer. TBA – Back to School Gathering. Details still under development; event will be scheduled sometime before school resumes. Healthy Snacks Class Diabetes Facts Diabetes prevalence among Native Americans has reached epidemic proportions. Consider the following recent statistics from the Indian Health Service: •18.8% of American Indian and Alaska Native adults have been diagnosed with diabetes (compared with 8.7% of nonHispanic whites) •A 68% increase in diabetes has occurred from 1994 to 2004 among American Indian and Alaska Native youth aged 15-19 years •An estimated 30% of American Indians and Alaska Natives have pre-diabetes •The death rate due to diabetes for American Indians and Alaska Natives is three times higher as compared with the general U.S. population (2004) Source: Indian Health Service “Diabetes in American Indians and Alaska Natives: Facts At-a-Glance” ( June 2008) Learn how to make quick, easy, and healthy snacks! Classes are held once a month on the last Tuesday of the month. Classes are held at the IHCRC Satellite Office, 1630 S. Main. Contact Alison Forsythe (918) 588-1900, ext. 3216 with any questions. Kids Group Exercise This class will resume in September. If you want to meet other kids and get some exercise, this is your chance! Classes are held at Central Community Center every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 pm – except for the last Tuesday of the month when Snack Class is held instead (see above). Contact Alison Forsythe (918) 588-1900, ext. 3216 for answers to any questions. Walking Class DeAnna Douthit and Kay Meek will be hosting a walking class July 8 and 22. Class will be held at Centennial Park, located at 6th and Peoria, just across the street south of IHCRC. The class will include a walk and a tour of the Pearl Farmers Market. This class is open to all Health Education and Wellness department patients. Please call to reserve your place in class by calling 918-382-2226. Spring/Summer 2010 • 17 Mammography Department ExcelS By Edward E. Rogers, IHCRC Credentialing Coordinator Karen McAhren, Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, inspects the new digital x-ray equipment during installation. Spring/Summer 2010 • 18 For the second year in a row, Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC) is thrilled to announce again a dramatic increase in the number of Native American women who received a screening mammogram from our Diagnostic Imaging Department. This achievement was accomplished by Karen McAhren, ARRT, who was hired as IHCRC’s mammographer in January 2008. Under Karen’s leadership, IHCRC’s annual mammogram exam productivity increased the past two years to three times the level achieved in previous years. In 2008, 1,213 screening exams were conducted and in 2009, mammographic screening exams increased even further to 1,353. The dramatic increase in mammographic exams has helped ensure IHCRC patients are being adequately screened for breast cancer and referred for further diagnosis and treatment when needed. The significant increase in the number of mammogram exams helped pave the way for an increase in the annual grant funding received by IHCRC from the Tulsa Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure – up from $64,782 in 2008 and $105,089 in 2009 (for a 15-month project period), to $109,030 in 2010 (for a 12-month project period). IHCRC would like to extend its thanks for all of the support the Komen Tulsa Affiliate has shown to our organization since 2000. About Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Komen Tulsa Affiliate Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. The Tulsa Affiliate of Komen for the Cure is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community. They join more than a million breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Tulsa Race for the Cure, the Tulsa Affiliate has invested over $3.5 million in community breast health programs in Tulsa County. Up to 75 percent of net proceeds generated by the local Tulsa Affiliate stays in Tulsa. The remaining income goes to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure grants program to fund research. For more information, call (918) 744-5099 or visit www.komentulsa.org. Diagnostic Imaging Digitizes First Patient On June 2, Cherry L. Temple became our first patient to experience the newly installed, state-of-the-art digital x-ray equipment now being used in the Diagnostic Imaging Department of Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa. “It was amazing to see the automation and high tech movement and processing of this equipment. Once the x-ray technologist keyed in all of the information for my exam, it automatically tracked my position and took a series of images, as requested by my doctor at Indian Health Care. It was an awesome and enlightening experience,” said Cherry. Beth Conner, IHCRC Diagnostic Imaging Technologist, explains, “The new Carestream system is much more efficient than our previous filmbased photographic x-ray system. It produces highly detailed images and the execution from start to finish is exceptional. I believe this equipment will facilitate our department’s ability to handle more volume, while providing a higher quality of care for our patients.” Five of Carestream’s engineers – Kelly Hammack, Brandon Chambers, David Bonine, Randy Bigler and Robert Morley – installed and calibrated the new Kodak Carestream DIRECTVIEW Digital Radiography (DR 7500) digital x-ray equipment. Carestream Applications Specialist Kim Hubbert trained Karen McAhren, IHCRC’s Diagnostic Imaging Supervisor, Karly Fenscke, Diagnostic Imaging Clerk/Technologist and Beth on the correct usage of the new digital equipment. We are most appreciative of the philanthropic support provided by the