Choctaw Nation
Kendra Sikes
DURANT – The Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority received two NIHB Outstanding Service Awards during the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) Heroes in Health Awards Gala recently.
Following the presidential declaration of the National State of Emergency, in response to COVID-19, the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) initiated a COVID-19 Response Team that has worked in high gear. The team’s goals are to provide safe care for tribal members, staff, and the community while mitigating the risks of exposure to COVID-19.
The multidisciplinary group was tasked with developing and implementing a tiered exposure control plan, organizing screening stations at all access points, converting the medical-surgical unit into a negative airflow COVID-19 unit, and instituting a community drive-thru COVID-19 testing site.
Meanwhile, the Food and Nutrition Team served more than 70,000 meals across nine sites. This made a significant impact on the area since many parents were recently unemployed. The Choctaw Nation is located in the mostly rural and mountainous region of Southeastern Oklahoma. Many communities are classified as food deserts due to a lack of nearby grocery stores.
The program’s response was staggering this year, with over five times the amount served in years past. One mother whose children participated in the program said the program was a huge blessing, especially when there was a power outage at her home.
The Choctaw Nation Food and Nutrition Services Department cooperates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Summer Food Program and the At-Risk After School Program each year.
“It was a marvelous thing to see how during trying times people can be so giving to help others,” said Debra Queen, Director of the Food and Nutrition Services Department.
The two awards from the NIHB are great recognition for the hard-working associates on the health system’s front lines to ensure the health and well-being of the nation.
“I’m proud of our team for stepping up and providing life-saving resources for the Choctaw Tribal Members and communities,” said Todd Hallmark, Executive Officer of Health.