1976-20 2 1 INDIAN HEALTH CARE RESOURCE CENTER OF TULSA
About the Organization
Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC) is a community response to the funding and healthcare disparities of Tulsa’s urban Indian community. From a community survey to building a state-of-the art facility, IHCRC has remained dedicated to providing quality, comprehensive healthcare to Tulsa area Indian people in a culturally sensitive manner that promotes good health, well-being, and harmony. More than 250,000 individuals have walked through the doors of IHCRC during its 45 years of service. IHCRC continues to focus on its vision of eliminating health disparities, expanding innovative familyfocused practices, and embracing an approach to care that strengthens physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness within the Indian community.
More than 165 staff members, approximately 60% of which are themselves Native American, provide cutting edge care for almost 12,000 Native Americans annually. The wide array of integrated services operates through a multidisciplinary, patient-centered, medical home model of care. The one-stop shop houses the following service areas:
• Primary Care for All Ages
• Internal Medicine
• Pediatrics including Well Child
• Geriatrics
• Obstetrics
• Public Health Including COVID-19 and Immunization Clinic
• Optometry
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory
• Radiology Including X-ray, Mammography, and Ultrasound
• Behavioral Health
• Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment
• Systems of Care Wrap Around Services
• Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention
• Health Education and Wellness Including Diabetes Management, Dietitians, and Exercise
• Transportation
• Programs for Youth
IHCRC’s commitment to quality is evident in its accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Centers (AAAHC) and its certification as a Medical Home by AAAHC. Indian Health Care Resource Center hires with an Indian preference and is an “Indian-controlled business.” Incorporated as an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation in 1978, Indian Health Care Resource Center operates as an urban Indian health center, independent of tribal or federal control. A Board of Trustees (all of whom are Native American) meets bi-monthly to determine issues of policy and governance.
2021 Letter from the President and the CEO
As the new fiscal year began, we were all hopeful that the vaccine would end this pandemic. Unfortunately it was not to be. Brief reprieves in transmission allowed us to open some of our most loved wellness programming, including Running Strong and summer camp. However, each time we were forced to return to virtual programming and special precautions because of a rise in COVID-19 cases. We continued to do all we could to curb the spread of the pandemic. Our COVID team reached out through vaccination clinics at the VFW, other nonprofits, and eventually Tulsa Public Schools. Providers continued to provide in-person as well as telehealth visits, maintaining services for our patient population.
This year we celebrate 45 years in service to Tulsa area Indian people. Our focus has not changed and neither has our dedication to expanding and adding services based on patient need. The pandemic simply could not and would not stop us. We still found ways to partner with National funders and local organizations to enhance services. Some of those are highlighted in this report.
We also continued our tradition of collaboration and partnership within the community. Focusing on health and behavioral health care requires a close relationship with organizations who provide social and basic needs services. IHCRC is lucky to be located in Tulsa, one of the strongest philanthropic and nonprofit communities in the United States.
Finally, the Board of Trustees continued their work on expansion of our facility. Additional information, including renderings of the new building are contained in this report. We are excited for the ground breaking and the eventual offering of expanded and new services.
As the President of the Board I congratulate our Chief Executive Officer on her 45th year at IHCRC. We are grateful for her leadership, wisdom, experience, and dedication. I also want to thank our corporate sponsors and dedicated donors. Your generosity did not waver even during this difficult time.
As Chief Executive Officer I am grateful for our IHCRC staff. The past two years have not been easy but they have all risen to the occasion. They prove daily that IHCRC believes in putting our patients first.
Wishing each of you good health,
Brandon Caruso, President, IHCRC Board of Trustees
Above: Brandon Caruso President, IHCRC Board of Trustees
Below: Carmelita Skeeter, Chief Executive Officer
Carmelita Skeeter, CEO
Protecting Our Elders
Ten percent of IHCRC’s annual patient population are ages 65 and up. Another 1,500 are ages 55 to 64. According to the U.S. Census, 14.2% or 6,387 of Tulsa County’s population are Native American ages 65+. Elders in Native American societies play a vital role in the preservation of Indian culture. Elders teach younger generations about spirituality and history. They are considered the “wisdomkeepers” and are held in the highest regard.
Unfortunately, these same American Indian and Alaska Native elders comprise the most economically disadvantaged group in the nation and are at increasing risk of health disparities, financial exploitation, and neglect. Additionally, this group is often responsible for the raising of grandchildren.
