February 2021 CSU Newsletter

February 2021

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

Record cold temperatures brought snow and ice to Oklahoma, transforming the landscape of WHAT’S INSIDE:
Clinton Indian Health Center
COVID Update
CSU back on track after winter Vaccine Schedule
weather delays COVID-19 vaccines Quarterly Awards
Dental
Despite the snow, ice, and record low temperatures blanketing the state of Oklahoma through the El Reno Update
month of February, Clinton Service Unit (CSU) is committed to COVID-19 vaccine ability for all indi- Pop Awards
viduals within our health system as quickly as possible. To date, CSU has administered over 5,000 New Employees
vaccines.

“While the winter weather delayed several of our clinic and community vaccination events, our team
adjusted to the obstacles, which included dangerous road conditions, a water pipe burst, loss of elec-
tricity, and loss of water at several of the vaccination sites,” said Captain Joe Bryant, chief executive
officer. “We rescheduled the canceled events and were back on track administering the vaccine to
our community as soon as it was safe to do so.”

CSU has extended COVID-19 vaccination priority to American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) 16
years of age and older and non-Native caregivers or spouses of AI/AN 16 years of age and older.
Those eligible to receive a vaccine may call 580.331.3433 to schedule an appointment.
(COVID-19 vaccine continued on page 3…)

INDIAN HEALTH
SERVICE
MISSION

To raise the physical,
mental, social, and

spiritual health of
American Indians
and Alaska Natives to
the highest level.

CLINTON The Indian Health Service (IHS) announced a new hotline dedicated
SERVICE UNIT to receiving reports of suspected child or sexual abuse within an IHS
facility and/or by an IHS staff member. Callers may report suspected
VISION child abuse or sexual abuse by calling 1-855-SAFE-IHS (1-855-723-
3447). Complaints can also be submitted online at:
To provide quality https://www.ihs.gov/sexualabuseprevention/hotline/.
health care services
This hotline may be used to report any type of suspected child
focusing on abuse, or any type of sexual abuse regardless of the age of the vic-
prevention, tim. Individuals reporting by phone or online may also remain anony-
restoration and mous. Learn more at:
collaborative https://www.ihs.gov/index.cfm#NativeHealth%20#IndianCountry.
relationships that are
valued and exceeds
the needs of our
patients, community,
and tribal partners.

COVID-19 vaccine continued... To schedule an
appointment
The service unit is currently administering vaccines at each of our three outpatient clinics (Clinton, for COVID-19
El Reno, and Watonga Indian Health Centers). To reach the surrounding communities, a series of vaccination
eight community events are scheduled in Geary, Woodward, Canton, Kingfisher, Hammon, Elk
City, Weatherford, and Oklahoma City. Once patients receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vac- ~or~
cine through either the clinic or a community event, they are immediately scheduled for an appoint-
ment to receive their second and final dose in the series. If you have
questions
CSU is following vaccination protocol established by the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- regarding
tion’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The service unit has completed Phase 1a COVID-19
and 1b of the vaccination program, which included providing vaccination to employees of the ser- vaccination
vice unit, staff of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Emergency Medical Service, residents and and/or testing,
staff of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Independent Living Center, elders over the age of 55
years, frontline and other essential workers. call
(580)331-3433
The IHS is currently in the top 10 for vaccine administration rate per 100,000 out of the 63 state,
territorial, or federal entity jurisdiction to which vaccine is distributed. As of February 18, the Indian
Health Service (IHS) has administered 401,516 total COVID-19 vaccines, this includes 289,605
individual COVID-19 vaccines first doses and 106,026 individual COVID-19 second doses. Over-
all, 57% of the 698,,000 COVID-19 vaccines shipped to IHS facilities have been administered.

Pictured left: Staff from
Clinton Service Unit,
Oklahoma City Area
Office, and volunteers
provided over 410
COVID-19 vaccines at
Mosaic United
Methodist Church in
Oklahoma City.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) is observed annually on
March 20. NNHAD increases awareness, starts conversations, and spotlights the
work being done to reduce HIV among American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Na-
tive Hawaiians, and shows support for people with HIV in these communities.

Many factors can decrease someone’s chance of getting or transmitting HIV. Absti-
nence (not having sex) is a 100 percent effective way to prevent getting HIV from a
sex partner. For people who are sexually active, more tools are available to prevent
HIV than ever before. Choosing less risky sexual behaviors, taking medicine to pre-
vent or treat HIV, and using condoms with lubricants are all highly effective ways to reduce the risk of getting or transmitting HIV.

If you are interested in learning more about medications to prevent HIV (known as pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) from sex or injection
drug use, contact your primary care provider. These medications have up to a 99 percent effectiveness rate if taken as prescribed.





