April 2022 CSU Newsletter

April 2022

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

Staff of Clinton Service Unit, IHS Oklahoma City Area Office, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, and community members
celebrate the Transfer Ceremony of the Clinton Indian Hospital campus to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.

Clinton Hospital Transfer

April 8, 2022 – Clinton Indian Health Center held a Property Transfer Ceremony of the Clinton Indian Hospi- WHAT’S INSIDE:
tal campus to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Clinton Service Unit (CSU) has been working with the
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes over the past three and a half years to facilitate the transfer. El Reno Services &
New Phone Numbers
The hospital campus consists of 14.69 acres, which was originally a part of a Cheyenne allotment. The hos-
pital, nurses’ quarters, doctor’s cottage, garage, and engineer’s quarters were built in 1933. The campus Mobile Medical Unit
continued to expand through the years until being moved into the existing Clinton Indian Health Center in Diabetes
2007.
Accreditation
“This ceremony memorializes years of hard work,” said Captain Joe Bryant, chief executive officer. “We are Survey Readiness
pleased to see the buildings from the former Clinton Indian Hospital and land be transferred back to the
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. This hospital holds a special value to many of our patients and staff.” MRI Services
New Employees
The Clinton Indian Hospital was originally established as a sanatorium to treat Native Americans suffering
from tuberculosis and other illnesses. It was one of the seven such facilities established in Oklahoma at that
time. The hospital was historically built and administered by the Office of Indian Affairs, predecessor to Indi-
an Health Service. By 1944, there were sixteen campus buildings ranging from 1920 to 1941.

Clinton Hospital Transfer continued on page 3… POP Awards

What the IHS Mission

means to me...

Dr. Devyn Staggs INDIAN HEALTH
SERVICE
Optometrist MISSION
Clinton Service Unit
To raise the physical,
“The IHS mission means providing our patients with the mental, social, and
best optometric can I can,” said Dr. Devyn Staggs.
spiritual health of
“My goal is to address all of the patients’ vision and eye American Indians and
care needs by having the most up-to-date technology Alaska Natives to the
and forms of treatment for a variety of eye conditions.
Having this goal enables me to truly live up to the IHS highest level.

mission… to raise the physical, mental, social, and CLINTON SERVICE
spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives UNIT VISION

to the highest level. The eye is a window into your To provide quality health
overall health. By providing excellent care, I cannot only care services focusing
on prevention,
address eye health concerns, but additional health restoration and
care needs as well.” collaborative
relationships that are

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

Clinton Hospital Transfer continued…

Over the years, older facilities have been torn down due to age and use, and new ones constructed with only eleven of the original buildings
remaining today. In 2006, a new health center was constructed on a parcel of land directly west of the old Clinton Indian Hospital. Upon
completion of the new health center in January, 2007 the eleven hospital buildings on the 14.69 acre parcel of land were closed.

On January 26, 2022 the quitclaim deed between the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service and
the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes was signed. This finalized the transfer of the old Clinton Indian Health Center, also formerly known as
Installation 11529 PHS Indian Hospital, Clinton, Oklahoma, and the 14.69 acres of federally owned land parcel back to the Cheyenne and
Arapaho Tribes pursuant to Title I of the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), Public Law 93-638, as amend-
ed (25 U.S.C. § 5301 et seq.). Future plans for the property are currently under development through the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes.







On-Site Mobile MRI Services Now Available

Clinton Service Unit is pleased to announce the availability of Magnetic Imaging Resources (also known as MRI), through the use of Mo-
bile MRI services The Mobile MRI is available every Monday and Tuesday to patients 18 years of age and older at Clinton Indian Health
Center.
“MRI services have not been readily available in our community,” said Stevi Brown, radiology supervisor. “Patients in need of MRI were
previously sent outside of the facility through Purchase Referred Care (PRC) for a referral. Our team focused on increasing access to
MRIs through brining this service closer to our patients who need it the most.”
Patients in need of a MRI must first schedule an appointment with their primary care provider to complete the screening process. If an MRI
is deemed necessary, the provider will place an order to obtain one. Patients may then contact the Radiology department at 580.331.3415
to schedule an appointment.

What is an MRI?