During 2020, IHCRC received an invitation to apply for a grant from the United Health Foundation . 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. It is an honor to be invited to apply for a grant.
IHCRC submitted a project with the goal of reducing health disparities and disease complications in Tulsa County’s Native American community ages 65 and over. 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) behavioral health services; (3) fitness activities; (4) medical social work services; and (5) he alth education for individuals ages 65+ and their caregivers.
In September United Health Care announced that IHCRC has been a warded a $1.8 million grant for its Protecting Our Elders program. IHCRC is honored and humbled to be partnering with United Health Foundation.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation - 2,048
Choctaw Nation - 993
Osage Nation - 252
Chickasaw Nation - 181
Other - 1,479
Unduplicated Patients Seen
Page Intentionally blank.
Behavioral Health Department
Visits
Did You Know?
Our Director of Behavioral Health and our Associate Director of Behavioral Health both came to IHCRC through our Graduate Psychology Internship Program.
Patients Substance Abuse
Future Expansion
IHCRC’s dental and optometry departments are always busy. Our two dentists alone saw 1,895 unduplicated patients during a pandemic year. When patient visits are considered, IHCRC’s dental department averaged 14 visits per day. Unfortunately, the current space limitations prohibit adding dentists to the department. Therefore, dental services have been limited to children and youth, pregnant women, and persons living with diabetes.
Optometry services are currently limited to children and youth, persons with diabetes and individuals with eye diseases or infections. One optometrist provided 1,789 visits for 1,185 unduplicated individuals, an average of 7 visits per day.
Dental and optometry are not the only departments reaching maximum service potential. IHCRC’s pharmacy is like no other. Filling more than 1,000 prescriptions a day in 1,140 square feet, the motion of the pharmacy staff is more like a fine tuned dance. Additionally, anyone who has tried to enter the IHCRC parking lot on a day when the pharmacy is busy knows that additional pharmacy lines are needed.
Patient needs are always on the mind of IHCRC’s Board and staff. Therefore it came as no surprise when the IHCRC Board approved the purchase of the property to the north of the current building. Within the next two years, an expanded pharmacy, along with an expanded optometry and dental department will be available. Additionally, the new space will make room for a larger exercise facility, and some specialty services such as physical therapy. The building will also provide an opportunity for IHCRC to expand medical and behavioral health services within the current facility. NORTH
Dental Department
1,895
3,456
Patient Visits
Optometry Department
Pharmacy Department Total Patients
1,789 Prescriptions Filled 248,166 Prescriptions Filled Daily
Patient Visits 1,185
1,035
Visits
Did You Know?
IHCRC introduced a new way to manage patient medications and or der refills through a mobile app called RefillPro. It is available in both the Apple and Android app store. The app connects patients to the clinic when they enter the pharmacy's phone number, 918-382-1270.
The Unsung Heroes of IHCRC
Tucked away in a hallway rarely traveled by patients or staff are the hard working staff known as Patient Benefit Coordinators. We prefer to call them our unsung heroes. These individuals battle daily to ensure our patients have the health care, services, and insurance they need.
A fallacy about Indian health care is that it is “insurance.” While health care is free for tribal citizens, the availability of specialty care (and primary care for that matter) is very limited. In Oklahoma, having a tribal card or CDIB card does not mean you can present at the nearest emergency room for care and have it paid for by the tribe or government. Neither does i t mean you can see that wonderful cardiologist your co-worker recommended.
Every day IHCRC’s physicians refer patients for specialty care services such as an MRI, a visit with a cardiologist, or a biopsy. That referral passes to an IHCRC Patient Benefit Coordinator. These unsung heroes determine where they can send a patient for that specific referral. Often times they discover “contract heath” or “purchased referred care” dollars are simply no longer available. It is at this point the Patient Benefit Coordinators come alive. Their job? To find the referred service for the patient whether or not funding is available and to keep track of that referral from beginning to end.
The unsung heroes of IHCRC are also the experts on health insurance, especially SoonerCare, Medicaid, and Medicare. Being able to cover IHCRC patients with a third party payer source is just another way to ensure they receive the health care they deserve.
If anyone asks you why IHCRC is different, an answer must always be, “Because our Patient Benefit Coordinators are the absolute best at what they do!”