CLINTON SERVICE UNIT CSU has provided over
COVID-19 UPDATE 5,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to date
Currently, CSU has a record low of 6
COVID-19 is a virus identified as the cause of an
outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Asia active positive cases of COVID-19
in late 2019 that has since spread globally into a
pandemic. The virus has spread across all 50 Clinton Service Unit
states and the number of individuals testing posi- COVID-19 Call Center
tive for COVID-19 continues to rapidly grow each
day. Clinton Service Unit is tracking how the virus (580) 331-3433
spreads amongst our community and service unit.

Positive COVID-19 Cases
in the State of Oklahoma

422,156

Positive COVID-19 Cases
amongst CSU patients
1,083

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

Alameda 1 Grady 3 0-4 Years 18
Alfalfa 2 Greer 2
Beckham 51 Jackson 1 5-17 Years 229
Bernalillo 5 Kingfisher 18
Blaine 131 Kiowa 5 18-35 Years 352
Caddo 27 Major 4
Canadian 319 Oklahoma 56 36-49 Years 223
Cleveland 4 Payne 1
Comanche 2 Roger Mills 18 50-64 Years 193
Custer 364 Texas Unk 4
Dewey 22 Washita 31 65+ Years 61
Ellis 1 Woodward 7
Garfield 2 CSU Total Positive Patients
by Gender

Male 447
Female 635

Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment Option

Clinton Service Unit is providing monoclonal antibodies as a treatment option to those patients who test positive for COVID-19 and are at
high risk for progressing to a severe form of the disease.

What is a Monoclonal Antibody?

Your body naturally makes antibodies to fight infection. However, your body may not have antibodies designed to recognize a novel (or new)
virus like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies are made in a laboratory to fight a particular infection — in
this case, SARS-CoV-2 — and are given to patients directly with an infusion. This is why monoclonal antibody treatment may help patients
who are at high risk for severe symptoms or having to be hospitalized.

Monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 is different from a COVID-19 vaccine. A vaccine triggers your body’s natural immune re-
sponse, but can take weeks to develop enough antibodies and present some kinds of infection. Current vaccines approved for COVID-19
required two shots, so your body can develop its own immune response to the disease. But if you already have the virus, monoclonal anti-
body treatment gives your body the antibodies it needs to protect itself.

What can I expect from treatment? Who may receive Monoclonal Antibodies?

The treatment is provided through an intravenous  Those who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 (RT-PCR or antigen) AND:
(IV) infusion. The process takes approximately one  Are within 10 days of the start of symptoms
hour. Afterward, patients are required to stay at the  Are at least 12 years of age or older and weigh at least 88 pounds
clinic for another hour to be sure they are not hav-  Are at high risk* for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization
ing an allergic reaction or other side effects. Reac-
tions are rare, but the staff must observe patients *High risk is defined with the following criteria
before they are released to go home.  Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35
 Chronic kidney disease
“Clinton Service Unit has worked collaboratively  Diabetes
with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes’ Emergency  Immunosuppressive disease
Medical Service to keep patient safety first and im-  Current receiving immunosuppressive treatment
prove the workflow process,” said Natasha Flurry,  65 years of age or older
chief nurse executive. “The treatment we are able  55 years of age or older AND have one or more of the following:
to provide through monoclonal antibodies provides
hope and healing to our Native American popula-  Cardiovascular disease
tion.”  Hypertension
 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/other chronic respirato-
After receiving monoclonal antibody treatment, it is
important for patient to know even if they start feel- ry disease
ing better, they could still spread the COVID-19  12-17 years of age AND have one or more of the following:
virus for a while. They will need to isolate them-
selves until all of these things happen:  BMI greater than 85th percentile for their age and gender,
1. At least 10 days have passed since your first based on clinical growth charts

symptoms of COVID-19  Sickle cell disease
2. No fever in at least 24 hours, without taking  Congenital or acquired heart disease
 Neurodevelopmental disorders (i.e., cerebral palsy)
any medicine to reduce fever  Medical-related technological dependence (i.e., tracheostomy,
3. Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving
gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to
COVID-19)
 Asthma, reactive airway, or other chronic respiratory disease
that requires daily medication for control

Immunization Schedules for Children and Adults

Why Vaccinate? On-time vaccination helps provide immunity before children or adults are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases.
Follow the recommended vaccine schedule for children and adults provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For questions regarding vaccination, speak with your medical home team or public health nurse.

Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger

Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule by Age Group

Clinton Service Unit Quarterly Award Recipients

Employee of the Quarter

Delena Cowan

Delena Cowan, Watonga registered nurse, has stepped up to help the needs of the patients under her
care. She has taken on the extra work of helping her provider with the patients they see at another facili-
ty in the service unit. She follows-up on lab work, covers nurse calls, and assists with problems related to
patients in the entire service unit.
During a time another member of the nursing team came down with COVID, Delena took on and worked
the extra notifications. She took time to review her providers schedule in advance to ensure the provid-
er’s clinics at both of the facilities they cover continued to flow without interruption to patient care. Delena
has been willing to take patient calls to allow an additional point of contact for her providers patients (she
has done all of this while not serving as the home RN to the provider), allowing for the patients to have
an opportunity to speak to a nurse about their immediate concerns.
Delena is a great role model to new hires. She encourages them and works with them to exceed the needs of our patients every day.
She does all of this while she is currently enrolled in school herself. In a year which has been truly difficult, Delena has found ways to
encourage others, lift spirits, engage employees, and rally staff when frustration was high.

Outstanding Customer Service

Monica Halcomb

Monica Halcomb, El Reno nurse practitioner, provides great customer service to each and every one of
her patients. She is “Team Clinton Service Unit”! Monica will see patients for acute care needs, even if
they are not empaneled to her medical home. In October 2020, an ice storm hit the area and power was
lost throughout the service unit. Monica continued to work from home off of a generator to see patients
and ensure they received needed care.

Above and Beyond

Juan Matanane

Juan Matanane, Watonga environmental services, is an amazing employee to work with. He is quick to
help and works above and beyond every day to not only improve moral of the clinic, but to keep the staff
and patients safe from the COVID-19 virus.
Recently, the Watonga clinic was very busy and one of the employees was unable to break away for
lunch to get some food. Juan went on his own to get food and bring to the staff.
Juan cleans the clinic to keep everyone healthy. He keeps an eye on the staffs’ habits to ensure the most
commonly used and touched areas are cleaned more frequently to decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19. His hard work exceeds the
need and keeps us safe. He cares so much for the clinic, staff, and patients of the service unit

National Children’s Dental Health Month

Each February, we observe National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health
observance reinforces the importance of oral health in children as well as helping parents with tips to keep
their child’s smile on track.

According to Strong Teeth, Strong Kid, an American Indian-led campaign focused on good oral health for
children’s development, American Indian and Alaska Native children ages one to five, have the highest
rate of tooth decay in the United States. Children with tooth decay may experience pain and infection,
leading to difficulty concentrating and learning, missed school days, and potentially undergoing oral sur-
gery.

Poor oral health is linked to various diseases including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. It is important
to start your child off with proper oral care, good nutrition, and timely visits to the dentist to help protect
his/her teeth and health for years to come.

“Children’s teeth and a healthy smile are important for a child’s self-esteem,” said LT Alyssa Rowe, den-
tal hygienist. “With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy
and strong.”

It is important to protect primary (baby) teeth. Baby teeth are important because of their key role of saving
space for a child’s permanent teeth. They stay in a child's mouth for 6-10 years and also affect their
speaking, chewing, and of course smiling. Untreated tooth decay can cause oral infections that enter the
bloodstream and lead to other serious health problems, while also allowing bacteria to spread to new
adult teeth.

While daily brushing is an important part of a child’s oral hygiene routine, bacteria causing tooth decay
can still linger between teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach. That’s why it’s so important to help your
kids incorporate flossing in their daily routine.

If you have a baby or toddler, you may have questions about thumb sucking, your child’s first dental visit
or how and when to clean your child’s teeth. If so, the Dental Team at Clinton Service Unit is here to an-
swer your questions.

Clinton Dental Department (580)331-3423

Watonga Dental Department (580)623-4991 ext. 3007

Dental Procedures and COVID-19 Testing

All patients scheduled for a dental procedure at Clinton or Watonga Indian Health Centers are required to obtain a
COVID-19 test, via nasopharyngeal testing, zero to three days prior to the procedure.

Patients who have received a COVID-19 vaccine or have tested positive in the past for COVID-19 are still required to obtain a
COVID-19 test zero to three days prior to their procedure.

Patients who receive a negative test are required to isolate until the scheduled appointment. Should a patient test positive prior
to a procedure, the procedure will not occur until a negative COVID-19 test is obtained.

At this time, COVID-19 testing is not required prior to a dental exam.

All dental exams and procedures are by appointment only.

El Reno Construction

UPDATE

Despite the frigid temperatures, building of the new facility for El Reno
Indian Health Center continues with the location of the new facility directly
to the east of the current building. The facility is starting to take shape as
detailing of the structural steel was put into place. Over the past week,
construction of the safe-room was mounted. Next in line for the construc-
tion project is installation for the underground plumbing. Construction will
continue into the spring and summer months. The new facility has an an-
ticipated completion date for late 2021.



