June 2022 CSU Newsletter

June 2022

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

CSU Supports Staff of Clinton and
Watonga Indian Health
Men’s Health
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Month
Men’s Health Month
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Health Education brought a morning of health awareness on Area Director’s
issues affecting men at the annual Men’s Health Day in Clinton on June 13th. Our Public Health Award recipients
Nurses provided both COVID and adult vaccines as part of the event Remote Access
and departments of CSU provided an educational booth for pur- Medical
chased and referred care (PRC) NEW information card and provided
tours of our mobile medical unit at Lake El Reno Pavilion, El Reno. The Joint Commission
The focus was on increasing men’s awareness of preventable health Review
problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases
including cancer, heart disease, and depression. New Employees

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on av-
erage men die five years younger than women. Most of the factors
contributing to men’s shorter, less healthy lives are preventable.

Prevention starts with seeing a health care provider on a regular ba-
sis, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. If it has been a while
since the men in your life have visited a provider, encouraged them to
do so and obtain a physical. Establishing baseline factors such as
cholesterol, blood pressure, weight, and monitoring how they change
over time will enable a provider to catch potentially dangerous condi-
tions early, when they are still treatable. Call any of CSU’s facilities at
Clinton, El Reno, or Watonga Indian Health Center to schedule a physical.

POP Awards

What the IHS Mission INDIAN HEALTH
SERVICE
means to me... MISSION

Brien Weston, To raise the physical,
mental, social, and
Audiologist
Clinton Indian Health Center spiritual health of
American Indians and
“The IHS mission statement speaks Alaska Natives to the
to me about quality of life. I feel that
communication is a key component highest level.
of an acceptable quality of life. That
is why hearing is so important to
me. I realize that people who can’t
hear quickly become isolated and
often struggle with their own sense
of worth. In audiology we want to
exceed your expectations as well as
your needs when it comes to hear-
ing and communication.”

CLINTON SERVICE
UNIT VISION

Corey Tofpi To provide quality
health care services
Audiology Health Tech.
Clinton Indian Health Center focusing on
prevention, restoration
“The IHS mission isn’t just a creed, and collaborative
but a call to serve. To serve is a priv- relationships that are
ilege. As a health tech, fixing and valued and exceeds the
adjusting hearing aids isn’t some- needs of our patients,
thing I have to do, it’s something I community, and tribal
get to do each day.”
partners.

PRC Information Card

A Purchased/Referred Care Information Card is set to roll out for patients to present at medical visits outside of the service
unit. This card was approved on April 28, 2022 by the Office of General Counsel, Office of Resource Access and Partnership,
and IHS Headquarters Public Affairs. The intent on implementation of this card is to improve communication for patients and
vendors with referral processing and payment for services. In the coming months, all patients will receive a PRC Information
Card upon verification of eligibility.





Clinton Service Unit staff honored with
Oklahoma Area Director’s Awards

Each year the Oklahoma City Area (OCA) Indian Health Service Area Director honors and recognizes employees whose compassion and
hard work have improved the health and welfare of American Indian and Alaska Native people. Several employees of the Clinton Service
Unit were recognized for their hard work and dedication to “exceeding the need.”

Length of Service: (30 years)

Tracy George
Becky Johnson
Marlene Pratt

Peer Recognition Peer Recognition Peer Recognition

Clinton - Christine Coughlin El Reno - Monica Halcomb Watonga - Kim Kidd

Merit Recognition Individual Health Promotion & Wellness

Molly Steen LCDR Jessica Vandenberg

Continued on page 7...

Area Directors awards continued ...

Area Director Individual Customer Service Area Director Lifetime Achievement Award

Amber Kendrick Elverna Spottedwolf

Area Director Group Customer Service

CSU Nursing Department

Congratulations to all the award recipients! Job well done!



Expansion of COVID Vaccine to Children

On June 18, 2022 the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommended that all children 6 months through 5 years of
age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all
Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for vaccination.

Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vac-
cines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Parents and care-
givers can play an active role in monitoring the safety of these vaccines by signing their children up for v-safe – personalized and confidential
health check-ins via text messages and web surveys where they can easily share with CDC how a child feels after getting a COVID-19 vac-
cine.

Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country and should arrive at local IHS by the first
week of July. Contact the Clinton, El Reno or Watonga Clinics to schedule your child’s appointment.

COVID Vaccine for Kids Under 5 Years of age:

 COVID-19 vaccines have undergone - and will continue to undergo - the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. COVID-19

vaccines are also undergoing the most comprehensive monitoring for vaccine effectiveness in U.S. history, which involves multiple on-
going studies to understand how well the vaccines are working in different groups of people, including children, and against different
variants.

 The safety and protection of our youngest children is a top priority. Parents and caregivers should feel confident that the vaccines are

safe and effective for their children. Before COVID-19 vaccines were authorized for use in this younger age group, they went through a
rigorous process to determine safety and efficacy, in keeping with all other recommended vaccines.

