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OAKS, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation is expanding the service area of their emergency medical ambulances into southern Delaware County.

"Currently we are posting a paramedic level ambulance at the Oaks volunteer fire department, seven days a week", said Patricia Hawk, director of Cherokee Nation EMS.

Principal Chief Chad Smith made the decision to place an ambulance in the Oaks area after being notified that it took on average 45 minutes for emergency services to reach community members in this area.

"The Oaks community was looking for ways to solve the problem themselves", said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "Because it was taking so long to get ambulances to the community, and because they were already working on solutions, it made sense to work with the Oaks community to provide ambulance service."

Cherokee Nation EMS is currently working with the southern Delaware County Trust Authority to set up 911 services. Until then, residents in the area who are in need of emergency medical services can dial toll free 1-866-289-0911.

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 Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma Attn: (Department Name) P.O. Box 948, Tahlequah, OK 74465 Telephone: 918-456-0671 (Toll Free OK) 1-800-256-0671