H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust and the Mary K. Chapman Foundation and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Tulsa Affiliate to help finance our facility digital imaging equipment improvement project. Cherry L. Temple is our first patient to benefit from IHCRC’s new digital imaging equipment. Spring/Summer 2010 • 19 Benefits of digital radiology be used to assist in image analysis and diagnoses to get a more precise picture of a medical condition. • Reduced radiation exposure to patients. With digital radiology there’s less of a chance patients will need to be called back to retake images due to poor exposures. Digital radiography can reduce retakes by compensating for exposure variations. • Improvement in customer service. Kodak Carestream PACS / Dashboard The installation of the new digital x-ray and mammography systems at Indian Health Care represent achievement of a major milestone. The cost to convert all of our x-ray systems from film-based systems to digital imaging and record storage totaled nearly $1 million. The move to all digital imaging systems will be followed next year by IHCRC’s implementation of an electronic health record system. The benefits from digital radiology are significant. By moving to a filmless system, physicians are able to view the requested digital image on a desktop personal computer, just minutes after the examination is performed. The digital images can be easily viewed by physicians and specialists who are miles apart. This capability is particularly helpful when referrals must be made to area Indian hospitals or Medicaid/ Medicare providers for additional diagnosis and/or treatment. Conversion to digital imaging will complement IHCRC’s conversion to an electronic Spring/Summer 2010 • 20 health record system and adoption of telehealth technologies. Key benefits of digital radiography and mammography include: • Improved image quality. Easy-touse image processing tools such as contrast and color enhancement can By moving to a filmless system, physicians are able to view the requested digital image on a desktop personal computer, just minutes after the examination is performed. With instantaneous results, patients will have shorter wait times and improved communication with their physicians. Patients can have their x-rays or mammograms placed on a compact disk to take to another physician or hospital. • Simplifies film image storage and facilitates image retrieval. Since images are stored digitally, there is no film storage which saves physical space needed for conventional film storage. Films are no longer at risk of being lost – the stored images can be easily retrieved using basic computer file management technology. • Ability to share images. The physician can send digital images anywhere in the world electronically to be viewed on a workstation by another physician to secure their opinion. • Decrease in cost and improved productivity. No film, no chemicals, no hazardous waste, no darkroom. Daily film processor maintenance chores are eliminated. Transitions in Diagnostic Imaging It was with a heavy heart that the staff at Indian Health Care said goodbye to Ruth Simpson on April 30, 2010. In recognition of her outstanding service and commitment to IHCRC as an x-ray technician, Judy Gibson, CFO, presented Ruth with a Pendleton blanket at a going away ceremony held in her honor. This recognition was made to convey the respect the IHCRC management and staff have had for Ruth and her job performance at IHCRC. Ruth was hired in November 2004, as an x-ray tech in the Diagnostic Imaging department. Because of her pleasant demeanor, dedicated work ethic and team player attitude, Ruth quickly became a favorite of both staff and patients. All of the health providers knew that Ruth would provide a quality product and was not afraid to stay late or to do what was needed to get the job done. Ruth first came to IHCRC in June 2004 as a participant in the Senior Community Service Employment Program of AARP. This program is geared at providing seniors with recent work experience and new skills from which full time employment may be possible. We certainly found a winner when Ruth arrived at IHCRC. Upon her new retirement, Ruth has relocated to Arkansas, where she is helping take care of a family member. Ruth Simpson is presented a going away cake by Hope Cates and Gary Phippen. express my thanks to IHCRC for giving me this opportunity and to say that I will and already do miss Ruth very much and feel that I learned so much from her,” said Beth. Beth Conner, X-ray Technician Elizabeth “Beth” Conner, RT (R) joined IHCRC in July 2009 as the Diagnostic Imaging clerk and backup x-ray technician. On May 1, 2010, she was promoted to the X-ray Tech position. Beth graduated from the Tulsa Community College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Radiography/X-ray. She passed the ARRT Registry in May 2009 and is a Certified Registered Radiologic Technologist. Beth has a daughter named Abigail “Abi” Mackenzie. “I would like to Karly Fenscke, X-ray Tech and Diagnostic Imaging Clerk Karly Fenscke, RT (R) joined IHCRC in May of 2010 as the Diagnostic Imaging clerk and back up x-ray technician. She is 26 years old and has a threeyear-old son named Jake. Karly graduated from the Tulsa Community College in May of 2009 with an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Radiography/ X-ray. Karly passed the AART Registry in May 2009 and is a Certified Registered Radiologic Technologist. Raymond Arsee, MLT, Lab Technician Raymond “Ray” Arsee, MLT joined the IHCRC Medical Department in January as a lab technician. Ray comes to IHCRC from the Okmulgee Memorial Hospital where he worked as a Medical Lab Tech. Previously, he was employed as