2018 May Newsletter

May 2018

Clinton Service Unit

Inside this issue: 7th Annual Community Baby Event

IHS Mission 2 Native American women and families of those who are expecting to have a baby or those with a little one
Brockmeier 3 under 24 months of age were invited to Clinton Service Unit’s (CSU) seventh annual Community Baby Event
Quarterly Awards 4 held on May 22nd at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Clinton Community Center.

Watonga Listening 6 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate—the number
of babies who do not live to their first birthday—is among the top ten highest in the country with a rate of eight
Nurses Week 7 infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The Community Baby Event is a partnership with tribal and community
organizations to provide accurate health information and to positively impact factors to assist in lowering the
Welcome 8 infant mortality rate in Oklahoma.

Mail Bag 9 Medical experts and 22 health vendors provided educational opportunities and answered family health ques-
tions to keep both moms and babies healthy before, during, and after pregnancy. The event featured a series
Mental Health 10

POP Awards 11

Directory 13

of short presentations by staff from both CSU and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Tradition Not Addiction

program. Participants were divided into small groups to provide a more intimate setting and allow for greater

audience participation. Families were informed on the importance of well baby visits, the myths and challeng-

es surrounding breastfeeding, why propping a bottle to feed a baby is not a good idea, the importance of den-

tal health at an early age, and safe sleep practices to help protect babies from sudden infant death syndrome (also called SIDS) and

other dangers.

Nationally Certified Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) staffed by the Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Environmental
Health and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Transportation Safety Program were onsite to offer a Car Seat Checkup booth. The CPSTs
checked and installed 28 car seats and distrib-
uted 19 new car seats. “There were many in-
stallation errors identified and corrected by the
CPSTs,” said David Bales, CPST. “The correc-
tions reduced the likelihood and/or severity of
injuries in the event of a motor vehicle crash”.

The mission of the Community Baby Event is to Pictured above (pictured left): David Bales, certified passenger safety technician, installs car
ensure Native American babies in Oklahoma seats. (Pictured right) Jessica Van Den Berg, nurse practitioner, and Susan Bedwell, public
are healthy and safe. It is modeled after an evi-
denced-based community initiative promoted health nurse, team to talk to participants on caring for baby.
by the National Office of Minority Health and
Department of Health
and Human Services.

Fulfilling the Indian Health Service Mission

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

In loving memory of our friend, coworker, and El Reno “Mom”.

Donna Rush

Sunup Sundown
June 22, 1952 May 1, 2018

“Several months ago, I asked a few staff members what their why was and what our (IHS) mission meant to them,” said Andrea
Jackson, facility unit director for El Reno and Watonga Indian Health Centers. “Donna was one of the staff members I spoke with
and I think I took her off guard with my question (I’m pretty sure I interrupted her juggling numerous things). She did not really say

much, but said she promised she would get back with me.”

“Fast forward to May 2,” said Jackson. “I cleared out Donna’s locker to take her belongings to her family. As I cleaned out her
items, I was punched right in the gut with how profoundly she was speaking to me in that moment. I continued filling two boxes
with things. What struck me was in that locker, there was not one single item that was for her or her own use (and that locker was
FULL). What I found was, pixie sticks and juice for our patients whose blood sugar may be crashing; suckers to calm our pediatric
patients; soup for those who may have forgotten to eat; little toys for the kiddos; new blankets for patients who may be cold and

not have something warm at home; and the list goes on. It was like she was saying here it is… this is my why.”

“Donna had indeed finally gotten back with me as she promised. She committed each day to humbly serving others in any way she
could, without ever needing anyone to know she was going above and beyond in each simple act she did.”

“Maybe your why isn’t explained well in words, but as for myself, I will make every effort to show my why in what I do.”

“Go. And do. Others will follow.”

