March 2021 CSU Newsletter

March 2021

The Monthly Newsletter for Clinton, El Reno, and
Watonga Indian Health Centers

Expanding Vaccine Distribution WHAT’S INSIDE:

Clinton Service Unit (CSU) has moved into the third phase of the vaccination program for COVID-19. COVID Update
Clinton, El Reno, and Watonga Indian Health Centers extended COVID-19 vaccination priority to Vaccine Schedule
American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and local non-Native community members 16 years of El Reno Update
age and older. Patient Safety
Pop Awards
The service unit, in partnership with Indian Health Service, is working to ensure the vaccine reaches Dental Assistants
Indian country as quickly and equitable as possible. As of March 30, 2021, CSU has vaccinated over New Employees
6,324 individuals.

CSU is following vaccination protocol established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. As CSU moved into the third phase of the vac-
cination program, the service unit is providing vaccine to local non-Natives in an effort to gain commu-
nity (or herd) immunity.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, community immunity is when
enough members of a community are immunized against a contagious disease, keeping most others
protected from infection. CSU is assisting to protect our AI/AN community by providing vaccine to non-
Natives to promote community immunity. (Expanding vaccine distribution continued on page 2…)

INDIAN HEALTH Expanding vaccine distribution continued...
SERVICE
MISSION “Our goal is to get vaccines into the arms of our community as quick as possible to slow the
spread of COVID-19 and provide an avenue to end the pandemic,” said Captain Joe Bryant,
To raise the physical, chief executive officer. “The decision to provide vaccine to local non-Native community
mental, social, and members was made after significant consultation with Oklahoma City Area leadership and
leadership of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Health Board.”
spiritual health of
American Indians CSU offers the three COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug
and Alaska Natives to Administration and recommended by the CDC, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson &
the highest level. Johnson’s Janssen.

CLINTON “The overall positivity rate for COVID-19 amongst the service unit has stayed between 0-3
SERVICE UNIT percent over the past five weeks,” said Captain Bryant. “At the height of the pandemic, CSU
saw positivity rates well over 20 percent and active clinical cases around 180 within a 14
VISION day time period. The decline in positivity rate has a direct correlation to the vaccination
timeframe. It is very clear the vaccination efforts are driving lower positivity rates and cases.”
To provide quality
health care services Clinton, El Reno, and Watonga Indian Health Centers offer daily appointments for COVID-
19 vaccinations. To reach the community and provide greater access to vaccination, CSU
focusing on staff are providing community vaccination events beyond the walls of the clinic. Upcoming
prevention, COVID-19 vaccination events are scheduled to take place in Woodward for the community
restoration and and public schools, Oklahoma City, Redlands Community College, El Reno community and
collaborative public schools, Weatherford community and public schools, Geary community and public
relationships that are schools, Concho, and multiple locations of Lucky Star Casino.
valued and exceeds
the needs of our Patients and community members are encouraged to call 580.331.3433 to schedule a
patients, community, COVID-19 vaccination in a location convenient to them.
and tribal partners.

Pictured above (left to right): Amy Rubin, Angie Cloud, and
Bonnie Kraft prepare COVID-19 vaccinations for a drive-thru
event in Oklahoma City.

COVID-19 vaccination event provided in Geary, Oklahoma at the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Community To schedule an
Building. appointment
for COVID-19
vaccination

~or~

If you have
questions
regarding
COVID-19
vaccination
and/or testing,

call
(580)331-3433





CLINTON SERVICE UNIT Currently, CSU has a record low of a
COVID-19 UPDATE 0 - 3% active positivity rate of
COVID-19 in the past 5 weeks
COVID-19 is a virus identified as the cause
of an outbreak of respiratory illness first de- Clinton Service Unit
tected in Asia in late 2019 that has since COVID-19 Call Center
spread globally into a pandemic. The virus
has spread across all 50 states. Clinton (580) 331-3433
Service Unit is tracking how the virus
spreads amongst our community and ser-
vice unit.