the Medical Technologist at the W. W. Hastings Indian Hospital and as a Medical Lab Tech/Coagulation Supervisor at the Okemah Community Hospital. Ray is licensed by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT). Ray received an Associates of Science in Medical Laboratory Tech from the Seminole State College where he earned placement on the Dean’s Academic Achievement List. He also attended the Northeastern State University (NSU) where he studied medical technology and chemistry. Ray enjoys drawing and painting and recently finished a tattoo design for a friend. He is also a huge car fanatic. He enjoys drawing/designing cars and working on cars, when he’s not busy enjoying sports or spending time with his family. Spring/Summer 2010 • 21 Spring/Summer 2010 • 22 Meet Dr. Yvette Roubideaux Director, Indian Health Service One year after her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the new Director of the Indian Health Service last May, Dr. Yvette Roubideaux has now been on the job since May 12, 2009. Yvette Roubideaux, MD, MPH, is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, South Dakota. The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is the principal federal health care advocate and provider for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The IHS was created in 1955 to deliver health services to Indian people in accord with the federal government’s trust responsibility to Indian Tribes, acknowledged in treaties, statutes, court decisions and Executive Orders. As the IHS Director, Dr. Roubideaux administers a $4 billion nationwide health care delivery program composed of 12 administrative Area (regional) Offices. The IHS is responsible for providing preventive, curative, and community health care to approximately 1.9 million of the nation’s 3.3 million American Indians and Alaska Natives in hospitals, clinics and other settings throughout the United States. Dr. Roubideaux previously worked for IHS for three years as a clinical director and medical officer at the San Carlos Service Unit on the San Carlos Apache Indian reservation in Arizona, and she worked for one year as a medical officer at the Hu Hu Kam Memorial Indian Hospital on the Gila River Indian reservation in Arizona. Dr. Roubideaux recently served as assistant professor of family and community medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. Dr. Roubideaux has conducted extensive research on American Indian health issues, with a focus on diabetes in American Indians/Alaska Natives and American Indian health policy. Dr. Roubideaux served as the co-director of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians Demonstration Projects, in which 66 American Indian and Alaska Native communities are implementing diabetes prevention and cardiovascular disease prevention initiatives. She also served as director of two University of Arizona programs designed to recruit American Indian and Alaska Native students into health and research professions. Dr. Roubideaux received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1989 and completed a residency program in primary care internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston in 1992. She completed her Master of Public Health degree at the Harvard School of Public Health in 1997. She also completed the Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy before transitioning to a career in academic medicine and public health. She is a past president of the Association of American Indian Physicians and co-editor of the American Public Health Association’s book “Promises to Keep: Public Health Policy for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the 21st Century.” She has authored several monographs and peer-reviewed publications on American Indian/Alaska Native health issues, research and policy. Sources: IHS Spring/Summer 2010 • 23 SoonerCare eligibility to go online with No Wrong Door In an effort to make it easier for eligible children and adults to receive SoonerCare health insurance coverage, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority has developed an online enrollment process called No Wrong Door. No Wrong Door is an online enrollment process that creates a single-point-ofentry eligibility intake to determine an applicant’s SoonerCare eligibility. With a projected “go live” startup in July, the No Wrong Door enrollment process will remove many obstacles and “open the door” to thousands of low-income, uninsured Oklahomans. With the new No Wrong Door system, IHCRC’s eligibility staff will Spring/Summer 2010 • 24 be able to enroll potential Native American SoonerCare children “on the spot” without need for the parent to supply any paperwork (the system is tied to state employment and other databases). It will even be possible for IHCRC to complete an enrollment or annual eligibility recertification over the telephone. Because there are no co-payments to use Oklahoma’s SoonerCare health system, this is one of the big “selling points” for Native American parents to enroll their children in SoonerCare. A child who enrolled in SoonerCare will gain access to a broad network of health services that are often very difficult to access through IHS contract health, including dental, behavioral health and medical specialists, and even access to hospital emergency rooms. Many working parents mistakenly think SoonerCare eligibility is available only for the unemployed or families with incomes below the federal poverty level. In fact, the children in a family of four with a household income of $40,000 a year are eligible for free SoonerCare health insurance. SoonerCare coverage is available for children of all ages, from infants to teenagers up to age 19. SoonerCare will also pay for prenatal care and family