Page 2

Dr. Brockmeier Retires

On April 27, CSU honored the retirement of Dr. Daniel Brockmeier for the 26 years of dental care he provided to Indian Health Service
(IHS).
Dr. Brockmeier started his dental career with IHS at Wewoka Indian Health Center, where he served for seven years. In 1998, he
transferred to Clinton Service Unit (CSU) to become the Chief Dental Officer of the El Reno Indian Health Center (ERIHC). While at
ERIHC, Dr. Brockmeier led his team in being the first in the Oklahoma Area to implement digital dental radiography, which increased
the diagnostic quality of images and decreased patients’ radiation exposure.
In 2007, Dr. Brockmeier transferred to Clinton Indian Health Center to assume the role of CSU Dental Chief and oversee the Dental
Departments of Clinton, El Reno and Watonga Indian Health Centers. He established CSU as a training site for dental students from
the University of Oklahoma and Baylor University. Dr. Brockmeier introduced laser dental treatment to CSU and formed the Denture
Program to provide full and partial dentures for those in need. In 2014, Dr. Brockmeier transferred to the Watonga Indian Health
Center, where he served for the remainder of his career.

Page 3

Clinton Service Unit

Quarterly Awards

Each quarter, the Clinton Service Unit (CSU) honors members of our staff who advance the Indian Health Service mission in the work
they do. The Employee of the Quarter, Above and Beyond, and Outstanding Customer Service awards are intended to pay tribute to
the great work performed by CSU employees each and every day.

Afton Luttrell

Employee of the Quarter

Afton Luttrell, medical support assistant of the Behavioral Health Department, is the
CSU Employee of the Quarter. “Afton exemplifies going above and beyond,” said Dr.
Lahoma Shultz, supervisory clinical psychologist. “Not only does she provide excellent
service to the providers, patients and community partners, she consistently receives
requests for assistance from consumers outside of our clinic. She has assisted commu-
nity hospitals and other outside entities needing assistance for their patients, whether or
not they are also a patient of ours.”

Recently, Luttrell received a call from a hospital administrator in northwest Oklahoma,
who had a patient in a crisis. The family was in need of follow-up care, but the hospital
was unaware of any feasible services. They called CSU’s Behavioral Health Depart-
ment, as the patient was of American Indian descent. Luttrell assisted the administrator
by searching the internet and making follow-up calls to determine what services might
be of benefit. She followed-up with the hospital administrator and family of the patient by
providing them with the needed information. Both the hospital and the family expressed
their appreciation for her assistance. “This is a perfect example of her going above and
beyond her regular duties,” said Dr. Schultz. “She does this on a regular basis”.

There are many days in which Luttrell assists four or more people in need such as the example given. “When we have people with
suicidal ideation or intent, she not only informs the providers of the situation, but begins making calls for the services needed in these
situations.”

Luttrell has a strong working relationship with the Integrated Behavioral Health providers and consistently works with them to assist
with patients in emergent situations. She has a strong working relationship with CSU’s Telehealth Psychiatrists and consistently works
to assist their patients in need of medication on days in which the psychiatrists are not present in our clinic.

“She conducts her duties and responsibilities with a smile on her face and a smile in her voice,” Dr. Shultz went on to say. “Our pa-
tients love her!”

Page 4

Cristi Cullum

Above and Beyond

Cristi Cullum, licensed practical nurse (LPN) of the El Reno Indian Health Center, re-
ceived CSU’s Above and Beyond Award for her willingness to help when called upon.

“We have recently had a number of new patients requiring ostomy supplies,” said Brett
Whitehead, chief of pharmacy for El Reno Indian Health Center. “For patients who do not
have outside resources, the needed supplies are ordered though the pharmacy. As this is
an area completely foreign to the pharmacy staff, Ms. Cullum has been extremely helpful
in identifying what exact products these patients need and getting the item number for
pharmacy to order the supplies”.

Cullum has willingly offered her expertise in this area, and has gone above and beyond
her normal duties as a LPN.

Scott Kellogg

Outstanding Customer Service

Scott Kellogg, dental assistant for the Clinton Indian Health Center, is the recipi-
ent of CSU’s Outstanding Customer Service Award.

Kellogg has been with CSU for five years. “In the years Scott has been here, he
has established positive customer care service with our Dental Customers,”
said Elverna Spottedwolf, supervisory dental assistant for Clinton Indian Health
Center. “The interaction he has with our dental patients has brought to light the
compassion he has for his work. Scott takes the dedication into the response
time he gives to our customers.”

Kellogg quickly attends to customers wants and needs. He reviews their last
visit, listens to the patient, and communicates with the provider as to what the
patient may have going on. Kellogg does not hesitate to bring the next patient
back to the dental clinic. “He states he wouldn't want to be waiting as a patient if
he was in the lobby,” said Spottedwolf.