The Joint Commission Review

In preparation for Clinton Service Unit’s (CSU) upcoming review through our accrediting body, The Joint Commission (TJC), it is important
for staff to familiarize themselves with key policies, procedures, and daily operations of the clinic. Below are just a few of the highlights staff
should familiarize themselves with. TJC is the largest accrediting organization in the United States, accrediting more than 20,000 health facil-
ities. CSU has selected TJC to accredit our ambulatory clinics and laboratories. The purpose of this accreditation is to have objective review
of quality, patient safety, and effectiveness of care provided measured against national standards.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

Are any facilities of CSU designated as a Disaster Receiving Site?

 No, however a clinic may be called on to provide staff to assist in a regional emergency or disaster.

What do you do if there is a disaster at he Clinic?

 The Incident Commander will determine if the Emergency Preparedness Plan will be initiated. If you have a designated role
proceed as directed. All other staff should wait for direction from Incident Command.

EMERGENCY CODES

What do the Code Colors Means at CSU?

Code Red - Fire
Code Blue - Medical Emergency, Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest. Initiate CPR, Code Blue Team activated
Code Yellow - Severe Weather. For Tornado-like weather move all persons to tornado designated location
Code Green - Internal/External Disaster. All-Hazards Incident Command implemented, await instructions
Code Brown - Security/Facility Disturbance. At Clinton press the autodial button, and the operator with page Code Brown with loca-
tion. At El Reno and Watonga overhead page Code Brown with location
Code Pink - Missing Child. Overhead Page Code Pink. Search the area and guard the doors
Code Orange - Hazardous Materials Incident or Spill. Call for Housekeeping. Evacuate, if needed evacuate and ventilate the area
Code Black - Bomb Threat. Note "Caller ID" phone number, obtain as much information as possible, contact Administration
Code Gray - Threat with Weapon. Overhead page Code Gray with location of assailant, take cover and hide
Active Shooter – Run Hide Fight

MEDICAL EMERGENCY

A Code Blue is called for all medical emergencies

 Provider determines if there is a life threatening emergency
 Nurse responds to the scene with AED
 Pharmacy responds with emergency medications
 Provider determines need for transfer and when to call 911 for EMS

FIRE EMERGENCY

What should you do if there is a fire “Code Red”?

 Remain calm, do not panic, act quickly, and never shout “FIRE.” Implement RACE and evacuate patients, visitors and staff to
the nearest exit. Each department has designated response plans that are reviewed during your orientation
 R – RESCUE anyone in immediate danger
 A – ALARM Pull fire alarm pull box and dial 911
 C – CONFINE smoke and fire by closing doors and windows
 E – EXTINGUISH the fire if safe to do so

April Switzer

Pharmacy Technician| Clinton Indian Health Center

April is a proud member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. She is happily married and has 2 great
kiddos. April previously served the Clinton Service Unit as a Pharmacy technician for 12 years and is

happy to be back!

Emma Stumblingbear

Medical Support Assistant | El Reno Indian Health Center

Emma is a member of the Kiowa Tribe. She was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas. She is the young-
est of 8 siblings. Her hobbies include sewing, quilting and beadwork.

The loves of Emma’s life are her 9 grandchildren that range in age from 7 years old to 18 years old.

CDR Ryan Thrasher

Laboratory Scientist | El Reno Indian Health Center

Ryan Thrasher is a Medical Technologist from McAlester, OK. He currently lives in Edmond, OK
and is a tribal member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He has spent the last 2 years at the
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic as the Acting Laboratory Director/Senior Medical Technologist. Prior
to that he spent 10 years at the Pawnee Indian Health Center as the Senior Medical Technologist

before transitioning to the Laboratory Supervisor.
“The best part of my job is working alongside others (teamwork) in the labs a well as outside the lab
to improve patient care/needs, and mapping laboratory processes to help cut down on patient wait

times and/or improving patient testing turn-around times. In my spare time I enjoy spending time
outdoors, watching and attending college sports. I am a huge Oklahoma State fan.”

Tami Snyder

Pharmacy Technician| El Reno Indian Health Center

Tami moved to Oklahoma 4 years ago after living most of her life in Oregon. Before moving here, she
worked at the Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center in Warm Springs, Oregon. Since moving to

Oklahoma she has been working at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City.

Some fun facts about me—

I love my daughters. I love hiking and mountain climbing. I enjoy knitting, crocheting and quilting. I
love to work with clay/pottery (even thought I am really bad at it). I am super excited to be working with

Indian Health Service again!

Bryanna Sperle

Licensed Practical Nurse| Clinton Indian Health Center

Bryanna lives between Clinton and Bessie and is a farmer’s wife. She has two children, Levi (5) and
Piper (2). I’ve been a nurse for 3 years.





The CSU coordinates and promotes HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment activities as part of a
comprehensive public health approach. In addition to providing medical care to eligible benefi-
ciaries, the CSU also serves as a public health system. The goals are to prevent further
spread of HIV and improve health outcomes for those already living with HIV and AIDS.