planning (birth control) services. SoonerCare health insurance New grant promotes enrollment in the Child Health Insurance Program By Russell Burkhart, IHCRC Director of Planning and Development IHCRC of Tulsa is one of 41 health programs operated by Indian tribes, tribal organizations and urban health Indian organizations recently awarded a federal grant to encourage Native children to enroll in state Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP). The grants were made by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help improve outreach and enrollment of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) uninsured children eligible for, but not enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. IHCRC received the maximum grant award of $300,000 for the three-year project. According to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, “There are thousands of uninsured American Indian and Alaska Native children across the country who are eligible for health coverage under Medicaid or CHIP, but not enrolled.” To be eligible for these grants, AI/AN health providers were required to demonstrate credibility with their local tribal and urban Indian communities in conducting outreach and enrollment activities. “We are glad to know that these grantees will be working in new ways to specifically reach out to American Indian and Alaska Native children and families,” said Cindy Mann, director of the CMS Center for Medicaid and State Operations. In addition to IHCRC, the Cherokee Nation, Northeastern Tribal Health System, Choctaw Nation and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe received grants to serve Oklahoma tribal members. Oklahoma has the eighth highest uninsured rate in the nation. In 2006, an estimated 85,000 children aged 18 and under had household incomes that qualified them for SoonerCare benefits, yet they were not enrolled. Melissa Still, CHIPRA Outreach Coordinator Melissa Still joined Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC) as the CHIPRA Project Coordinator in the Eligibility department in early June. The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) is designed to expand coverage to children without health insurance and to improve the quality of pediatric care. With the benefit of a CHIPRA grant, IHCRC conducts outreach to educate Native Americans about the benefits and availability of free SoonerCare health insurance available through the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Melissa comes to IHCRC from a medical spa in Fort Smith, Arkansas where she worked as the marketing director and also assisted the internal medicine doctor and the clinical aesthetician. During this time period, she earned and was issued an Esthetics license from the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology, a 600 hour program. Melissa graduated from the Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She attended the University of Arkansas where she obtained general education requirements. She transferred to John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas to complete her studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Management. Spring/Summer 2010 • 25 Restoring Harmony Pow Wow A Great Success By Tim Shadlow, IHCRC Indian Youth Program Coordinator and Tamara Newcomb, PhD, IHCRC GSRH System of Care/SONY Project Director O n Saturday, May 8, 2010, the Tulsa Indian Community Advisory Team (TICAT), the Strength & Restoring Harmony (GSRH) System of Care and the Native Nations Youth Council presented the 3rd Annual Restoring Harmony Pow Wow at the Westside YMCA. The Restoring Harmony Pow Wow was presented in partnership with Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa’s (IHCRC) GSRH System of Care and Strengthening Our Native Youth (SONY) Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention programs. The Restoring Harmony Pow Wow Spring/Summer 2010 • 26 is an annual celebration to recognize National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. Over 800 people attended the event including spectators, dancers, singers, volunteers, arts and crafts vendors and exhibitor booths. The pow wow was a great success, thanks to all of the community support and involvement. We could not have asked for a better day and location for our children and their families to be together around the arena. Emcees provide the energy necessary for a successful pow wow and IHCRC would like to thank our masters of ceremonies, Mr. Mark Wilson and Mr. Robby Boston, for providing that energy. As well, we want to give a special thank you to Mr. Rob Anquoe, Arena Director, for keeping the arena in rhythm while taking care of the drums, dancers and arena activities. Aho (thank you). We had several speakers (youth, elders and mental health professionals) throughout the day emphasizing the importance of mental health and its relation to overall wellness. Our keynote speakers were Ms. Carrie Slatton Hodges, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Jeff Tallent, Executive Director Intertribal Dancers (l-r): Savannah Waters (Head Girl Dancer), Josh Graham Badoni, Eligea Crowels and Jiles Pourier (Head Man Dancer). of the Evolution Foundation and Oklahoma Federation of Families consultant, and Ms. Jackie Shipp, ODMHSAS Director of Community Based Services. Mental health awareness messages were also posted on signs around the arena by members of the Native Nations Youth Council. This special day started with a Mental Health Awareness and Wellness Walk led by IHCRC Activity Specialist Kevin Heeney. Following the walk, Native American sports historian Mr. Matt Roberts (principal at Owasso High School) educated the group and celebrated the history of Native American athletes. Next up on the event program, the Euchee language program students demonstrated some unique and fun ways to teach their Native language. Following the language program presentation, the ceremonial activities got underway in the arena with gourd dancing. A prayer was offered for the host gourd dancer “Dwayne Cahwee” and his family, as they recently experienced the loss of a family member and were unable to attend. As is our custom, Native American people are always ready to help and we were fortunate to have a representative from the Pawnee Black Beard Descendants step up and assume the position of Head Gourd Dancer. A pow wow is not a pow wow without beautiful songs – a thousand Aho’s to Mr. Lance Goodfox, Head Singer and Ryan Goodfox, Head Youth singer. Mr. Joe Don Waters led the host Northern Drum, Tall Grass, and the Red Land drum group also represented the Northern Drum. Many songs were sung and members of the Native Nations Youth Council were invited and received the opportunity to sing with these well respected drum groups. We want to recognize and thank our Head Man and Lady dancers, Mr. Jiles T. Pourier and Ms. Claudia Tyner Little Axe. Also, special thanks go out to our Continued to next page Spring/Summer 2010 • 27 Head Boy and Girl dancers, Talon Ray Satepauhoodle and Savannah Jo Waters. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the pow wow staff for their tireless and dedicated commitment to the event. Every element of the event went smoothly including morning activities, afternoon gourd dancing, vendor and exhibitor booths, dinner, Grand Entry, and pow wow contest dancing. In closing, we would like to thank all of you for attending the 2010 Restoring Harmony Pow Wow and helping us bring awareness to and destigmatize mental health issues. Please walk in beauty and we’ll see you next year… Dance Contest Winners Golden Age Women 1st Place – Anoli Wood 2nd Place – Martha St. John 3rd Place – Claira McIntosh Junior/Teen Boys Fancy 1st Place – Thunder Lieb 2nd Place – Josh Badoni 3rd Place – Kyle Sine Many Thanks to our 2010 Restoring Harmony Pow Wow Sponsors Association of American Indian Physicians (AAIP) Billy Sims BBQ Carmelita Skeeter Community Service Council of Greater Tulsa Buffalo Nickel Creative Louis and Michelle Gray Flintco Construction Brittany Hill Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa Litefoot Enterprises Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma Osage Nation Counseling Center Pat Noah Pahsetopah family Parkside Psychiatric Hospital and Clinic Goldie Phillips Sand Springs Indian Education Parent Committee Shadow Mountain Behavioral Health/Eagle Creek Tulsa Indian Club Tulsa Two Spirits Society Dorcas Williams Joe Don Waters and family Westside Tulsa YMCA Wraparound Tulsa Youth Services of Tulsa 2010 Restoring Harmony Pow Wow Head Staff Head Singer: Lance Goodfox Head Youth Singer: Ryan Goodfox Head Northern Drum: Tallgrass Head Man Dancer: Jiles Pourier Head Lady Dancer: Talon Satepauhoodle Head Girl Dancer: Savannah Waters Head Gourd Dancer: Lorenzo Beard Head Youth Gourd Group: Pawnee Black Beard Descendants Master of Ceremonies: Mark Wilson Youth Master of Ceremonies: Robby Boston Arena Director: Rob Anquoe Color Guard: Muscogee Honor Guard Golden Age Men 1st Place – Gene Tsatoke 2nd Place – Jimmy Johnson 3rd Place – Charles Harjo Junior/Teen Girls Fancy & Jingle 1st Place – Tayloure Baker 2nd Place – Brionna Badoni 3rd Place – Camiyah Hooper Junior/Teen Girls Cloth 1st Place – Tara Goodfox 2nd Place – Cher Satepauhoodle 3rd Place – Avery LeClair Junior/Teen Girls Buckskin/Traditional 1st Place – Julie Wakeford 2nd Place – Nazhoni Tsosie 3rd Place – Amy Rudman Junior/Teen Boys Traditional/Grass 1st Place – Wolf Leitka 1st Place – Terrence Harjo 2nd Place – Zane Baker Junior/Teen Boys Straight 1st – Robert Pratt 2nd Place – Ian Shawnee 3rd Place – Forest Red Elk Spring/Summer 2010 • 28 Amos Satepauhoodle, Youth Fancy Dance contestant. Above: Mental Health Awareness and Wellness Walk participants. Below: Indian Princesses representing various community and tribal organizations. Spring/Summer 2010 • 29 Tiny Tot Dancers. Seminole Color Guard Representatives. Round Dance led by Jiles Pourier (Head Man Dancer) Addressing the mental health needs of young children and their families Young children experience mental health challenges that impact early learning, social interactions, and the overall well-being of their families. It is estimated that between 9% and 14% of children from birth to 5 years of age experience social and emotional problems that negatively affect their functioning and development. Among babies, signs of depression can include inconsolable crying, slow growth, and sleep problems. Mental health challenges among Spring/Summer 2010 • 30 young children occur within the context of early childhood growth and development, during which children develop self-control and learn to tolerate frustration. For example, although temper tantrums may be developmentally normal for toddlers, tantrums characterized by self-destructive behaviors or aggressive behavior toward people or property can indicate that emotional and behavioral problems are present. A young child who withdraws regularly from social situations and experiences fear when interacting with others may have mental health needs. Providing effective age-appropriate services and supports to young children and their families has immediate, as well as lifelong benefits. Young children who receive effective age-appropriate services and supports are more likely to complete high school, have fewer contacts with law enforcement and improve their ability to live independently. Systems of Care at IHCRC: The Systems of Care Approach Systems of care is a national service delivery model that uses a communitybased