Positive COVID-19 Cases
in the State of Oklahoma

437,853

Positive COVID-19 Cases
amongst CSU patients
1,089

CSU Total Positive Patients CSU Total Positive Patients
by County by Age

0-4 Years 18

Alameda 1 Grady 3 5-17 Years 229
Alfalfa 2 Greer 2
Beckham 51 Jackson 1 18-35 Years 355
Bernalillo 5 Kingfisher 18
Blaine 132 Kiowa 5 36-49 Years 225
Caddo 28 Major 4
Canadian 321 Oklahoma 56 50-64 Years 194
Cleveland 4 Payne 1
Comanche 2 Roger Mills 18 65+ Years 61
Custer 366 Texas Unk 4
Dewey 22 Washita 31 CSU Total Positive Patients
Ellis 1 Woodward 7 by Gender
Garfield 2
Male 450
Female 638

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

How to Protect Yourself and Others

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting  Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than
sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people one other household
who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things they
had stopped doing because of the pandemic.  Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at in-
creased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID- or who lives with a person at increased risk
19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you
should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a  You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings.
mask, staying six feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and  You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you
poorly ventilated spaces until we know more.
do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and rec-
What’s Changed ommendations
 You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, espe-
If you’ve been fully vaccinated: cially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have
 You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home
and away from others
wearing a mask.  You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace.
 You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one
What We Know and What We’re Still Learning
other household (for example, vising with relatives who all live
together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone  We know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing
they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death.
COVID-19.  We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are
 If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19.
not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you Early data show the vaccines may work against some
have symptoms. variants but could be less effective against others.

 However, if you live in a group setting (like a correc-  We know that other prevention steps help stop the spread of
tional or detention facility or group home) and are COVID-19, and that these steps are still important, even as
around someone who has COVID-19, you should still vaccines are being distributed.
stay away from others for 14 days and get tested,  We’re still learning how well COVID-19 vaccines keep
even if you don’t have symptoms. people from spreading the disease.
 Early data show the vaccines may help keep people
What Hasn’t Changed from spreading COVID-19, but we are learning more
as more people get vaccinated.
For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated:
 You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in  We’re still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines can protect
people.
many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least six feet
apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated  As we know more, the CDC will continue to update their rec-
spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are: ommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

 In public



National Nutrition Month - Personalize Your Plate

Developing a healthful eating pattern is not a one-size fits all endeavor. The key is tailoring your favorite foods to meet your individual nutri-
ent needs.

In March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses attention on healthful eating through National
Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to
meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences. During National Nutrition Month®, the Acade-
my encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activi-
ty habits they can follow all year long.

Developing healthful eating habits does not require drastic lifestyle changes. A registered dietitian nutri-
tionist can help you incorporate the foods you enjoy into your life. To schedule an appointment through
Clinton Service Unit’s registered dietitian nutritionist, call (580)331.3458.