COVID-19 Clinic
Connections: Using Our Past to Build Our Future
In order to better serve the needs of American Indian youth ages 6 to 24, IHCRC began a redesign and reinvigoration of its youth programs in early 2021. The team noted that while suicide and drug use prevention remain crucial, IHCRC’s youth programs must also be designed to address one of the most important characteristics of care for American Indians, attentiveness to the four aspects of an individual’s nature (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual).
To this end, IHCRC’s new youth program is an innovative multi-faceted and multi-disciplined integration of services. Six primary components ensure a well-rounded, comprehensive program focused on the whole person. Those six components encompass (1) a youth leadership, mentoring and volunteer program, (2) nutrition education, (3) fitness and health, (4) family strengthening, (5) cultural connections, and (6) behavioral health including substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention and a new LGBTQ2S+ program funded by The Upswing Fund.
IHCRC will begin using Plant Teachings for Growing Social-Emotional Skills. The classes taught through this book include information on how plants teach us resilience and strength. The youth will also learn to fish with regular fishing trips added to the p rogram. In addition to the ever popular Running Strong Club, IHCRC will offer individual youth fitness pr ograms focusing on weight control, strengthening, and movement.
Bi-monthly family fun activities will get the entire family moving together. Each family fun activity will include nutrition education, a healthy meal (sometimes cooked by the families) and a fun activity to help get people moving. Events will range from family competition nights to outings at local parks, zoos, botanic gardens, and nature centers.
Exercise and Fitness Program
Giving Thanks
A portion of IHCRC’s success is based on its organizational identity. We are first and foremost a health and behavioral health facility focused on the whole person. Caring for the whole person is simply not possible without the help of others. Whether it be a volunteer who teaches about culture, an organization providing food, or a corporation who shares employee’s time and talents, it takes a community to care for the patients and families of IHCRC.
IHCRC was built on collaborative partnerships. Forty-five years later, we continue to forge new partnerships for the benefit of our patients. IHCRC has been an instrumental part of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Native American Community Committee, the Tulsa Native American Day Committee, and the Greater Tulsa Indian Affairs Commission. Helping the American Indian community as a whole is just as important to us as providing excellent care for our patients.
Serving patients from so many tribes often requires that IHCRC reach out to Tulsa’s nonprofit community as well. They are always willing to assist in the provision of social and basic needs services for our patients. During the pandemic we have been able to give back in a very special way by offering COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and consumers alike. We also do our best to support their efforts in any way possible, including attending fundraising events or serving on boards and committees.
Our corporate partners have become one of our greatest assets. They are there with funding, with advice, with volunteers, with in-kind donations, and so much more. From helping to present the Native American Youth Summit to purchasing holiday presents for our less fortunate families, our corporate partners have made more than we ever dreamed possible - possible. This year has been difficult for most but the support of our partners has been unwavering. As we celebrate our 45th year in operation, we give thanks for all those who help us care for Tulsa’s American Indian community.
Community Partners
Native American Community Committee
Chris Barnes
ONEOK, Inc.
Elizabeth Battiest
IHCRC Board Member
GTAIA Commissioner
Monica Barajas
American Airlines – Global Lead, Dallas
Michelle Bohannon
American Airlines
Crystal Brownstone
Tulsa City-County Library – Central Library
Belinda Bhageerutty
American Airlines – Global Lead, Dallas
Andre Butler
AEP/PSO
Sigma Beta Foundation
Haley Buzzard
Inspire Tribal Benefits
Brandon Caruso
IHCRC Board President
Today Lending
Lauren Cusick
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Lisa Day
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.
Sara Delgado
Williams
Brittany Dias
ONE Gas
Loretta Earnest
ONEOK
Community Organizations
AARP
Centennial Park
Day Center for the Homeless
Domestic Violence Intervention Services
Family and Children’s Services
Iron Gate
LIFE Senior Services
Lightning Boy Foundation
Leadership Tulsa
Meals on Wheels
Mental Health Association of Oklahoma
OETA
Liliana Goodwin
American Airlines
Greg Hanifin
American Airlines
Kimberly Hughes
AEP – Dallas
DeAnn Johnson
Williams
JM Johnson
American Airlines
Chellie Keith
Phillips 66
Niyo Little Thunder Pearson
ONE Gas
Deborah Perry-Chambers
ONEOK, Inc.