Kellogg goes out of his way to help patients who may need extra assistance.
“Scott will assist a dental patient out of the wheel chair and into the dental chair.
This takes strength, determination and endurance to attempt. Let alone, Scott
will go that extra mile!”

Page 5

Watonga

Community Listening Event

The Watonga community came together the evening of May 29th for a Listening Event at the Watonga Community Building.
Administration of Clinton Service Unit (CSU) and department staff were in attendance to provide an opportunity for community
members to express concerns, ask questions, and learn of the health care services available within CSU.

As participants enjoyed a barbeque dinner, provided by the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Health Board, Pharmacist Rebecca
Geiger spoke on health literacy and the importance of patients taking an active role in their health care by using the “Ask Me 3”
questions during health visits. Ask Me 3 encourages patients to ask their provider, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider
questions to better understand their health. Patients are encouraged to ask: 1) What is my main problem; 2) What do I need to do;
and 3) Why is it important for me to do this.

Community members were encouraged to visit the information booths provided by departments within CSU. Public Health Nursing
provided blood sugar and blood pressure checks, and the Dental furnished fluoride varnish.

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 6

Nurses are the heart of health care and Clinton Service Unit (CSU) honored the contributions our nurses provide during National
Nurses Week, May 6-12. The theme for 2018 is Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence. This perfectly describes what our nurses do
every day. Thank you to each of our nurses for the service you provide!

Clinton Indian Health Center Nursing Team

El Reno Indian Health Center Watonga Indian Health Center
Nursing Team Nursing Team

Page 7

WELCOME!

CSU’s Newest Team Members

Wilma Big Medicine
Medical Support Assistant
Health Information Management

El Reno Indian Health Center

Chealsi Wilder Teresa Lynch
Medical Assistant Licensed Practical Nurse
Purchase/Referred Care El Reno Indian Health Center
Clinton Indian Health Center

Page 8

From the Mailbag...

To my IHS Family,
I want to thank you for the prayers, thoughts, and money you helped me with to go to Chicago
on. The Purchase/Referred Care and IHS Pow-Wow Committee (Tammy Seger, Mary Youngbull,
Caroline Plummer, Leslie Panana, Tracy George, and Sheila Fuller). We are so thankful for the
help you gave us. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. I am keeping you in my prayers.
Sonny Redshin, C-2 legislature of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, I am very appreciative of
the help of our Tribal employees and the help with monetary contributions. We as a family are
very, very thankful. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. I am so blessed to
know so many wonderful people. Thank you for your generosity, your wonderful thoughts and
prayers. It never goes unappreciated.
Thank you to my family and friends. I truly love you all. Continue to pray for me.
Sincerely,
Norma Bearshield and Family

“Purchase/Referred Care scheduled my appointment fast, before I was ready,” said patient of
Clinton Indian Health Center Patient. “My referral was approved on a Wednesday and
scheduled by the following Monday.”

“CSU is the only service unit to let us know within three business days if a service will be
denied,” said Integris Billing Department.

“I was very impressed with the podiatrist (Dr. Warrick),” said patient of Clinton Indian Health
Center. “He was very thorough.”

“Very clean and friendly staff,” said patient of Clinton Indian Health Center.
“Very helpful with the medical treatment I needed today.”

“My experience was an A plus”, said patient of Clinton Indian Health Center.
“Excellent podiatrist and staff in Physical Therapy.”

“The Clinton Indian Health Center has been amazing to me and my family, I’ve been impressed!”

Page 9

May Mental Health Awareness

Daily Tips for Mental Health

When we talk about health, we cannot just focus on heart health or diabetes. We need to focus on the whole
health of a person, including mental health. The month of May is Mental Health Month. There are little (but im-
pactful) things you can do every day to improve mental health.

 First thing in the morning tell yourself: “Today is going to be a good day” 12
 Look up recipes and the benefits on infused water and experiment with it2
 Try to find the good in everything by thinking positive in all situations all day
 Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for13
 Reminisce with a friend about old memories
 Drink at least eight cups of water throughout the day and watch your energy level14
 Smile at everyone you pass during the day. It can change someone’s day and brighten yours
 Tell someone how much you appreciate them by either by a letter or phone call
 Clean up your closet and get rid of things you don’t use anymore5
 Play a card game, it helps with memory and is a good brain exercise
 Make a play list of uplifting and relaxing songs or listen to your favorite song and look up the lyrics26
 Give yourself three compliments
 Write your thoughts in a journal17
 Visit an elder and ask questions about his or her past experiences
 Give two people compliments. It will make them happy and you will feel good too28
 Spend time with family.
 Go for a walk or a bike ride and pay attention to what you hear, see, smell

and feel29
 Do a good deed for someone.
 Close your eyes and imagine the perfect day. Write down what that looks

like

Page 10

CSU “POP” Stars

Personal Outstanding Performance

The “POP” Award recognizes Clinton Service Unit 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!

