Cherokee Nation Health Services honored nationally for strides in health field
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Cherokee Nation Health Services snagged the 2013 Edward R. Loveland Memorial Award, a national award from the American College of Physicians given to those making significant contributions in the health field.
The Oklahoma Chapter of the American College of Physicians nominated Cherokee Nation Health Services for being a leader in the health care field within the state of Oklahoma and among tribes nationally.
“Improving health care for Cherokee Nation citizens is something I passionately believe in and this recognition from such a renowned organization proves we are on the right track,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “The Cherokee Nation is a model of excellence and success in Oklahoma and across Indian Country. Every day we strive to deliver the best possible programs and services to our people and we will continue to expand quality health care opportunities for Cherokee citizens. ”
Cherokee Nation Health Services Executive Director Connie Davis and members of Cherokee Nation Health Services will accept the award at a banquet in Orlando in April.
“It is such an honor for Cherokee Nation Health Services to be recognized on a national stage as the world-class health system we are,” Davis said. “The American College of Physicians is respected around the world, so it’s fulfilling to have them reaffirm what we’ve known all along, that we go toe to toe with the best health facilities in the nation, because that is what our Cherokee citizens deserve.”
The Cherokee Nation operates the largest tribal health care system in the United States, which supported 1.2 million patient visits in 2012. It consists of eight health centers throughout its 14-county jurisdiction and W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah.
The Cherokee Nation Health Services recently added an online pharmacy site and 90-day prescriptions for some medications for better access for patients. It is currently undertaking a $100 million facilities expansion using funds from Cherokee Nation Businesses. It also recently received the authorization from the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council to begin negotiations with Indian Health Service to assume, for the first time, outpatient contract health services for Native American patients in Craig County and Cherokee patients in Rogers and northern Tulsa counties to increase health care access for tribal citizens.
For more information on Cherokee Nation Health Services, call 877-458-4481 or visit http://www.cherokee.org/Services/Health/AboutHealthServices.aspx.