Tyler Post
ONE Gas
Joyce Roberts
IHCRC Board Member
GTAIA Commissioner
AEP/PSO
Teresa Runnels
Zarrow Regional Library
GTAIA Commissioner
Brit Whittington
AEP/PSO
Ashley Zickefoose
ONEOK, Inc.
Oklahoma Aquarium
Oklahoma Tribal Education Partners Eagle Adventures
Oklahoma Veteran Alliance
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
SendaRide
Tulsa Botanic Garden
Tulsa Health Department
Tulsa Parks and Recreation
Tulsa Zoo
VFW Post 577
Youth Services of Tulsa
Celebrating 45 Years with Carmelita Skeeter
Carmelita began her career at IHCRC in 1976 when she helped survey residents to assess health needs of the local urban Indian population. Survey results showed medical needs of Tulsa’s Native Americans were not being met. When she was hired as one of IHCRC’s original four employees, the agency provided referral services only. Within a year, the first medical services were offered. During her tenure with IHCRC, Carmelita has worn many hats, including Clinic Administrator and, since 1989, Chief Executive Officer.
During the past 45 years she has been the recipient of many awards, including (1) “Outstanding Community Leadership of the Year,” presented by the Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center, 1998; (2) an award for significant contributions in improving the health of American Indian and Alaska Natives presented by the National Indian Health Board, 1999; (3) the national Council of Urban Indian Health “Outstanding Program of the Year” award, 2002; (4) Maxine Cissel Horner Spirit of Community Excellence Award, 2003: (5) a Women in Communication Annual Newsmaker, 2011; (6) a Women of the Year Pinnacle Award winner; (7) a YWCA 100 Women of Moxie, 2014; (8) a Dan Allen Social Justice Award Winner, 2016; (9) City of Tulsa “Carmelita Skeeter Day” Proclamation, 2019; and (10) Kenneth Anquoe Lifetime Achievement Dream Keeper Award, 2021. Carmelita has dedicated her life to the issues affecting Native Americans. She is never without drive and determination to add to and enhance the many services already provided by Indian Health Care Resource Center. She is admired and respected by the IHCRC patients, former and current staff, and the Board of Trustees. Indian Health Care would not be such a vital resource to the Tulsa community without the vision and leadership of Carmelita Skeeter.
Community Partners Continued
Corporations
American Airlines PRIDE
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Griffin Communications
Justin Thompson Restaurants
Magellan Midstream Partners, LP
OMNI Lighting, Inc.
Foundations
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
The Upswing Fund
The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
ONE Gas, Inc.
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Tiger Natural Gas
3 Sirens Restaurant Group, LLC
Williams
Tulsa Community Foundation
United Health Foundation
Williams Foundation
Tribal and American Indian Organizations
American Indian Chamber of Commerce
Cherokee Copper College of the Muscogee Nation
Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission
IllumiNative
Southern Plains Tribal Health Board
Muscogee Nation Department of Health
Wewoka Indian Health Center Community Health
Miss Native American USA
Schools
Broken Arrow Public Schools Indian Education
Berryhill Public Schools Indian Education
Glenpool Public Schools Indian Education
Northeastern State University
Individuals
Nico Albert – Burning Cedar Indigenous Foods
Robert Anquoe
Elizabeth Battiest
Miss Indian Oklahoma
Miss Cherokee
Jr. Miss Cherokee
Sr. Choctaw Nation Princess
Jr. Miss Comanche Princess
Miss Osage Nation 2021
Miss Osage Nation 2020
Ponca Tribal Princess
Pawnee Nation Princess
Owasso Public Schools Indian Education
Sand Springs Public Schools Indian Education
The University of Tulsa
Tulsa Public Schools Indian Education
Janice Edmiston
Michael Loman
Sam Phillips
Recognizing a Culture of Caring
Circle of Life
($50,000+) Lifetime cumulative giving
American Cancer Society, Inc.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
H.A. and Mary K. Chapman Charitable Trust
Chickasaw Nation
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Flint Family Foundation
Griffin Communications
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa
Susan G. Komen Tulsa Affiliate
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Jim and Sharon Ruley
Southern Plains Tribal Health Board
Delores Titchywy Sumner
Tiger Natural Gas
Tulsa Community Foundation (LARC)
University of Pittsburgh
Williams/Williams Foundation
The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Four Elements Cumulative giving between July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2021
Fire ($25,000-$49,999)
The Notah Begay III Foundation
Ruth K. Nelson
Earth ($10,000-$24,999)
Dr. and Mrs. Jay Anderson
CamGlass, Inc./Jim Cameron
Canyon Creek Energy/Luke Essman
Childers Architect
CommunityCare
Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma
Janice Edmiston and Ceasar Williams
Commerce Bank
Eller & Detrich, P.C.
