Operationally Speaking

By Tanya Cain, RN, Chief Operating Officer

The onset of the pandemic brought many changes to IHCRC. However, it could not stop us from expanding our programs to fit the needs of our patients. Not only did we receive The Upswing Fund grant (page 17 of this magazine), we also received a generous grant from the United Health Foundation. The goal of the project is to reduce health disparities and disease complications in Tulsa’s Native American community ages 65+.

The United Health Foundation is the philanthropic arm of UnitedHealth Group, a diversified health care company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and helping to make the health system work better for everyone. UnitedHealth Group offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and technology-enabled health services

Elders play a vital role in the preservation of American Indian culture. The proposed project consists of five integrated parts designed to increase access to services and improve health outcomes for the IHCRC patient community ages 65+: (1) comprehensive medical care; (2) internal referrals for behavioral health services, including memory and dementia testing; (3) expansion of fitness activities to include additional opportunities for ages 65 and up; (4) medical social work services to assist with basic needs, crisis intervention, and assistance with documents and forms for programs, identification, or services; and (5) health education for individuals ages 65+ and their caregivers, including support for individuals raising grandchildren.