Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2003 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - The Cherokee Nation has provided health care to more citizens in the past year than it ever has before. A recent analysis shows that the Cherokee Nation clinics had more than 260,000 visits by patients in 2002.Cherokee Nation health care workers cared for 263,917 patient visits in 2002, a 6% increase from 2001 and a 49% increase from the number of patients seen in 1997.
"We expect those numbers to keep skyrocketing", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "With our clinic expansion nearly complete in Salina, our larger facility open in Muskogee and brand-new clinics in Vinita and Bartlesville, we should be able to provide quality health care for our Cherokee families, from the elderly to young families and their kids."
The Cherokee Nation has been able to continue providing high quality health care at it’s regional ambulatory clinics because of increased health care funding, from tribal, federal and third-party sources.
"The need for quality health care is obviously there", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "That’s why we put so much effort into increasing the health budget from every source available."
In the past four years, the Cherokee Nation’s health budget has increased from $42 million in 1999 to $72 million in 2003.
"Specific focus with National workgroups and advocating Congress have assisted Cherokee Nation Health Services in improving recurring funding", said Chris Walker, executive director of health for Cherokee Nation. "This has helped with our funds for operations, diabetes and contract health as well."
The Cherokee Nation operates clinics in Nowata, Bartlesville, Vinita, Muskogee, Jay, Salina, Stilwell and Sallisaw.
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Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671 |
51st Cherokee National Holiday Cherokee Communities "The Strength Of Our Nation" Held Annually on Labor Day Weekend |
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |