January 2019 Newsletter

January 2019

Clinton Service Unit

Inside this issue: Joint Commission Readiness

Mission 2 The Clinton Service Unit (CSU) is expecting the Joint
Hand Washing 3 Commission Accreditation survey at any time between
Unused Meds 4 now and July 2019. The Joint Commission is an inde-
IHS Scholarship 6 pendent, not-for-profit organization, which accredits and
ELT Luncheon 7 certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and pro-
POP Awards 8

grams in the United States. The Joint Commission ac-

creditation and certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of quality reflecting an organiza-

tion’s commitment to meeting certain performance standards and provide safe and effective care of

the highest quality and value.

In addition to the accreditation survey that occurs every three years, CSU has applied for Primary
Care Medical Home (PCMH) certification. PCMH is a model of primary care based on five charac-
teristics: 1) Patient centered care 2) Comprehensive care 3) Coordinated care 4) Superb access to
care, and 5) System-based approach to quality and safety.

“The CSU embraced the PCMH model back Pictured above: PCMH brochure provided to patients during their visit.
in 2012 and will be expanding our focus are-
as to support the five characteristics of
PCMH,” said Andrea Klimo (A) administrative
officer. “Two of our focus areas for PCMH
certification are, but not limited to working
collaboratively with our patient to identify,
document, and track self-management goals
and identifying health literacy needs.” Pa-
tients will be provided with an informational
brochure on their PCMH teams at their visit.

Fulfilling the Mission and Vision

Indian Health Service Mission

To raise the physical mental, social, and spiritual health of
American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest level.

Clinton Service Unit Vision

To provide quality health care services focusing on
prevention, restoration and collaborative relationships that

are valued and “exceeds the needs” of our patients,
community, and tribal partners.

“The Indian Health Service (IHS) has always been a part of my life in one form or another,” said
Keith Ruminer, medical support assistant. “It has been a place of employment for myself, my moth-
er, and many other relatives. A consistent workplace where a solid future can be built for retirement.”

“Since being employed at the El Reno IHS, it has become more to
me than a job,” Ruminer went on to say. “Because of the many dif-
ferent areas of the medical field I have been exposed to, I have
learned to become a more patient person and a better listener. It
has taught me to be more compassionate with others.”

“I have been exposed to many tribal members from various tribes. Keith Ruminer
This has given me the opportunity to be a listening ear and helper
to them. Since I have started, I have met many wonderful people in
the system, including patients and fellow employees. It is my goal
to stay working with the IHS as long as it is possible and to contin-
ue to learn and work among the various American Indian/Alaska
Native tribes with their health care needs, whether it be medical,
mental, social, or spiritual.”

Page 2

Hand Washing

 Cleaning your hands is one of the best
ways to prevent germs from spreading.

 Washing your hands often can prevent
germs that cause illness from spreading
to your family, friends, and community.

When should I wash my hands?

Before, During, and After Preparing Food
Before Eating

After Caring for an Ill Person
After Playing with Animals
After Being Outside
After Going to the Bathroom
After Changing a Diaper
After Sneezing or Coughing
After Blowing your Nose

When your Hands are Visibly Dirty

How should I wash my hands?

1. Wet your hands under running water.
2. Add some soap and lather your hands on

top, bottom, and in between fingers for at
least 20 seconds.
3. Rinse our hands with running water and
dry them with a paper towel.
4. Use a paper towel to turn off the sink and
open the door to exit the bathroom.

Page 3

Time to clean out the
medicine cabinet

Many of us have resolutions to kick the new year off by getting organized. The start of a new year is
a great time to clean out the medicine cabinet.

For many of us, if we open up the medicine cabinet, we may find some old prescription bottles or
maybe some leftover medication we think may come in useful someday. However, these medica-
tions may have expired and may cause more harm than good. They may lose their effectiveness, or
in some cases they may become toxic. Certain medications may even have the potential to be ad-
dictive, such as opioid pain medications.

Many pill bottles look the same. Keeping old medication bottles around the house may increase the
chance of confusing this medication with another prescription, and a person may accidentally take
the wrong medication. Self-medicating with old prescription may cause serious harm and damage to
your body. All prescribed medications need to be monitored by a provider. Old prescriptions may
have a serious interaction with a new prescription you may currently be on.

It’s hard to imagine, but you can prevent intentional or accidental use by others through disposing of
old medications and keeping current prescriptions locked up. People who misuse prescription drugs
often go through the medicine cabinets of friends and family members.

When cleaning out the medicine cabinet, start by checking the dates. Examine everything, including
prescriptions, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Discard of any
item beyond the expiration date. Ditch any items that changed color, smell, or taste. This includes
any faded colors due to sunlight exposure. If a medication is no longer in its original container and
cannot be identified, get rid of it.

