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TAHLEQUAH, OK - Cherokee families looking to beat the heat this summer will get some help from the Cherokee Nation Family Assistance Department. The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) is currently distributing air conditioners through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). These air conditioners will be distributed to elderly and medically disabled Native Americans. These units are loaned out during the summer to families who meet LIHEAP eligibility guidelines and have a current doctor's statement that acknowledges a medical condition that requires refrigerated air. Because of the limited amount of air conditioners, they are given to those with the most severe medical cases.

If you know of someone who needs the air conditioner, please contact one of the Family Advocates in your area:

Virginia Tucker/Patsy Cochran,Tahlequah area
Phone: (918) 456-0671, (ext.2249/2343)
Darlene Walker, Locust Grove, Tulsa area
Phone: (918) 479-5807
Georgia Kent, Stilwell area
Phone: (918) 696-3124
Margaret Tyner, Jay, Vinita, or Bartlesville area
Phone: (918) 253-4217
Lisa James, Sallisaw, Warner, Muskogee area
Phone: (918) 775-6226

Eligibility is as follows for LIHEAP:

1. CDIB card
2. Must live in the 14 county jurisdictional area in northeastern Oklahoma.
3. Household must meet income guidelines for LIHEAP

The Health Department has also indicated that they are in the process of transferring additional air conditioners that were under the Elderly Program last year. When these air conditioners are transferred to Family Assistance, they will have the same eligibility standards with the exception of LIHEAP income eligibility.