MRI is a medical imaging technique, using a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves, to create detailed images of the organs
and tissues in your body. Compared to imaging techniques that use x-rays, such as computerized axial tomography (CAT), a MRI gener-
ates a far more detailed three-dimensional images of the soft tissues of the body, especially of the nervous system from the brain to the
spine. MRIs greatly improves the ability for providers to distinguish abnormal from healthy tissues. MRI may also be used to observe and
measure dynamic physiological changes inside a patient without cutting into the body. Exposure to potentially harmful x-ray radiation is
avoided through use of MRI.
“CSU is excited about the capabilities and efficiency of onsite MRI for our patients,” said Brown. “The mobile unit will lower the barrier for
access in our community to ensure treatment and care plans may start faster for our patients.”
All staff are to be aware of basic safety rules on MRI zones. MRI zones are not based on distance from the MRI equipment. The zones are
based on control as to where the patient has access to the MRI. All patients and staff must be accompanied by personnel who have had at
least MRI Basic Safety Training 1 into Zone 3 and may assist the MRI Tech in Zone 4. Please be aware, the MRI magnet is always on. No
one is allowed near or into unauthorized areas without a designated technologist.

MRI Zones

MRI Zone 1
This is the main entrance to the facility

MRI Zone 2
Radiology waiting room and registration

MRI Zone 3
Control room of the MRI trailer

MRI Zone 4
Scan room of the MRI

The Mobile MRI unit outside Clinton Indian Health.

CSU is Accredited by ADCES to Provide
Quality Diabetes Self-Management
Education and Support

Clinton Service Unit’s Diabetes Team has achieved the significant milestone of re-accreditation through the Association of Diabetes Care &
Education Specialists (ADCES). Accreditation represents a high level of quality and service to the community, and the ability to better meet
the needs of Medicare recipients and others affected by diabetes throughout Indian country in western Oklahoma.

The Diabetes Team offers monthly diabetes classes, a weekly diabetes support group, and individual counseling through face-to-face or
telemed services to assist patients in achieving blood glucose control and better understand their diabetes. Diabetes education services uti-
lize a collaborative process through which people with or at risk for diabetes work with a diabetes educator to receive individualized care ot
help them reach their health goals. Diabetes education is a covered Medicare benefit when delivered through an accredited program.

“Evidence shows diabetes education and support is helping people with diabetes to lower their A1c’s and obtain the knowledge and skills to
better self-manage their condition,” said Sacha Uelmen, director of accreditation at ADCES. “That is why we need programs like Clinton Ser-
vice Unit’s Diabetes Team to make these services available in their community.”

ADCES is a National Accredited Organization (NAO) for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Accredited programs must
meet the 2017 National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support; 10 standards that are revised every five years by
a group of diabetes educators representing both ADCES and the American Diabetes Association and approved by CMS. Programs must
maintain compliance with the Standards during the four-year accreditation cycle.

About ADCES: ADCES, formerly known as the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE), is a multi -disciplinary profes-
sional membership organization dedicated to improving diabetes care through innovative education, management and support. With more
than 14,000 professional members including nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, exercise specialists, and others, ADCES has a vast network of
practitioners working with people who have, are affected by or are at risk for diabetes. Learn more at www.diabeteseducator.org.

Walking Trail

The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes recently held their
ribbon cutting ceremony on their new walking trail in
Clinton. The trail connects us to the casino, Emergen-
cy Response Center, Independent Living Center,
Treatment Center, and Clinton Indian Health Center.
You are free to use the walking trail during your
breaks, lunch, or afterhours for physical fitness. It was
constructed with federal grant funds and is open to
the community at large. In total, the trail is 2.4 miles in
length.

Laboratory Professionals Week

Medical Laboratory Professionals Week was April 24—30, 2022. Thank you to the Laboratory
staff of Clinton Service Unit for the vital role you play in health care and patient advocacy!

Across the service unit, patients and staff alike rely on our medical laboratory professionals to
provide precise information to help answer important questions about their health. Our profession-
als strengthen disease prevention and monitoring efforts to help promote patient-centered health
care. Laboratory testing is the single highest-volume medical activity affecting American Indians
and Alaska Natives, and it drives about two-thirds of all medical decisions made by providers and
other health care professionals. Without these committed laboratory professionals, navigating
some of the crucial stages of health care would be tremendously difficult.