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!

William “Keith” Rumnier

“Keith is always very helpful,” said Cheryl Lamb-Groves, El Reno ambulatory care manager. He
assisted our Chief Pharmacist with a distraught patient and went above and beyond to reassure the
patient and provided them with his direct line for future use. He takes time to listen to patients when
they call-in and does his best to assist them. If Keith cannot assist them, he will help them get to the

person to best help them with their needs.”

Brianna Sands

“In the early morning hours of Friday, January 22nd, the Environmental Services (EVS) staff discov-
ered a leaking valve in the ceiling near Lab,” said Jacob Brice, facilities. “EVS promptly contact the
Facilities department and managed to contain the leak before we arrived on site. Their quick action

and willingness to exceed the need prevented a bad situation from becoming much worse.
Thank you!”

Andrea “Niki” Baker

“Niki (public health nurse) stayed late to ensure one of our nurses was COVID vaccine trained,” said
Cheryl Lamb-Groves, El Reno ambulatory care manager. “She was here until nearly 7 pm to
complete competency with the nurse and help her feel confident about giving the vaccine and

educating the patients. Niki should be recognized for her flexibility and ability to teach others. She
has a gift for teaching both staff and patients.”

Laura Jones

“A mass vaccination clinic was planned at the R.E.Sp.E.C.T. Gym in Concho from 8 am to 5 pm,”
said Kateri Fletcher-Sahmaunt. “At the last minute, we decided to hold another small vaccination
clinic at Watonga Indian Health Center to allow patients another opportunity to receive a COVID-19
vaccine. Laura was scheduled to work the full-day at the Concho event. When we needed volun-
teers to stay after hours to assist with the event in Watonga, Laura did not hesitate. After finishing at
Concho around 4:30 pm, Laura drove to Watonga to assist the clinic for an additional four hours.
Anytime volunteers are needed, Laura is always the first to offer. She has a positive attitude and

says she does it because she wants to take care of her people.”

Crista Runnerstrand

Licensed Practical Nurse | El Reno Indian Health Center

Crista Runnerstrand, member of the Cherokee Nation, is a traveling nurse from Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She has
worked in Indian Health Service facilities from Alaska to Oklahoma. Since February 2020, she has worked in
COVID clinics for the Quinault, Ojibwe, and Cherokee Nations. “I love to travel and learn about other nations
throughout the United States. I am so happy in be in this area close to my new grandbaby!”

Dr. Michael Shields

Clinical Psychologist | Clinton Indian Health Center

Dr. Michael Shields grew up in Oklahoma, but recently returned to the state with his wife and children after mov-
ing from Texarkana, Texas. Dr. Shields obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Okla-
homa and a Doctoral Degree in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University. He was the Director of Men-
tal Health at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility in Kansas prior to joining the Bureau of Prisons at Fed-
eral Correctional Institution Texarkana, where Dr. Shields served in several different roles within the Psychology department. “I’m
excited about being a part of the CSU team and IHS mission!”

LCDR Tana Clark

Registered Nurse | El Reno Indian Health Center

LCDR Tana Clark has been a nurse for over 14 years. She has experience with med-surg, emergency room, and
case management. Prior to coming to El Reno, LCDR Clark had a temporary duty assignment in Claremore to as-
sist in the infection control process through calling patients with positive COVID results and providing education
on the quarantine process. LCDR Clark has three grown children and four grandchildren. She and her husband,
who is retired from the Army, reside in Ada, Oklahoma. During the week, LCDR Clark resides in Yukon.

Maria “Ines” Jimenez-Rodriguez

Registered Nurse | Clinton Indian Health Center

Maria Ines Jimenez-Rodriguez preferably goes by her middle name, Ines. She has lived in Clinton the
majority of her life and attended school at the Western Technology Center in Burns Flat and Western
Oklahoma State College in Elk City. Ines has been a nurse for over ten years. She has two boys.

Jessica Hobbs

Medical Support Assistant/Purchase Referred Care
Clinton Indian Health Center

Jessica Hobbs was born and raised in Massachusetts and has two young children. “I’m excited to join the team!”

Jeremy Smith Cynthia Penner

Laborer Registered Nurse
Clinton Indian Health Center Clinton Indian Health Center

Leanna Bailey Kyle Yoder

Medical Support Assistant Laborer
Clinton Indian Health Center Clinton Indian Health Center

Abby Thibodeaux

Pharmacy Intern
Clinton Indian Health Center









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
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: 580.331.3307

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 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