Tuesday, May 7, 2024
5/7/2024
American Indian populations have profoundly higher diabetes prevalence. Fortunately, Congress has recognized this and has given tribal communities the opportunity to address and prevent diabetes and the complications thereof. Bearskin Clinic is located in a rural low income area of Northeast Oklahoma, with Missouri, Kansas and Arkansas borders all nearby. The area historically has been agricultural or mining based communities with small school systems and limited resources. The diabetes roster has grown from 38 to 114 participants since 2002. Even though this is a small facility, diabetes clients are primarily offered one on one attention in regards to diabetes education, nutrition education and physician contact. On site fitness professionals and a fully staffed, fully quipped fitness center are available to the diabetic clients. Individualized personal training, group classes (aerobics, Tabata, Yoga etc.) and aquatics is offered in addition. Collaboration with the Turtle Tots Wyandotte Nation tribal preschool combiners physical education and general health and nutrition information . A fitness staff member coordinates and afterschool program for the local school that also provides assistance with homework and promotes physical and nutritional education. The diabetes program staff assists in providing screenings quarterly to this program. Bearskin Clinic is not an ADA or IHS certified clinic, however, resources are used wisely and have been successful in providing much needed care, supplies, and medications to the diabetes "family". The diabetic program has a great standing. In fact, in order to fully benefit form the Diabetes Program, patients have relocated to the immediate area after they have learned of the care provided. These participants likely would otherwise not have the resources or guidance to manage their disease process to its fullest extent.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