20 Health Tips for 2021

1. Eat Breakfast 11. Order Out without Ditching Goals
Start your day with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, You can eat out and stick to your healthy eating plan! The key is to plan ahead, ask
fruits and vegetables. Try making a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, low-fat questions and choose foods carefully. Compare nutrition information, if available,
cheese, salsa and a whole wheat tortilla or a parfait with low-fat plain yogurt, fruit and look for healthier options that are grilled, baked, broiled or steamed.
and whole grain cereal. 12. Enact Family Meal Time
2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables Plan to eat as a family at least a few times each week. Set a regular mealtime. Turn
Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and dietary off the TV, phones, and other electronic devices to encourage mealtime talk. Get
fiber to your plate. Make 2 cups of fruits and 2 ½ cups of vegetables your daily kids involved in meal planning and cooking and use this time to teach them about
goal. Experiment with different types, including fresh, frozen and canned. good nutrition.
3. Watch Portion Sizes 13. Banish Brown Bag Boredom
Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean Whether it’s for work or school, prevent brown bag boredom with easy-to-make,
protein foods. Complete the meal with a serving of fat-free or low-fat milk or yo- healthy lunch ideas. Try a whole-wheat pita pocket with veggies and hummus or a
gurt. Measuring cups may also help you compare your portions to the recom- low sodium vegetable soup with whole grain crackers or a salad of mixed greens
mended serving size. with low-fat dressing and a hard boiled egg.
4. Be Active 14. Reduce Added Sugars
Regular physical activity has many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise Foods and drink with added sugars can contribute empty calories and little or no
you can. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per nutrition. Review the new and improved Nutrition Facts label or ingredients list to
day, and adults at least two hours and 30 minutes per week. You don’t have to hit identify sources of added sugars.
the gym - take a walk after dinner or put on music and dance at home. 15. Eat Seafood Twice a Week
5. Get to Know Food Labels Seafood—fish and shellfish— contains a range of nutrients including healthy ome-
Reading the Nutrition Facts panel can help you choose foods and drinks to meet ga-3 fats. Salmon, trout, oysters and sardines are higher in omega-3s and lower in
your nutrient needs. mercury.
6. Fix Healthy Snacks 16. Explore New Foods and Flavors
Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when Add more nutrition and eating pleasure by expanding your range of food choices.
they include a combination of foods. Choose from two or more of the MyPlate When shopping, make a point of selecting a fruit, vegetable or whole grain that’s
food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein. Try raw veggies with new to you or your family.
low-fat cottage cheese or hummus, or a tablespoon of nut or seed butter with an 17. Experiment with Plant-Based Meals
apple or banana. Expand variety in your menus with budget friendly meatless meals. Many recipes
7. Consult an RDN that use meat and poultry can be made without. Vegetables, beans, and lentils are
Whether you want to lose weight, lower your health-risks or manage a chronic all great substitutes. Try including one meatless meal per week to start.
disease, consult the experts! Registered dietitian nutritionists can help you by 18. Make an Effort to Reduce Food Waste.
providing sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice. Check out what foods you have on hand before stocking up at the grocery store.
8. Follow Food Safety Guidelines Plan meals based on leftovers and only buy perishable foods you will use or freeze
Reduce your chances of getting sick with proper food safety. This includes: regular within a couple of days. Managing these food resources at home can help save
hand washing, separating raw foods from ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to the nutrients and money.
appropriate internal temperature, and refrigerating food promptly. Learn more 19. Slow down at Mealtime
about home food safety at www.homefoodsafety.org. Instead of eating on the run, try sitting down and focusing on the food you’re
9. Drink More Water about to eat. Dedicating time to enjoy the taste and textures of foods can have a
Quench your thirst with water instead of drinks with added sugars. Stay hydrated positive effect on your food intake.
and drink plenty of water, especially if you are active, an older adult or live or work 20. Supplement with Caution
in hot conditions. Choose foods first for your nutrition needs. A dietary supplement may be neces-
10. Get Cooking sary when nutrient requirements can’t be met or there is a confirmed deficiency. If
Preparing foods at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective. Master you’re considering a vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement, be sure to discuss
some kitchen basics, like dicing onions or cooking dried beans. safe and appropriate options with an registered dietitian nutritionist or another
health care provider before taking.

El Reno Construction UPDATE

The new facility for El Reno Indian
Health Center is taking shape. Construc-
tion crews continue to finish the frame-
work for the facility and install under-
ground plumbing and electricity. The
new facility is located directly to the east
of the current building. Construction will
continue throughout the spring and into
the summer and fall months with an an-
ticipated completion date for late 2021.

Thank you
Clinton Service Unit

Blood Donors

The Oklahoma Blood Institute would like to send our
heartfelt thanks to you for your recent blood drive. The
COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the blood
supply for months, and we are grateful that you hosted
this essential blood drive to ensure that patients across
the region receive the lifesaving blood they need when
they need it.

Your organization is to be commended for stepping up to
give during this difficult time. 19 signed up to donate on
February 22, 2021 and 16 were able to do so — each
one of them saving up to three lives! Your organization’s
blood donors are heroes for local families who may be
spending time in the hospital with their loved ones.

You may wish to let donors know they could receive a
personal message of appreciation from their blood recipi-
ent through the Thank the Donor™ program. Thank the
Donor™ allows blood recipients to e-mail thank you mes-
sages, photos, and videos to their individual donors,
while maintaining privacy.



Patient Safety Awareness Week

Patient Safety Awareness Week is an annual recognition event intended to encourage everyone to learn more about health care safety.
Clinton Service Unit recognized the week through activities hosted at each facility to promote patient and staff safety.

“We want to celebrate our success stories, take the time to learn something new [about patient safety], and have fun,” said Natasha Flurry,
chief nurse executive.

The service unit held patient safety presentations followed by activities focusing on the key patient and staff safety areas of good catch;
slips, trips, and falls; hunt for safety; sharp out/look out; and look alike/sound alike. Amongst these activities, staff participated in an obsta-
cle course where they wore a walking boot with distorted eyewear as they navigated through a maze of wrinkled floor mats, traversed a
wheelchair around wet floor cones, went on a scavenger hunt to search for patient safety items, and hunt through a large tub of medication
bottles for one labeled differently from the rest.

