The director of the U.S. Indian Health Service visited the Citizen Potawatomi Nation headquarters on June 30, 2023. Roselyn Tso (Navajo Nation) and her administrative staff met with CPN Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett, Vice-Chairman Linda Capps, Self-Governance Director Kasie Nichols, CPNHS Medical Director Dr. Kassi Sexton and CPNHS staff.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services staff are always happy to see Tribal members at the Nation’s East or West Clinic, and any Tribal member is eligible to receive care at CPN facilities. However, CPNHS recognizes that time and distance can be a challenge for Tribal members living outside of Oklahoma. Clinical Operations Director Lauren Bristow spoke with the Hownikan about ways that Tribal members across the country can access health care through CPN and the Indian Health Service.
Most Family Reunion Festival guests are looking forward to the cultural activities, but the event is also a good time to consider overall health and wellness. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services will be offering health screenings and other services on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24.
Tescier family descendant Christine Munoz values the chance to be a part of service to her Tribe as advanced practice registered nurse. She enjoys the holistic approach to preventative care that CPNHS provides, as well as the professional support from other nurses, doctors and staff. When she’s not caring for patients, she’s traveling the globe!
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services hosted a community overdose awareness event in May 2022 to increase the public’s understanding of the recent uptick in fentanyl overdoses, sometimes referred to as “the silent crisis.” CPNHS and event organizers welcomed approximately 10 groups and resource centers to discuss fentanyl overdoses as well as addiction treatment, therapy, preventative action during fentanyl overdoses and more.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services will be offering health screenings and other services on Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25 during the 2022 Family Reunion Festival. Tribal members may also schedule an appointment at the health clinic during their visit to Shawnee.
Oklahoma voters narrowly approved the expansion of Medicaid eligibility in June 2020, helping thousands of previously uninsured residents qualify for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services officials are ready to ensure new patients efficiently receive services and CPNHS can cost-effectively administer care. Apply for Medicaid at mysoonercare.org or by phone at 800-987-7767. Benefits specialists at the CPN clinics are also available to assist with enrollment.
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.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribal member Amanda Bradley finds satisfaction in working hard in the challenging public health sector. She began her career with the Indian Health Service three years ago. Bradley oversees communication between IHS and its grantees for several projects in the Oklahoma City area.
CPNHS is ahead of the COVID-19 preparedness curve and remains that way. CPNHS leadership has done everything it can up to this point to care for its patients’ essential medical needs while guarding the safety of patients, employees, families and communities.