News Release

June 30, 2008

Contact: Jo Kilgore, Public Information Manager, (405) 522-7474.

Health Care Authority Plans Second Meeting with Tribal, Health Care Leaders

OKLAHOMA CITY – Health care for Oklahoma’s American Indian population will be the focus of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s second annual SoonerCare Tribal Consultation Meeting set for 8 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22 at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center, 1899 S. Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee.

The meeting will focus on OHCA policy, program development and issues of access affecting SoonerCare (Oklahoma Medicaid) and Indian health care in Oklahoma.

The agency has long recognized tribal governments as partners in improving the health of Oklahomans.

“Ensuring appropriate medical care for our American Indian SoonerCare population involves the cooperation of many groups, including tribal and state governments. Since Indian health care is delivered in so many settings, from tribal lands to urban areas, that only intensifies our need for ongoing and meaningful communication among all parties,” said Dana Miller, OHCA Indian health analyst. “The tribal consultations give us a forum to bring all these groups together to openly discuss how we can better maximize partnerships to improve services to American Indians and Indian health care providers.”

OHCA and meeting co-host Oklahoma City Area Inter-Tribal Health Board are inviting Oklahoma tribal leaders or their designees, such as tribal health care providers, professionals, administration and health programs staff; representatives of the Indian Health Service and Urban Indian Health; tribal organizations; and other key stakeholders in Oklahoma Indian health. Last year, more than 150 people attended the meeting, including representatives of 15 tribes.

Featured speakers will include Dr. Michael Crutcher, Oklahoma secretary of health; Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby; Mike Fogarty, OHCA’s chief executive officer; and Terri White, commissioner of the state Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested. For a registration packet or more information, contact OHCA at (405) 522-7695.

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