Health Information Management
Professionals Week

This week marks Health Information Management (HIM) professionals week. Positioned at the intersection of health care, technology, and
business, professionals in the health information space possess a uniquely comprehensive view of a resource critical to meaningful health
innovation. In medical coding, clinical documentation integrity, data analytics, management, privacy, security, and beyond, HIM empower
our partners in health care to provide high-quality, lifesaving care.

As the definition of health care continues to evolve, the accuracy, integrity, protection,
and accessibility of health information remains a priority. The work of HIM ensures
patients receive the high-quality care they need, informs the development of new
treatments and technologies, and empowers leaders to make effective strategic deci-
sions.

“I want to personally thank our HIM staff,” said Kala Rodgers, ancillary services direc-
tor. “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to manage a huge documentation and
coding load. COVID created a lot of extra work for everyone, and the HIM department
was no exception. They took on extra work when necessary and often responded to
calls for volunteers for things outside the HIM sphere. There work is critical to revenue
enhancement, patient care and patient safety.”

Please take the time to reach out to the Clinton Service HIM team and thank them for
all they do on a daily basis.

Our HIM staff includes: Janetta McGahagan (coder), Shelly Pride (coder), Leslie Robinson (coder), Erin Schmidt (coder), Cherlyn Fletcher
(coder), Jackie Reynolds (coder), Caroline Ynguanzo (MRT), Phoenix Keesie (MRT), Kendra Tapaha (MRT), Lisa Anquoe (MRT)

The Joint Commission Review

In preparation for Clinton Service Unit’s 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 facilities. CSU has selected TJC to ac-
credit our ambulatory clinics and laboratories. The purpose of this accreditation is to have objective review of quality, patient safety, and ef-
fectiveness of care provided measured against national standards.

What happens during a TJC accreditation survey?

The survey is unannounced and must take place by the date of previous survey. Activities include:
 Tracer review - Tracing a patient or process to determine compliance
 Interviews with leadership and staff
 Review of policies and key documents
 Evaluation of medical record documentation
 Assessment of compliance to National Patient Safety Goals
 Review of medical staff and human resource files
 Evaluation of medication management and infection control practices
 Tour of all clinics for environmental issues
 Performance improvement review

How to be ready for TJC survey

 Department sweeps - Always be prepared for a survey team to walk into the building
 Follow clinic and department policies
 Follow infection prevention and control practices
 Know the National Patient Safety Goals that apply to your department
 Incorporate patient safety into your daily routine
 Try not to let the surveyor make you feel defensive or nervous
 If you do not know the specific answer to a question, describe what you do by explaining how you provided care to a patient

related to the question(s).

CSU’s Strategic Plan

The strategic goals of CSU are guided by the CSU Vision, to “exceed the need”. Our goals are consistent with the IHS Quality Framework
Priorities, which are:

 To strengthen organizational capacity to improve quality of care and systems
 Meet and maintain accreditation
 Align service delivery processes to improve patients’ experience
 Ensure patient safety
 Improve processes and strengthen communication for early risk identification

What is CSU’s Performance Improvement Project?

All clinical staff help to improve patient outcome results measured through the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Although
GPRA is an IHS requirement, the report compares our clinics to Oklahoma City Area and to all IHS and Tribal programs participating in this
initiative. CSU teams meet to determine improvements to meet established goals for patient outcomes in

 Diabetes care
 Dental care
 Immunizations
 Cancer prevention
 Behavioral Health
 Cardiovascular disease
 Hepatitis diagnosis and follow-up

Should an incident or accident occur at CSU, how should it be reported?

I-STAR is used to report patient, employee, or visitor injuries, accidents, falls, needle sticks, medication errors, other adverse events or po-
tential risks to patient safety. Incident reports are reviewed by Safety Officers and other designated staff. Occurrences are analyzed for
trends to identify opportunities for improvement.

What National Patient Safety Goals must CSU address?

 Identify Patients Correctly
 Take 2 - Use at least two ways to identify patients when providing treatment or medications (i.e., date of birth and pa-
tient name)
 Label all laboratory specimens with the patient present and with all required elements

 Use Medications Safely
 Label medication and vaccine syringes that are not drawn up in front of the patient. Label to include medication/vaccine
 Label all basins and cups of liquid used in procedures with the name of the product and strength
 Monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy
 Complete medication reconciliation by asking the patients about medications that are not dispensed from CSU pharma-
cy, including over-the-counter medications, prescriptions by outside providers, herbals, and traditional remedies

 Prevent Infections
 Follow hand hygiene policy
 Use hand sanitizer or wash hands between each patient, before and after removing gloves, and when hands are visibly
solid

 Prevent Mistakes During Procedures Requiring In-
formed Consent
 Identify the patient and mark the site for all pro-
cedures that require informed consent
 Stop before the procedure to take a time out that
includes verifying the patient and procedure site,
consent is complete, and that all medications,
equipment, and supplies are available before the
procedure begins



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!