approach to promote positive mental health outcomes for children and youth from birth through 21 years of age and their families. The mental health symptoms of young children can also affect the wellbeing of their caregivers and families. Caregivers of young children entering systems of care report their own emotional well-being and family lives are often strained due to their child’s problems. The focus of systems of care to provide family-driven, culturally and linguistically competent, evidencebased services and supports is ideally suited to address the mental health needs of young children and their families. Systems of care facilitate coordination among each child’s service providers, including preschools, schools, child protective services, primary care, and mental health providers. Families partner with public and private organizations to develop individualized service plans for their children that build on child and family strengths to establish effective services and supports in the least restrictive settings possible. Tailoring mental health programs and services to individual child needs can promote the success of young children in preschool and school environments. Children who enter kindergarten with effective social skills generally have an easier time developing relationships with peers and do better in school. Young children’s social and emotional skills are strong predictors of academic success in the first grade. Systems of care help children, youth and families thrive at home, in school and in the community throughout their lives. The federal Systems of Care program is supported through funding provided by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Source: Edited from the report, Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Young Children and Their Families, released in 2010 by Health and Human Services, SAMHSA. http:// www.samhsa.gov/children/docs/MH_ Needs_Children_Families.pdf Gathering Strength and Restoring Harmony Through a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC) provides Systems of Care services to Native American children and youth with emotional and behavioral health needs. IHCRC developed its Gathering Strength & Restoring Harmony system of care with the input and guidance we received from local Indian community members who participated in our Circles of Care children’s behavioral health planning process conducted during 2005-2008. At IHCRC, we use the systems of care approach to create partnerships with mental health professionals, providers from community agencies (maybe a teacher or probation counselor) and friends of the family (could include relatives, neighbors, close friends, coworkers). Working together with the child and the family, the partners develop a tailored set of treatment and support services to meet the physical, emotional, social, educational needs of the child and family. The Gathering Strength & Restoring Harmony staff work closely with the family to identify the strengths of the youth and family and develop a set of supports. Families work closely with a Care Coordinator and Family Support Provider to identify natural supports and service providers to form a Family Team. The team works with the family to develop an individualized plan of care to assist in meeting the youth’s emotional, educational, intellectual, physical, family, cultural and social needs. Family strengths and culture are used to meet needs and reach goals. Above all, every family has ownership of the decisions that affect their lives. For more information about IHCRC’s Gathering Strength – Restoring Harmony program, contact Tamara Newcomb at 382-2201 or by email at [email protected]. Spring/Summer 2010 • 31 Andrea “Andie” Doyle, Donne W. Pitman, C.L. Henson and Jason Doyle. 20 Annual Dance of the Two Moons th By Edward E. Rogers, IHCRC Credentialing Coordinator The Dance of the Two Moons returned to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Saturday, April 24 with over 400 guests in attendance. Twenty years strong, the Dance of the Two Moons is the annual fundraising event of Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa. Monies raised at the Dance of the Two Moons support our pediatric programs. This year, the funds are helping support our summer wellness Spring/Summer 2010 • 32 camps and the Food for Life program. Our summer camps enable over 400 Native American children to attend one of IHCRC’s summer wellness camps at no cost. These camps provide a full schedule of team building, exercise and nutrition education activities for Native children. The Dance of the Two Moons featured an entertaining and enjoyable evening of activities. The event began with an exceptional dinner and silent auction, followed by traditional Native American dancing performed by Mike and Lisa Pahsetopah. A live auction was conducted by Dan Duckwall of Duckwall Auctions. As has been our recent custom, the Fabulous Mid-Life Crisis Band kept the party lively and our guests dancing. The 2010 Dance of the Two Moons Honoree was Mr. Donne Pitman, Manager, Chapman Foundations Management, LLC. The Chapman Foundations are strong supporters of Indian Health Care and recognize many children do not have guaranteed access to quality health care and health education activities. Mr. Pitman and the Chapman Foundations share IHCRC’s commitment to help reduce health disparities and promote healthy living. Guests joined in the honoring of our special guests with the presentation of either a Pendleton blanket or Native American shawl. Honorees included Mr. Donne Pitman, Mr. Bert Marshall, President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, and Mr. Brad Carter, Chief Operating Officer for Carter Healthcare. IHCRC also recognized several staff members, including