The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) is a Federally-recognized Tribe that operates an Indian health program, the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA). The Choctaw Nation Special Diabetes Program is based on “Best Practices” established by the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). SDPI is a multi-site clinic and community-based program. The Diabetes Wellness Center (DWC) is located at Talihina, Oklahoma and is the hub location for the nine multi-site clinics throughout Choctaw Nation. At our central location in Talihina, we offer podiatry, diabetic educators, Community Health Nurses immunization clinic, registered dietician(s), RN case management and a fitness center with Lifestyle coaches. The well prepared DWC staff provides extensive care for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) with or at-risk for diabetes and its complications.
Project personnel have participated in health fairs, providing health education, physical fitness screening, and numerous physical activities. These activities are positively impacting communities through awareness of diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and specific lifestyle changes to prevent or delay these illnesses. SDPI regularly partners with CDC staff working within Diabetes prevention program teaching diabetic prevention. In the most recent year, a workstation for Dental exams has been created. The dental patients can be seen on a walk-in basis. Looking ahead, the desire for Choctaw Nation SDPI, to hire a full-time dental team in the next five years to serve our diabetes patients as they are scheduled for DM visits. Other services offered under the SDPI grant include two pediatric endocrinologist that are contracted with OU Children’s Hospital. They provide monthly tele-med and/or on-site visits at Talihina/Durant. We also send a midlevel weekly with her nurse to see diabetes patients in satellite clinics in the southern region of the Choctaw Nation service area. Community services are also offered under the SDPI grant. These service offer access to our Diabetic educators, Registered dietitians, lifestyle coaches, fitness counselors at community events, camps, schools, and outreach programs. SDPI also collaborates with the Choctaw Nation healthy lifestyle department by hosting 5K/1mile/Trail of Tears walks and employee fitness events.
Although CNHSA has made great strides toward improving the health of AI/AN’s served, there remains a continued trend toward rising diabetes prevalence and complications such as CVD. This places an extensive financial burden upon our health care system.