First National Bank of Broken Arrow
Flintco/Flintco Foundation
Interior Logistics
Wind ($5,000-$9,999)
Global Scaffolding & Insulation LLC
Burt B. Holmes
Mabrey Bank
Magellan Midstream Partners, LP
Dr. & Mrs. David and Lee Marks
ONE Gas
ONEOK
Water ($1,000-$4,999)
Aetna Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. Akberali
Larry and Linda Almanza
American Airlines, Inc.
American Indian Chamber of Commerce Oklahoma
Carmelita Skeeter
Telligen Community Initiative
Meeks Group
Muscogee Nation Department of Health
Muscogee Nation
Nike, N7 Fund
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Osage Casino
OSU Medical
Tulsa Community Foundation (Take Control Initiative Fund)
Ken Ray Underwood Law Office
Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas
James R. Phillips
Phoenix Plumbing Works, Inc.
Edward E. Rogers
Larry and Janet Smith
Ross O. Swimmer
United Healthcare C&S OK
University of Colorado
AmericanChecked Inc
Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson
Tom and Sherry Askew
Mr. Chris and Dr. Leigh Barrow
Dr. Jami Bartgis
Stacy Berg
Donna Birkenfeld
Bob and Gloria Bitting
Russell Brown
Dr. Robert Burlingame - Hunt Mill Hollow Ranch
Greg Burn
Larry and Tanya L. Cain
Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Lupe Cole
College of the Muscogee Nation
Dr. & Mrs. Tom Colpitts
Conner & Winters, LLP
Virginia Cox
Donnie and Gayla Cox
Crowe & Dunlevy
Michael and Heidi Dawson
Devol & Associates
Brittany Dias
Dr. Jose and Mrs. Cheryl Echevarria
Trilla Frazier
Dr. Jesicah Gilmore and Dane Bowin
Tonia D. Gist
Lance and Colette Gopffarth
Jo Ann Gower
Jenny Graham
Great Plains Lending
Kelly E. Henderson
Hillcrest Healthcare System
Hogan Taylor, LLP
Deanna Holman
Homeguard Construction, Inc./Pat Hummingbird
IBM Employee Giving Program
DeAnn Johnson
Kaw Nation of Oklahoma
Kimberly-Clark
Kayla Kramer
Megan R. Leath, D.Ph.
2021 Donors
July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021
Dr. & Mrs. Dean Martin
Mike McBride III and Dawnette Brady
Teresa and Robert Burkett
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Mounce
Jack and Donna Murray
Brian and Stacie Nutt
Nancy O'Banion
Daniel Olson
Omni Productions
Osteopathic Founders Foundation
Elizabeth Parrott
Karen Payne
The PENTA Building Group
Prescor, Inc.
Arden and Joyce Roberts
Floyd Rogers
Drs. Emmanuel and Divina Roman
Tim and Joanna Shadlow
Becky Sheofee
Louise Short
Mr. David Krapff and Dr. Geeta Silas
Debbie Starnes
Brenda Taylor, LPN
Transit Advertising, Inc.
Two Feathers Media Consultants
The University of Oklahoma-Anne and Henry Zarrow
School of Social Work
The University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc.
The University of Oklahoma - Tulsa
Hank and Jeannie Van Veen
Mary Ann and Andrew Vassar
Bill Wamego and Carol Hinkley
Joseph Williams
LaToyia and Eucild Williams
Mollie Williford
Nicole Woodmansee
Aetna Inc.
Aflac
Dr. and Mrs. Akberali
Connie Allen
Faith Allen
Larry and Linda Almanza
Dr. and Mrs. Jay Anderson
Jennifer Ashlock
Tom and Sherry Askew
Jennie Barnes
Stacy Berg
Amanda Billetdoux
Donald Bingham
Donna Birkenfeld
Ginessa Blake
Carolyn Bode
Katelyn Britton
Kristi Brown
Kirby Brown
Donna Cagle
Larry and Tanya L. Cain
Jim Cameron
Titus Carwy
Harry and Monica Champ
Chickasaw Nation
Childers Architect
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Dr. Jan and Susan Cobble
Chesney Cochran
Cheryl Cohenour
Lupe Cole
Katherine Coleman
College of the Muscogee Nation
Commerce Bank
CommunityCare
Virginia Cox
Ashley Dailey
Michael and Heidi Dawson
Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma
Southern Plains Tribal Health Board
Interior Logistics
Rachel Dugan
Elizabeth A. Duncklee, LCSW
John and Carol Durkee
Dr. Jose and Mrs. Cheryl Echevarria
Janice Edmiston and Ceasar Williams
Jessica Elam
Eller & Detrich, P.C.