Deanna Holman, Accounting Supervisor for over 25 years of service and Emily Bolusky, Public Relations Manager for her ongoing dedication and efforts to stage the Dance of the Two Moons. Donna Henry and Aquila Loftus provided photography services and Claude Denize monitored the auction table. Special guests in attendance were Ross Swimmer - Special Trustee for American Indians at the US Department of the Interior, C.L. Henson of Phoenix, Arizona previous Director of Administration, Office of Indian Education and Deputy Director at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, DC, and Rear Admiral Kevin Meeks Oklahoma City Area Director of the Indian Health Service. Beth Conner assisted with both the silent and live auctions. Volunteers make Dance of the Two Moons 20th Anniversary a memorable event By Edward Rogers, IHCRC Volunteer Coordinator I am very pleased to report 2010 was a record year for volunteer support and participation in the 20th annual Dance of the Two Moons held April 24 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa. Volunteer staff from Indian Health Care Resource Center, RSVP and the community stepped up in larger numbers than ever before to make the 2010 Dance of Two Moons a success. They got to work as early as midJanuary and stayed on task until the clean up was completed after the night of the event. As they are the brick, mortar and glue that facilitated and that held the event together, I would like to extend a special thank you to all who volunteered for this event. Highlights of this year’s recordsetting volunteer effort for the Dance of the Two Moons include: • Volunteers Kristen Treager, Patty Vogel and Ann F. Ellis spent 27 hours on the telephone making calls • • • • to request silent auction item donations 27 volunteers attended the preevent volunteer orientation and training session 41 volunteers assisted with the event set up 40 volunteers assisted during the event A total of 407 volunteer hours were contributed to coordinate and facilitate the event Spring/Summer 2010 • 33 2010 Dance of the Two Moons Honorary Chair Mr. Donne Pitman, Manager, Chapman Foundations Management, LLC Board Chairperson Dr. Jay Anderson Presenting Sponsor H.A. & Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust Premier Sponsor George Kaiser Family Foundation Wolf Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma Carter Healthcare, Inc. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Jim And Sharon Ruley Emily Bolusky, IHCRC PR Manager is honored with a shawl. Bear Sponsors Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. Public Service Company of Oklahoma Buffalo Sponsors Chickasaw Nation Oklahoma City Indian Clinic Delores Titchywy Sumner Turtle Sponsors Dr. Jay and Nancy Anderson Bacone College Jim and Janet Cameron Eller & Detrich, P.C. Flintco, Inc. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa Hille Foundation Marrs Electric Medical Professionals, LLC Regional Medical Lab Summit Bank Tulsa Housing Authority Ken Ray Underwood Law Offices Lee and David O. Marks, DDS, Nancy Anderson and Dr. Denny Southard. Dance of Two Moons attendees dance to the music of the Fabulous Mid Life Crisis Band. Spring/Summer 2010 • 34 2010 Dance of the Two Moons Coordination Donne Pitman, Honorary Chair Jay Anderson, DDS, Indian Health Care Board of Trustees Member Donna Birkenfeld, IHCRC Optometry Clerk Emily Bolusky, IHCRC Public Relations Manager Beth Conner, IHCRC Diagnostic Imaging Clerk Heather Curl, IHCRC Claims Clerk Claude Denize, PA-C, IHCRC Physician Assistant Susan Dudley-Spring, IHCRC Maternal and Early Childhood Case Manager Steve Eberle, IHCRC Community Food and Garden Coordinator Janice Edmiston, V.P., Indian Health Care Board of Trustees Ann F. Ellis, Community Volunteer Elizabeth Fair, IHCRC Medical Records Supervisor Judy Gibson, IHCRC CFO Eddie Hathcoat, IHCRC COO Brandi Hines, IHCRC Medical Receptionist Lead Angie Lanning, IHCRC Medical Assisstant Karen Rodgers, IHCRC Registered/Licensed Dietitian Edward E. Rogers, IHCRC Credentialing Coordinator Tim Shadlow, IHCRC Indian Youth Program Coordinator Holly Shinnen, PA-C, IHCRC Physician Assistant Nicky Shinnen, Community Volunteer Carmelita Skeeter, IHCRC CEO Shawn M. Williams, IHCRC Appointment Clerk Shirley Schelper, Billie Reeder with granddaughter and Jimmy Reeder. Donne Pitman, Honoree, is honored with a Pendleton blanket. Julia and Marcy Wakeford. David Haggard, MD with Margaret and Ross O. Swimmer. Spring/Summer 2010 • 35 Success Story: Surviving Loopy Lupus By Edward E. Rogers, IHCRC Credentialing Coordinator Two years ago Amber Reeder noticed the first symptoms of her disease. At first, she just didn’t feel quite herself or fully well. She felt tired and couldn’t sleep. For about nine months, she attributed her symptoms to the stress of going through a divorce and raising a seven-year-old son who was acting out because he didn’t understand her recent behaviors. It was after the onset of extreme hair loss, becoming more forgetful and experiencing pain from head to toe that finally grabbed her attention. While visiting her grandparents, Jimmy and Billie Reeder, she visited Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa (IHCRC) as a walk-in patient. It was then she met Claude Denize, PA-C, the physician assistant who was examining walk-in patients. “His concern concerned me. He ran a large panel of lab tests including a leukemia screen,” said Amber. Although the initial tests came back negative, Claude insisted they stay on top of the situation by continuing the diagnostic testing until they could identify the problem. Finally, Claude ran a lupus lab panel last September, which resulted in a Spring/Summer 2010 • 36 diagnosis of both systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. One