Michael Hunt

“A patient in the parking lot was having difficulty getting their vehicle started,“ said Amanda Haggard, pharmacist. “Another patient
attempted to assist by giving the vehicle a jump start, but was not successful. Michael was in the parking lot on his lunch break when
he noticed the two patients having some trouble. He offered his services and got the vehicle up and running in a matter of minutes.

The patient was very grateful for the assistance.”

William Littlecalf

“William received a call from a patient who was having sided facial drooping,” said Kelly Yoder, practical nurse. “He recognized this
as a potential medical emergency and promptly escalated the issue to a nurse to assess the patient for the next step in treatment.

After the patient was seen, they spoke very highly of William for helping to quickly coordinate care.”

Employees Association Hosts Easter Bunny!

The Clinton Service Unit Employees Association (EA) hosted the Easter Bunny for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Head Start and
Child Care Center in Clinton. Kiddos were “egg-cited” for the opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny, who later stopped by the
clinic to take photos with staff. The EA put together goodie bags for each child and hosted an egg decorating contact, with the winner
receiving an Easter basket. Thank you EA for all you do for the community!

Pictured left: Dr. Kenneth Egan, pediatrician, greets the Easter Bunny at Clinton Indian Health Center.
Pictured above: students of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Clinton Head Start decorate eggs for a

change to win an Easter basket from the CSU Employees Association.

Dr. Sean Wang

Supervisory Dentist | El Reno Indian Health Center

Theodore “TJ” Camacho

Medical Technician | El Reno Indian Health Center

Originally from Guam, a small island in the Pacific, Theodore “TJ” Camacho recently retired from the U.S.
Air Force after serving from December 1999 to September 2021. He has been married for 20 years and has
three kids (one of which followed their father’s footsteps and is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force). Soon

after retirement, he and his family settled in Oklahoma City.

Dalynna Parker

Medical Support Assistant (Optometry)
Clinton Indian Health Center

Dalynna Parker is from Clinton, Oklahoma and graduated from Clinton High School (CHS) in 1986. Her
son is currently a junior at CHS and will graduate in 2023. Dalynna enjoys watching her son play tennis

and football, as well as spending time with family, going to the movies, reading, playing games,
and traveling. “I am happy to be a part of the IHS team!”

Jeremiah Trent

Medical Support Assistant (Business Office)
Clinton Indian Health Center

Jeremiah Trent was born in Clinton, Oklahoma. He currently resides in Arapaho with his wife
and son. Jeremiah enjoys bike rides, fishing, and reading.
“I am excited to join and be a new member of the team!”

Alex Ynguanzo

Housekeeping Aid | El Reno Indian Health Center

Alex Ynguanzo is Kiowa and lives in Yukon, Oklahoma. His hobbies are music and wood crafting. Alex
has four children, a dog and two cats. His favorite time spent with family is to when they are watching

sports or movies.

Cherlyn Fletcher

Medical Records Technician/Coder
Clinton Indian Health Center

Born and raise din Gallup, New Mexico, Cherlyn Fletcher is a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho
Tribes of Oklahoma. She enjoys playing softball and loves to watch OU softball and football! Cherlyn

is a mother of two and enjoys traveling.

Sierra Price

Pharmacist | El Reno Indian Health Center

Sierra Price was born in raised in El Reno, where she describes she was surrounded by the best fami-
ly. Sierra attended pharmacy school at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford,

where she met her husband, who is a pharmacist in Piedmont. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to
work where I can provide care and give back to my own tribe.”

GRI Rides

(405) 215-9418

GRI is now offering no cost rides for
people living with and/or at high
risk for HIV residing in the Western
Oklahoma Service Area to help
them stay in care. They provide Lyft
rides to places like medical and
dental appointments, grocery stores,
counseling, and pharmacies.











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. Garner, 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 405.295.1523
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: 405.295.1494

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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