Pictured above (left to right): Dr. Pamela Middleton and Daniel Hibbert navigate the Patient Safety Week obstacle course at Clinton Indian Health Center; staff searched
through a large tub of medication bottles for ones labeled differently from the rest; and Dr. Solomon Ali of Watonga Indian Health Center navigated the obstacle course in a
wheel chair dressed in his St. Patrick’s Day green.

Team for Metabolic and Obesity Management

This past fall, Clinton Service Unit has developed several clinical Interventions the team is looking into developing may include
teams to focus on the intervention and management of specific counseling, physical therapy with exercise and activity, nutrition,
disease states. Amongst these teams is the team for Metabolic medications, and in some cases helping with referrals for surgical
and Obesity Management. intervention.

“We’re very excited about the possibility of offering multiple thera- According to the Obesity Medicine Association, offering an obesity
pies for individuals desiring weight loss,” said Fayth-An Hope intervention can have a profound influence on a person’s overall
Gray, nurse practitioner. “Obesity is a chronic disease and should wellbeing. A weight loss of only one kilogram (2.2 pounds) may
be cared for like diabetes or hypertension.” decrease individual risk of developing diabetes by 16 percent. A
ten percent weight loss will decrease the risk of developing diabe-
As part of developing a team approach to the clinical intervention tes by 85 percent at three years.
for weight management, the team virtually attended the Funda-
mental of Obesity Program to learn about excess weight, its effect Look for more to come from Clinton Service Unit’s Team for Meta-
on patients, and what medical providers may do to provide assis- bolic and Obesity Management in the coming months.
tance.







Brandi Holt

Registered Nurse | El Reno Indian Health Center

Brandi Hold has been a registered nurse for nine years. She has a background in surgery, outpatient care, medi-
cation assisted treatment programs, and peritoneal dialysis. Brandi has spent the past two years working in Alas-
ka. “I’m excited for this new learning opportunity with IHS!”

Phyllis Nabilsi

Registered Nurse | Clinton Indian Health Center

Phyllis Nabilsi, member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, is an Arapaho elder. She has been a registered
nurse for over 20 years. Phyllis lives in the Tulsa area with her spouse of nearly 40 years. She has three grown
children and four grandchildren.

Corinne Espinoza

Registered Nurse | Clinton Indian Health Center

Corinne Espinoza is originally from Clinton, Oklahoma, but now resides in Weatherford. Prior to recently grad-
uating as a registered nurse, Corinne spend the past five years as a licensed practical nurse working in a pediat-
ric and family care clinic. “My heart has always been in nursing. I’m looking forward to what the future holds
as an IHS employee!”

Sheri Mayo

Registered Nurse | Clinton Indian Health Center

Sheri Mayo was born and raised in the west Texas area near Lanesa. She married her high school sweetheart
and together they have six children and 11 grandchildren (with the 12th on the way). Sheri has been a nurse for
over 25 years and has worked in numerous areas and specialties, including working as a charge nurse in labor
and delivery, emergency room, med-surg, and pediatrics. “I am now focused on clinical work in IHS to meet and
get to know as many people as possible to see how God can use me to help meet their needs.”

Cory Williamson

Registered Nurse | Clinton Indian Health Center

Corey Williamson, member of the Chickasaw Nation, has been a nurse for five years. He has a beautiful wife
names Erin that keeps him in line. “I am very excited to start this new journey with Clinton Service Unit.”

Tina Kenney

Licensed Practical Nurse | Clinton Indian Health Center

Tina Kenney was born and raised in Elk City, Oklahoma. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for
forty-one years. Tina enjoys family time with her three wonderful sons and three fun loving grandsons. One of her
daily goals is to make at least one person smile. “Thank you for the opportunity to work with such wonderful peo-
ple in a great facility. I look forward to meeting everyone during the time I am here.”

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!

Leslie Panana & Alexis Arriaga

“Leslie and Alexis have been so willing to volunteer to do what they can to assist with our vaccination events,” said Tracy George,
(A) PRC supervisor. “I am proud of their willingness and desire to participate and be out and about. Great job ladies!”

Jeanine Seger

“Thank you for addressing a couple of patient concerns while I served as acting CEO,” said Dr. Matt Geiger, chief of optometry.