Jeremy and Crystalle Evans
Flintco
Ashley Flurry
Sarah Gaza
Michelle Geld
Dr. Jesicah Gilmore and Dane Bowin
Tonia D. Gist
Global Scaffolding & Insulation LLC
Mannie Golden
Elena Gore
Bethany Gower
Steve Gregg
Anthony Gresham
Cassey Gutierrez
Jenifer Hamma
Christina Harris
Ray Hawthorne
Adrienne Hefner
Kelly E. Henderson
Sequoyah Herd
Bill & Kathy Hixon
Harriett Hobbs
Deanna Holman
Jessie Holmes
Homeguard Construction, Inc.
Jennie Howard
Valerie Howard, DO
Dr. Melissa R Hudmon
Denise Hudmon
IBM Employee Service Center
Cassie Irving
Taylor Irving
Norman Jackson
Ruth K. Nelson
Dawanna Keller
Sarah and Joe Kennedy
Kimberly-Clark
Ranie Kirk
Angie Lanning
Megan R. Leath, D.Ph.
Anne Lisko
Quannah LittleAxe
Harold Blackston Lofton
Gwendolyn Ludewick
Mabrey Bank
Magellan Midstream Partners, LP
Dr. & Mrs. David and Lee Marks
Marrow, Lai, & Kitterman
Mike McBride III and Dawnette Brady
Margaret McIntosh
Kimberly McReynolds
Ashlee Metcalfe
Faith Miller
Brandy Miller
Cory Moore
Tracy Nicole Moore-Hill
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Mounce
Mike and Vivian Murphy
Muscogee Nation Department of Health
Amanda Narboe
Jennifer Neal
Jacquelyn Nickel
Brian and Stacie Nutt
Nancy O'Banion
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Omni Productions
ONEOK
Alicia Kay Ortman
Bill Osburn
OSU Medicine
Elizabeth Parrott
Latiffany Patrick
Karen Payne
Kendall Payne
James R. Phillips
Toni Potts
Prater's Propane Co.
Opal & Ronnie Price
Public Service Company of Oklahoma
Ivalee Quetone and Lisa Presley
Christina Ralston
Cindy Reed
Mary Revels
Stephanie Rhyne
Ryann Richey
Arden and Joyce Roberts
Edward E. Rogers
Drs. Emmanuel and Divina Roman
Kristy Roper
Alyssa Rowan
Mary Rule
Jim and Sharon Ruley
Michael Salazar
Cheryl Sanders
Jeffrey Schnorrenberg
Stephen Scott
Becky Sheofee
Aneisha Shores
Charmayne Shorty
Mr. David Krapff and Dr. Geeta Silas
Carmelita Skeeter
Larry and Janet Smith
Debbie Starnes
Society of the Medicine Wheel 2021
Drs. Emmanuel and Divina Roman
Circle of Blue 2021
Agitsi Stained Glass
Dr. Jesicah Gilmore and Dane Bowin
Sarah and Joe Kennedy
Mike McBride III and Dawnette Brady in memory of Donnie G. Brady
Thank
Rodney & Patti Sumner
Judy Supernaw
Beth Svetlic
Brenda Taylor, LPN
Julie Taylor
Anna Templin
Angela Thacker
Therese Tierce
Tiger Natural Gas
Today Lending
Tulsa Community Foundation
Crystal Turpin
Ken Ray Underwood Law Office
University of Colorado
University of Pittsburgh
Urban Indian Health Institute
Chelsea Valdez
Hank and Jeannie Van Veen
Nikita Walker
Bill Wamego and Carol Hinkley
Robert and Pam Wamego
Shawna Webb
Renee Wesson
Kristi Whitaker
Williams
Shelly Williams
Sherry Williams
Annette Williams
LaToyia and Eucild Williams
Shannon Woodstock
Rachele Young
Annette Williams
Arden and Joyce Roberts
Mr. Sean Roberts - Graphic Resources and Reproduction
Drs. Emmanuel and Divina Roman
Mrs. Carmelita Skeeter
Accurate donor recognition is important to us. Please accept ou r apology and contact us if there has been an exclusion or inaccuracy. Contact Debbie Starnes, Director, Development and Programming at dstarnes@ihcrc.org or 918-382-1203 so corrections can be made i n future publications.