of the symptoms of lupus is inflammation of the blood vessels of the brain which causes memory loss, extreme headaches and affects overall cognition. Since verbosity is a big part of Amber’s persona, she knew the disease was affecting her thought processes and communication skills. Lupus is a disease known for a rollercoaster ride of flare ups and remissions. Once Claude made the diagnosis, he started Amber on all medically appropriate treatments available at IHCRC – yet he knew being seen by a rheumatologist was still essential for her full recovery. Claude solicited the help of Eddie Hathcoat, IHCRC’s Chief Operating Officer to assist in making referrals to all qualifying clinics and hospitals in Oklahoma and several of the surrounding states – but all to no avail. Unwilling to accept failure, Claude and Eddie petitioned the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for a referral. They referred Amber to the Health Sciences Center of the University of Oklahoma (OU) where there is a whole department devoted to both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. (l-r): Eddie Hathcoat, Amber Reeder and Claude Denize, PA-C Initially, OU’s staff thought Claude had misdiagnosed Amber as having both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, as it is extremely rare to have both diseases. But in the end, the OU physicians agreed that Claude’s diagnosis was correct. Amber had her first appointment at OU in February, when she found out that she also had steroid induced diabetes. To control her symptoms, the OU staff prescribed a combination of weekly injectables that included steroids and immunosuppressants. These medications have enabled the health providers at OU and IHCRC to identify a flare up before it happens. This is key to Amber’s recovery since lupus is a disease known for a rollercoaster ride of flare ups and remissions. Since stress is a primary cause of flare ups, Amber has learned to control contributing factors in her life. She gets plenty of sleep. Many lupus patients require 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day. Through her journey, Amber has been able to educate her son and involve him in her treatment. She allows him to see her give herself insulin injections and keeps him informed with all of the ageappropriate information. Keeping her son involved and educated has greatly improved his behavioral issues, which stemmed from him not knowing or understanding her disease. Since February, Amber’s quality of life has dramatically improved. “Knowing your disease and your triggers are both key to your recovery. I have learned how to eat and drink differently. I have had to learn a whole new way of life. For example, I would not leave my home without my medications or supplements. I am so thankful for Claude and Eddie taking my case to heart and their assistance in paving a way for me to get treatment and from that a much improved lifestyle for me and my son. It has made a huge difference in my life,” said Amber. Spring/Summer 2010 • 37 July is National Picnic Month Nothing says summer, like a picnic in the park. Since July is National Picnic Month, what better time to pack up the fixings, fill the cooler with ice, load up the kids, and head to your favorite picnic spot. Whatever your plans, take care to prepare and transport food safely. Whether your picnic is an elaborate affair or a simple cook-out, a little planning will help prevent food borne illnesses. Follow these practical pointers to help ensure your food arrives safe at the plate. When transporting foods: • Plan ahead and try to take only what will be eaten so you won’t have to worry about leftovers. • Chill the food thoroughly before packing for your outing. • Keep food in the cooler until serving time. • Pack condiments in small containers rather than taking whole jars. • Do NOT partially precook meat or poultry before transporting. If it must be precooked, cook until done then chill thoroughly before packing in the cooler. • Put the cooler in the inside of the car rather than in the hot trunk 550 S. Peoria Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74120 918-588-1900 • www.ihcrc.org If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, contact Emily Bolusky at 918-382-1206 or [email protected]. • Keep the cooler in the shade. Use two coolers. Store food in one cooler and beverages in the other, as beverage cooler will be opened frequently. For safe grilling: • Be sure all utensils, plates, and cooking surfaces are clean, and your hands are washed well before handling food. • Leave raw meat in the cooler. Take only as much food out of the cooler as you’re going to cook right then. • Be sure that meats are cooked thoroughly. Check them with your thermometer. • Transfer cooked meat to a clean plate – never place cooked meat on a plate which held raw meat. • The USDA recommends fully cooking meats to ensure bacteria is destroyed. To be sure bacteria are destroyed, hamburgers and ribs should be cooked to 160° F or until the center is no longer pink and juices are clear. Cook ground poultry to 165° F and poultry parts to 180° F. Reheat pre-cooked meats until steaming hot. • Never reuse marinades that have come in contact with raw meat, chicken or fish, and do NOT put the cooked food back into the dish that contained the marinade. Leftovers? • Place leftover foods in the cooler promptly after grilling or serving. • Don’t let your food sit out on the picnic table for longer than 2 hours (one hour if temperature is over 90 degrees). Any food left outside for more than an hour should be discarded. Remember keep hot food hot and cold food cold. • And remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Source: University of California Cooperative Extension