Becky Johnson, Rainnie Mitchell & Teresa Murray

“Thank you to Becky and Rainnie for helping Teresa Murray, who was under-staffed, in creating new patient charts, for the Drive-
Thru Vaccination Clinic at Clinton,” said Dr. Matt Geiger, chief of optometry. “I would also like to thank Teresa for her cool under-

pressure demeanor in creating these new patient charts and working the front.”

Daniel Hibbert

“Thank you to Daniel “Deputy” Hibbert for assisting me (with a smile) to some degree with matters when I served as acting CEO
and was working on other matters or seeing patients in the optometry clinic,” said Dr. Matt Geiger, chief of optometry.

Dental Assistants Recognition Week

“Dental Assistants — Our Heart Goes Into Every Smile” is the theme for 2021 Dental Assistants Recognition Week. Clinton Service Unit
recognizes the versatile and multi-talented members of the Dental Assistant team!

The profession of dental assisting continues to diversity and expand. Whether working chairside with the dentist, taking X-rays or manag-
ing the business office, teaching or working in insurance or sales, dental assistants are vital to the success of the dental practice.

“I am proud to say we have an excellent team of dental assistants,” said Elverna Spottedwolf, supervisor. “I cannot express how eager
they are to service our customers and one another. They have compassion for the work they perform and the dentists appreciate the work
they provide. Thank you dental assistants for exceeding the need!”

Clinton Dental Assistants Watonga Dental Assistants

Pictured above, left to right; Clinton Dental Assistants: Elverna Spottedwolf, Addison Wood, Maegan Rodriguez, Alissa McCain, Pictured above, left to right; Watonga
Leona Keesie, Anabel Hererra, Scott Kellogg, and Delena Panana. Dental Assistants: Amy Gomez and
Penny Scraper.

National Poison Prevention Week

Prepare. Prevent. Protect. This is the theme for the 2021 National Poison Prevention Week, which is dedicated to raising awareness about
poison control centers and the Poison Help Hotline (1.800.222.1222).

When life happens, poison centers are ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year with fast, free treatment advice by call-
ing Poison Help Hotline or visiting poisonhelp.org. Whether it’s a question or an emergency, Poison Help can provide live-saving infor-
mation when people need it most and it is faster and more accurate than an internet search.

On average, 90 percent of poisonings happen in American homes each year and more than 70 percent of people who call Poison Help get
the help they need right where they are — saving the cost of a trip to a doctor or hospital. Calling your poison center for help is completely
free. You will receive accurate information from nurses, pharmacist, and doctors. Don’t spend your time and money worrying over the “what
ifs”. Poison centers are ready to help and can save lives with fast, free, accurate information.









Clinton Service Unit

Department 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. Ineke Moak Dr. Maqbool, Dr. Garner Dr. Egan, Dr. Middleton, & Dr. Skelly
Ginger Woodall & Michelle Beshaw & Jessica Van Den Berg Apts: 580.331.3466
Apts: 580.331.3424 Apts: 580. 331.3412 Nurse: 580.331.3466
Nurse: 580.331.3424 Nurse: 580.331.3412 PRC: 580.331.3307
PRC: 580.331.3363 PRC: 580.331.3513
Chiropractic: 580.331.3439
580.331.3420 DEPARTMENTS Optometry: 580.331.3413
Audiology: 580.331-3482 Podiatry: 580.331.3439
Dental: 580.331.3423 Behavioral Health: 580.331.3485 Radiology: 580.331.3415
Pharmacy: 580.331.3351 Nutrition: 580.331.3458
PHN: 580.331.3471 Physical Therapy: 580.331.3439
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: 405.234.8427

Eagle Medical Home Otter Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Garcia, Monica Holcomb Dr. Renshaw & Fayth-An Hope Gray Dr. Mejias
& Michelle Tippeconnic Apts: 405.234.8411 Apts: 405. 234.8411
Apts: 405.234-8439 Nurse: 405.234.8411 Nurse: 405.234.8411
Nurse: 405.234.8439 PRC: 580.331.3419 PRC: 580. 331.3307
PRC: 580.331.3336

Behavioral Health: 405.234.8426 DEPARTMENTS PHN: 405.234.8430
PRC: 580.331.3590
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 & Fayth-An Hope Gray 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

DEPARTMENTS
Pharmacy: 580.623.4991 PHN: 580.623.4991 PRC: 580.331.3590
Dental: 580.623.4991 ext. 3007 Release of Info: 580.623.4991