CPN Behavioral Health will build a new clinical building thanks to a grant from the U.S. Indian Health Service. The current clinic is 4,300 square feet with care provided by eight professional staff, including one psychiatrist, three psychologists and five counselors. The new building is expected to house more providers, therapy rooms, a larger space for group therapy and a planned observation deck.
2021 brought productivity and uplifting news from CPN. Big developments ranged from new ways for Tribal members to connect digitally to an impactful agreement between local governments to improve the community’s future.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office awarded Citizen Potawatomi Nation East Clinic pharmacist Penny Southern its Patriotic Employer Award after a nomination from a co-worker and Air National Guard member.
The Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa celebrated Carmelita Wamego Skeeter’s 45 years of service to the organization and the Native American community.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services welcomed Dakota LeClaire as the new East Clinic public health nurse in March 2021.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services Director of Clinical Operations, Lauren Bristow, has served on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. She worked closely with fellow CPNHS leadership to organize COVID-19 testing and vaccination drives while also helping the Tribe’s clinics maintain operation.
CPN tribal member Christopher Jenks spent a month with CPN Health Services in spring 2021. The Bertrand family descendant wanted additional hands-on experience before beginning his medical degree program and selecting his specialty.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation recently celebrated an important milestone in the fight against COVID-19. The tribe administered its 10,000th dose of the vaccine Friday, March 26.
CPN Health Services’ expansions over the last decade include medical professionals, departments, & services, as evidenced by the increase in patients/visits. Also added: mammography, CT, MRI, optometry, urgent care, physical therapy and more.
In March 2020, CPN’s emergency declaration paved the way for the Tribe and FEMA Region 6’s teamwork. Six medical personnel from the FEMA region served on 60-day deployments to assist with CPN’s mass vaccination efforts.