Tribe named ‘Distinguished Oklahoma Institution’ by OU Health Sciences Center

CONTRIBUTED BY Gene Lehmann, Media Relations.

This article appeared in the March 2015 edition of the Chickasaw Times

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Chickasaw Nation was honored by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in January as a “Distinguished Oklahoma Institution.” The tribe was recognized for providing quality medical care to Native Americans and Oklahomans.

Governor Bill Anoatubby accepted the award.

“The growth and accomplishments of the Chickasaw Nation have been due to so many people – talented people – who have been and are dedicated to the Chickasaw people we serve,” he told a gathering of hundreds of OU medical school alumni at the event.

The award cites the tribe “for outstanding support and assistance in advancing biomedical research that addresses major disease, particularly diabetes and cancer, and for promoting efforts to reduce health disparities among Native Americans and for being a catalyst for medical excellence and high-quality health care for all Oklahomans regardless of means.”

Since 1987, the Chickasaw Nation has opened satellite health clinics in six communities within its territorial boundaries. Additionally, the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, dedicated in 2010, has experienced exponential growth, treating 514,000 patients in 2013 and filling more than 1.2 million prescriptions. The 370,000-square-foot Ada facility houses state-of-the-art medical equipment to provide health care to Indian people.

“Health care is one of the more important things you can do for any people. Health care has been and will always be a priority for the Chickasaw Nation,” Gov. Anoatubby said in remarks at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

“We strive to provide the very best, quality health care to Chickasaws. We set the bar high in health care for our people and other Native Americans. The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health focuses on providing health care, and also preventive health care. Our wellness initiatives promote a healthy lifestyle.

“As Governor, one of the things I’m most thankful for is the progress in the area of health care that has been made. I am very humbled to be here this evening to receive this award on behalf of the great Nation I serve. This honor belongs to the Chickasaw people and Chickasaws throughout this country,” Gov. Anoatubby said, adding, “and I accept it on (their) behalf.”

Dr. Jay Cannon and Clay Bennett were also honored during the event. Dr. Cannon received the Distinguished Medical Service award, and Mr. Bennett received the Distinguished Community Service award.