Purchase/Referred Care

“The Purchase/Referred Care (PRC) team is recognized for their hard work, determination, and
willingness to streamline the process in PRC,” said Julie Hoover, director of CSU PRC. “The team
won their second National Directors Award in four years. The whole department helped with this
recognition along with their daily requirements. The staff was able to bring the number of self refer-
rals from 2,100 down to 110. The average days to process was 209 days and is now down to 24
days. The team work of this department has grown to be phenomenal. On any given day, you will
see someone doing a task to help or ease the burden of a coworker. Patients and vendors praise

the improvements in the department.”

Angela Silverhorn, Alyssa Barcindebar, and Alisa Vincent

“When the Indian Health Service Oklahoma City Area Office called to request assistance to set up
a program for PRC approval, denials and deferrals, Angela Silverhorn, Alyssa Barcindebar, and
Alisa Vincent were called on to help,” said Julie Hoover, director of CSU PRC. “Area praised their
professionalism, knowledge, and willingness to assist and teach. These women were needed for
three days. Being out of our department was an impact felt immediately. However, these ladies
worked evenings and Saturday to catch-up on the duties they were unable to do while away. Their

dedication to the patients, department, and CSU is incredible.”

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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 Pediatrics

Michelle Beshaw Dr. Maqbool & Jessica Van Den Berg Dr. Egan & Dr. Hartnett
Appointments: (580) 331-3424 Appointments: (580) 331-3412 Appointments: (580) 331-3466
Nursing: (580) 331-3424 Nursing: (580) 331-3412 Nursing: (580) 331-3466
PRC: (580) 331-3363 PRC: (580) 331-3513 PRC: (580) 331-3405

Audiology: (580)331-3482 DEPARTMENTS Chiropractic: (580) 331-3439
Dental: (580) 331-3423 Optometry: (580) 331-3413
Pharmacy: (580) 331-3351 Behavioral Health: (580) 331-3485 Podiatry: (580) 331-3439
PHN: (580) 331-3471 Nutrition: (580) 331-3458 Radiology: (580) 331-3415
Release of Info: (580) 331-3377 Physical Therapy: (580) 331-3439
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) (Dr. Renshaw) (Dr. Mejias)
Appointments: (405) 234-8411 Appointments: (405) 234-8411 Appointments: (405) 234-8411
Nursing: (405) 234-8411 Nursing: (405) 234-8411 Nursing: (405) 234-8411
PRC: (580) 331-3420 PRC: (580) 331-3419 PRC: (580) 331-3405

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)
Appointments: (580) 623-4991 Appointments: (580) 623-4991
Nursing: (580) 623-4991 Nursing: (580) 623-4991
PRC: (580) 331-3420 PRC: (580) 331-3405

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

PHN: (580) 623-4991

Release of Info: (405) 234-8403

Page 13

Page 14

Good Questions
for Your Good Health

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist,
use the Ask Me 3 questions to better understand your health.

Clinton
Service Unit

CLINTON What is my main problem?
What do I need to do?
10321 N. 2274 Road
Clinton, OK 73601 Why is it important for me to do this?
(580) 331.3300
Tell us how we’re doing...
Cedar (580) 331.3424
Sage (580) 331.3389 We invite you tell us how we’re doing and take
SweetGrass (580) 331.3376 our short online patient survey.
Peds (580) 331.3466
Fax (580) 323.2579 For a paper copy, please stop by registration.
Hours of Operation
2018 CSU Patient Survey
Monday—Friday
8 am to 5 pm https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSUPatientSurvey
Saturday
CSU VISION
Convenient Care Clinic
9 am to 1 pm Provide quality health care services focusing on prevention, restoration and
collaborative relationships that are valued and “exceed the needs” of our
EL RENO patients, community and tribal partners.

1801 Parkview Drive
El Reno, OK 73036

(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