Use caution when getting rid of old or unused medication. Dispose of medication properly. Do not
simply throw it out or flush medication down the toilet. Bring these medications to any of CSU’s
three clinical facilities at Clinton, El Reno, or Watonga Indian Health Centers and expose of them in
our green medication DropBox. (Medication continued on page 5)

Page 4

(Medication continued…)

If you’re unable to come into a CSU facilities to dispose of unused or unwanted medications, look for
a drug take back program in your community. Check with local law enforcement officials to find a lo-
cation near you or with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to find a DEA-authorized
collector in your community at https://takebackday.dea.gov.

If you’re not able to locate a drug take back site close to you, almost all medicines can be thrown in-
to your household trash. These include prescription and over-the-counter drugs in pills, liquids,
drops, patches, creams, and inhalers.

Follow the steps below recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

1. Remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable,
such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to
children and pets, and unrecognizable to someone who might intentionally go through the
trash looking for drugs.

2. Put the mixture in something you can close (a re-sealable zipper storage bag, empty can,
or other container) to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out.

3. Throw the container in the garbage.

4. Scratch out all your personal information on the empty medicine packaging to protect your
identity and privacy. Throw the packaging away.

If you have questions about medication disposal, ask your CSU pharmacist.

El Reno Indian Health Center Clinton Indian Health Center Watonga Indian Health Center
Pharmacists (pictured left to right): Pharmacists (pictured left to right): Pharmacist Annie Frymire.
Brett Whitehead, Bethany Johnson, Cody Crouch, Julie Boese, Rebecca Geiger,
Narcisso Soliz, and Amanda Haggard Page 5
and Sara Carter

Renew by February 28, 2019
New applications by March 28, 2019

The Indian Health Service (IHS) offers three scholarships for American Indian and Alaska Native
students in order to educate and train health professionals to staff Indian health programs. We strive
to develop our next generation of leaders, as well as help make the pursuit of a meaningful career in

Indian health attainable for American Indian and Alaska Native students.
Apply now for the IHS Scholarship Program.

Visit https://www.ihs.gov/scholarship/ for more details.

Page 6

Executive Leadership Hosts
Employee Appreciation Lunch

The CSU Executive Leadership Team hosted an appreciation luncheon on January ## for staff of
Clinton Indian Health Center. The luncheon was a way to show appreciation and thank staff for their
dedication, service, and commitment to the mission during government shutdown.

Page 7

CSU “POP” Stars

Personal Outstanding Performance

The “POP” Award recognizes CSU employees who exhibit
“Personal Outstanding Performance”. It is designed to encourage and acknowledge

employees for their everyday efforts and customer service.
Congratulations to all of our POP Stars!

Brianna Sands

“I would like to recognize Brianna Sands,” said Vickey Fletcher, lab supervisor. “She has done an
EXCEPTIONAL job cleaning the laboratory. Brianna goes above and beyond in her duties. Any time

I have requested her to clean something, she does it graciously. Earlier this month, she worked a
Saturday and cleaned the lab’s floors. She did such an amazing job! The floors were literally spar-

kling clean. I don’t know the last time I noticed the floors this clean!”

Zach Smith

“I would like to thank Zach Smith for always being willing to lend a hand when his services are
needed,” said Deborah Weaselbear. “He always has a smile on his face when I see him. It is really
admirable how he always gets the job done from conception to completion. The pride he takes in his

work is truly inspiring. His work ethic speaks for itself.”

“I would like to nominate Zach Smith for his wiliness to help me clean up after fundraising events
(for the Pow-Wow Committee), “ said Billie Kionute, Pow-Wow Committee chair. “He always has a

positive attitude and I always see him helping out others as well. Good job Zach!”

“I would like to write Zach a POP award due to his incredible effort in showing kind customer ser-
vice,” said Michael Meeks. “Anytime I meet him in the hallway, he stops to ask you about your day. I
always see him greeting patients and other staff members as he works. I think this small effort and

conversations makes everyone's’ day better!”

Alexis Arriaga

“I would like to recognize Alexis for advising me in the correct process and information on
Purchased/Referred Care,” said Elverna Spottedwolf, dental assistant supervisor. “She took the

time to explain to me what is needed to complete the steps in PRC eligibility. She explained
thoroughly and listened.”

Page 8

From the Mailbag...

To Marlene Pratt of El Reno Indian Health Center,
“I want to express my gratitude to you and your office mates,” said El Reno

Patient. “Your professionalism and courtesy is wonderful.
It felt like home and meant a lot to me.”

Page 9

The flu vaccine is offered at any of CSU’s
three facilities. Appointments are not needed.

Stop by the clinic or pharmacy to receive
your flu shot today!

The flu vaccine is recommended for all
people six months of age and older.

Page 10

Don’t be a “No Show”
Please make the call!

When you cancel the appointment you can’t keep,
We can provide care to another patient.

Page 11

For the privacy of our patients,
no photography or video is allowed
in the facilities of Clinton Service Unit.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For when the unexpected happens...