Board Officers
President, Cherokee
Jim Cameron Secretary, Cherokee
Vice President, Choctaw/Sac and Fox
David Spring Treasurer, Choctaw
Brandon Caruso
Janice Edmiston
Board Members
Dr. Jay Anderson Choctaw
Brent Allison Chickasaw
Elizabeth Battiest Kiowa
Goldie Phillips Comanche
Madeline Teague Cherokee
Joyce Roberts Choctaw
Dr. Matt Wilkett Choctaw
Bob Bitting Cherokee
People.
By Stacie Nutt, Chief Human Resources Officer
The last year and a half has been all about separating ourselves from… you know… people. Other people. Those people. Them. As much as I want to believe, still, that pre-pandemic normalcy is surely right around the corner, I struggle with a pragmatic belief that we probably are living our new normal and must adapt. I miss the people. And I know you do too. I think the biggest change every single one of us people had to adapt to was the isolation and separation from other people. This was required of us all. All ages. Globally. In both physical and psychological ways, it’s taken a toll and impacted our lives and relationships. We need to get our peopling opportunities back. The energy created, the understanding achieved, the motivation sustained, the respect appreciated, all feed off our ability to be present with our people. We have an amazing group of 161 people. (That active staff number is as of the writing of this piece.)
As we start looking towards 2022, let’s prioritize putting other people first, taking care of our people, serving other people, and appreciating our need for people. If not for our people, our 161 amazing
healthcare-providing people we have at IHCRC, we wouldn’t be where we are today…45 years into an amazing existence. An existence excitedly on the edge of second expansion and an existence only attributable to the people who come to IHCRC every day and care about other people.
Let’s get to know each other, let’s get to know our people again. This is what the people at IHCRC are made of. Enjoy the demographics!
Of the 161 employees who are active this day, 135 of those are women. We are an organization who truly appreciates and strives for diversity and appreciation of women in the workforce, in healthcare! 84% of our workforce are made up of amazing women! One of which has been with IHCRC for our entire 45 years of service to Indian people, Carmelita Skeeter. Carmelita started with IHCRC in August of 1976 and has dedicated her life to the mission of providing healthcare services to Indian people in the Tulsa area. Carmelita has provided leadership to our IHCRC community, to our people, for 45 amazing years that have been full of growth and achievement. In her 45 years, in the clinics 45 years, we’ve seen the workforce, the people, grow to a staff of 161 and growing. We have all 5 generations represented with our largest being Generation X. Generation X represents 43% of our workforce, followed by our Millennials at 37%, and Baby Boomers making up 17% of our people. Interestingly, the remaining 3 percent belong to 3 young IHCRC professionals in the newest generation, Generation Z, and one amazing leader of the Traditionalist Generation, also known as the Greatest Generation and for good reason.
Demographically, today our workforce people are comprised of 57% salaried professionals and 43% hourly professionals. 97% are considered full time status. 32% of our current staff have advanced education and are Licensed to perform the health services we provide to our patient population, with an additional 18% having training Certifications to either assist in or perform certain other health services. The remaining staff is comprised of both management and support staff whose function is to support the service providers by maintaining the infrastructure and leading the people. Our workforce people are made up of many tenured individuals who have more stories and memories of the growth and development of our organization than we could ever capture in entirety. Thank goodness for a trove of old photo negatives and slides we have kept safely in administration all these years. Interestingly 32% of our people have worked for IHCRC between 1 and 4 years with an additional 19% of our current staff having been with us for under one year. That means half of our staff, due to both healthy turnover and adding new positions, have a history of less than 5 years with IHCRC and bring so many new, creative, ideas and experiences with them to add to our talents. 29% of our staff have a tenure between 5 and 9 years and 17% have been with our organization between 10 and 19 years. We have a total of 4 people who have been with us between 20 and 29 years, with one person having dedicated the last 37 years of their career to IHCRC, and one other, 45.