These goals are supported through the following CSU activities
 Increasing routine HIV screening;
 Increasing access to care and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV and

AIDS;
 Developing policies and procedures to sustain preventative successes including confiden-

tiality concerns;
 Identifying new approaches to implement effective prevention interventions; and
 Reducing and preventing new infections by communicating public health messages on the

importance of knowing personal HIV status.

What is your role
 Be willing to have a routine HIV screening for you and your dependent;
 Ask questions; and
 Communicate your experience to reduce the HIV screening stigma.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV
is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV affects the en-
tire body. The sooner a person begins taking anti-viral medications, the better overall health
they will have. Everyone should get an HIV test at least once in their lifetime, more often if
they have specific risk factors. Multiple sexual partners and lack of using condoms increases
the chances for HIV to be spread from one person to another. Using and sharing needles to
inject drugs is another way that it can be spread. It is not spread by air or water, insects or
pets, saliva, sweat, tears or toilets.

We have HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis for patients. PrEP. We carry both Descovy and
Truvada. The main barrier, I’ve seen, to patients who would benefit from this service, is that
we don’t know who they are. The topic of sexual health is oftentimes overlooked when pa-
tients are screened, for obvious reasons – it’s a bit uncomfortable to talk about, even to your
healthcare provider.

What you can do: 1. Talk to your provider about your sexual health if you have been sexually
active in the last year. 2. If you are at risk of HIV due to multiple partners and/or unprotected
sex, especially anal sex, ask your provider about HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). 3.
Take the free condoms we have here, and use them!

Soon, we will offer HIV screen to patients in other departments like dental, podiatry, pediat-
rics, optometry, audiology, and PT! This will be a simple oral swab. More information to come
on this, as it’s in process of planning right now.

Also, you may text “Native Test” to the number 55251 to get a free HIV test sent to your
home! That same number will also ask if you’d like a free STD test (for Oklahoma residents). I
personally took both of those tests, and it was pretty simple, and convenient! There is also a
resource for patients living with HIV – in the last newsletter, it was highlighted. It’s called GRI
Rides, and they give patients living with or at high risk for HIV rides to their doctor appoint-
ments or even grocery shopping! The number is 405-215-9418.



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!

Cristi Cullum

“”Cristi has gone out of her way to try and help me learn the supply ordering process,” said Beverly Garrison. “She continues to be
available for many questions I have and helps me place the orders. I am still a work in progress and I so appreciate her support.”

Lisa Anquoe

“I would like to recognize Lisa Anquoe for her willingness to assist in a project without being asked,” said CDR Kristie Purdy. “Cristi
Cullum is currently working to clean an empanelment for an ELR provider and had a list of patients that needed to be marked inac-
tive since they had not received services in a great length of time. Lisa overheard this conversation and jumped in to assist in transi-

tioning the charts to inactive status. Thank you, Lisa!”

Beverly Garrison

“I would like to thank Beverly Garrison for the assistance she has provided over the past several months,” states CDR Kristie Purdy.
“She consistently has a positive attitude no matter what the situation is at hand. No matter how busy she may be, Beverly is wiling to

jump in and assist wherever she may be needed. She is humble and always willing to learn whatever is thrown her way!”

Anthony Scabby

The Supply department would like to recognize Anthony Scabby for consistently going above and beyond to serve the Clinton Indian
Health Center. He is often tasked with several jobs and does them efficiently with a great attitude. He has helped the supply depart-

ment many times and in a variety of ways. “We appreciate him and he deserves recognition!”

Free, At-Home, Rapid COVID-19 Tests

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order a third set of free, at-home, rapid COIVD-19 tests. If you have already ordered your first two
sets, order a third today. Need help placing an order? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

COVID.gov/tests







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

Ginger Woodall Dr. Maqbool Dr. Egan, Dr. Middleton, &
& Michelle Beshaw & Jessica Van Den Berg Dr. Skelly
Apts: 580.331.3424 Apts. 580. 331.3412 Apts: 580.331.3466
Nurse: 580.331.3424 Nurse: 580.331.3412 Nurse: 580.331.3466
PRC: 580.331.3363 PRC: 580.331.3513 PRC: 580.331.3307

580.331.3420

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 405.295.1500
1801 Parkview Drive ~ El Reno, OK ~ 73036
Request to establish chart: 405.295.1467

Eagle Medical Home Otter Medical Home Pediatrics

Dr. Garcia, Monica Holcomb Dr. Renshaw, Dr. Dickerson Dr. Mejias
& Michelle Tippeconnic & Fayth-An Hope Gray 405.295.1527
405.295.1580 405. 295.1577

Pharmacy: 405.295.1500, option 3 DEPARTMENTS PHN: 405.295.1508
Behavioral Health: 405.295.1496 Medical Records: 405.295.1542
Benefits Coordinator: 405.295.1540 Pharmacy Refill: 405.295.1545 Physical Therapy: 405.295.1446
Optometry: 405.295.1447 PRC: 405.295.1538 Radiology: 405.295.1476
Laboratory: 405.295.1516
Dental: 405.295.1582

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

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

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