Clinton’s Saturday Convenient Care Clinic

9 am to 1 pm

Walk-ins Only
No appointment needed

Clinton’s Saturday Convenient Care Clinic provides treatment for minor medical needs:

Sore Throat Eye and Skin Infections Earaches
Insect Bites and Rashes Sinus Congestion Minor Cuts and Wounds
Cough Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea Fever
Pregnancy Tests Bladder Infections Allergies

Chronic health needs such as diabetes, follow-up appointments, routine prenatal care, pain management, and chronic medication refill renewals
will require an appointment in the primary care clinic, and will not be seen in the Saturday Convenient Care Clinic.

Page 12

Clinton Service Unit

Phone Directory

CLINTON INDIAN HEALTH CENTER (580) 331-3300
10321 N. 2274 Road ~ Clinton, OK ~ 73601

Request to establish chart: (580) 331-3369

Cedar Medical Home SweetGrass Medical Home Willow Medical Home

Dr. Nakia & Michelle Beshaw Dr. Maqbool & Jessica Van Den Berg Dr. Egan, Dr. Hartnett
Apts: (580) 331-3424 Apts: (580) 331-3412 & Dr. Mejias
Nurse: (580) 331-3424 Nurse: (580) 331-3412 Apts: (580) 331-3466
PRC: (580) 331-3363 PRC: (580) 331-3513 Nurse: (580) 331-3466
(580) 331-3420 PRC: (580) 331-3307
DEPARTMENTS
Audiology: (580)331-3482 Chiropractic: (580) 331-3439
Dental: (580) 331-3423 Behavioral Health: (580) 331-3485 Optometry: (580) 331-3413
Pharmacy: (580) 331-3351 Nutrition: (580) 331-3458 Podiatry: (580) 331-3439
PHN: (580) 331-3471 Physical Therapy: (580) 331-3439 Radiology: (580) 331-3415
Release of Info: (580) 331-3377 PRC: (580)331-3590
Wound Care: (580) 331-3439

EL RENO INDIAN HEALTH CENTER (405) 234-8400
1801 Parkview Drive ~ El Reno, OK ~ 73036

Request to establish chart: (580) 331-3369

Eagle Medical Home Otter Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Garcia & Monica Halcomb Dr. Renshaw & Fayth-An Hope Gray Dr. Mejias
Apts: (405) 234-8411 Apts: (405) 234-8411 Apts: (405) 234-8411
Nurse: (405) 234-8411 Nurse: (405) 234-8411 Nurse: (405) 234-8411
PRC: (580) 331-3336 PRC: (580) 331-3419 PRC: (580) 331-3419

Behavioral Health: (405) 234-8426 DEPARTMENTS PHN: (405) 234-8430
PRC: (580) 331-3590 Specialty: (580) 234-8402
Pharmacy: (405) 234-8423
Release of Info: (405) 234-8403

WATONGA INDIAN HEALTH CENTER (580) 623-4991
1305 S. Clarence Nash Boulevard ~ Watonga, OK ~ 73772

Request to establish chart: (580) 623-4991 ext. 3000

Turtle Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Ali Dr. Mejias

Apts: (580) 623-4991 Apts: (580) 623-4991
Nurse: (580) 623-4991 Nurse: (580) 623-4991
PRC: (580) 331-3336 PRC: (580) 331-3307

Pharmacy: (405) 623-4991 DEPARTMENTS PRC: (580)331-3590

PHN: (580) 623-4991
Release of Info: (405) 234-8403

Page 13

Sign up for Text Message
Appointment Reminders

Clinton Patients may opt-in to text message appointment reminders at any of
Service Unit Clinton Service Unit’s three clinical facilities. Receive fast and convenient

CLINTON communication on your next visit at the tip of your finger tips.

10321 N. 2274 Road To receive text message appointment reminders, request the text
Clinton, OK 73601 message “opt-in” form from registration. Those who opt in for a text
(580) 331.3300 message appointment reminder will not receive a phone call reminder in
conjunction with the text. Parents may opt-in to receive a text message
Cedar (580) 331.3424
Sage (580) 331.3389 reminder for their child’s appointments as well.
SweetGrass (580) 331.3376
Peds (580) 331.3466 Tell us how we’re doing...
Fax (580) 323.2579
Hours of Operation We invite you tell us how we’re doing and take
our short online patient survey.
Monday—Friday
8 am to 5 pm For a paper copy, please stop by registration.
Saturday
2019 CSU Patient Survey
Convenient Care Clinic
9 am to 1 pm https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSUPatientSurvey

EL RENO CSU VISION

1801 Parkview Drive Provide quality health care services focusing on prevention, restoration and
El Reno, OK 73036 collaborative relationships that are valued and “exceed the needs” of our
patients, community and tribal partners.
(405) 234.8400
Eagle, Otter & Peds

(405) 234.8411
Fax (405) 234-8435
Hours of Operation

Monday—Friday
8 am to 5 pm

WATONGA

1305 S Clarence Nash Blvd.
Watonga, OK 73772
(580) 623-4991
Turtle & Peds
(580) 623-4991
Fax (580) 623-5490
Hours of Operation
Monday — Friday
8 am to 5 pm