In the last year and a half that we have been avoiding people, we have had amazing and incredible stories of resilience and tragedy and celebration among our people. Many of these experiences need to be shared in person to be truly respected and appreciated with the compassion and empathy we people need. We’ve had marriages and divorces, births and deaths…too many deaths. We’ve had promotions, terminations, office moves, and plexiglas grooves. We had program growth and facility expansion hopes, and we’ve again run out of office space. And we had a really amazing street party. In all of it, remember the most important part, are the people.
On a purely entertaining aside, 44%, almost half of our staff, prefer the Fall season, with both Spring and Summer seasons each being preferred by 22% of staff. Winter is the preferred season of only 3% of our staff and 9% of our staff fell into another season category by answering with new seasons including Hunting, My Birthday, Vacation, and Monsoon season. Very funny people, very funny.
Recognizing Success and Service
External Awards
Journal Record Health Care Hero
COVID Champion
Tanya Cain, BSN, RN
Oklahoma City Area Director’s Awards
Length of Service - 45 Years
Carmelita Skeeter
Tenure Awards
5 Years
Jennifer Ashlock
Sherry Askew
Heidi Dawson
Tonia Gist
Kasi Ketcher
Jacquelyn Nickel
Elizabeth Parrott
Jennifer Porritt
Rochelle Richerson
Mary Rule
Angela Thacker
Therese Tierce
Shawna Webb
Special Awards
“Shining Star” of the Year
Dawanna Keller
Appointment Clerk
“Lift My Spirits” Award
Stacie Nutt
Chief Human Resource Officer
10 Years
Virginia Cox
Jenifer Hamma
Opal Price
Mitchell Dodd
15 Years
Stacy Berg
Jennifer Howard
Latoyia Williams
Karen Winfree
Oklahoma City Area Director’s Awards
COVID-19 Pandemic Response Award
Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa
NAMI Oklahoma
Professional Organization Award
IHCRC Behavioral Health Department
20 Years
Nancy O'Banion
Edward Rogers
45 Years
Carmelita Skeeter
Physician of the Year Award – Medical
Dr. Valerie Howard
Internal Medicine Physician
Physician of the Year Award – Behavioral Health
Dr. Emmanuel Roman
Psychiatrist
Provider of the Year
Heidi Dawson, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Employee of the Year
Tracy Moore-Hill
Appointment Clerk – Behavioral Health
Leader of the Year
Jenifer Hamma
Patient Business Services Director
Did You Know?
IHCRC was appointed a seat on the Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission. Board Member Elizabeth Battiest is representing the clinic.
Administration
Carmelita Skeeter, Chief Executive Officer
Deanna Holman, Chief Financial Officer
Stacie Nutt, Chief Human Resource Officer
Tanya Cain, RN, Chief Operating Officer
Michael Scott, MD, Medical Director
Department Heads
Carmelita Skeeter, Chief Executive Officer
Deanna Holman, Chief Financial Officer
Stacie Nutt, Chief Human Resource Officer
Tanya Cain, RN, Chief Operating Officer
Michael Scott, MD, Medical Director
Jason Menting, PsyD, Director, Behavioral Health
Nancy O’Banion, Director, Continuous Quality Improvement
Debbie Starnes, Director, Development and Programming
Leadership Team
Carmelita Skeeter, Chief Executive Officer
Deanna Holman, Chief Financial Officer
Stacie Nutt, Chief Human Resource Officer
Tanya Cain, RN, Chief Operating Officer
Michael Scott, MD, Medical Director
Jason Menting, PsyD, Director, Behavioral Health
Nancy O’Banion, Director, Continuous Quality Improvement
Debbie Starnes, Director, Development and Programming
Arthur Holleman, DDS, Dental Director
Jennifer Jones, OD, Optometrist
Miranda Kohut, PharmD, Pharmacy Director
Jesicah Gilmore, MD, Associate Medical Director
David Bright, PsyD, Associate Director of Behavioral Health
Jenifer Hamma, Patient Business Services Director
Edward Rogers, Credentialing, Privileging, Accreditation Director
Steve Gregg, Manager, Facilities
Kristi Brown, Manager, Accounting
Mitchell Dodd, Manager, Information Technology
Julie Taylor, Manager, Accounts Receivable
Shannon Woodstock, LPN, Manager, Nursing
Stacy Berg, LPC, Health & Wellness Program Director
Heather Moore, LPC, Systems of Care Program Director
Opal Price, Human Resources Coordinator
