ASTHS Little Axe Health Center Celebrates Expansion (2024)

www.astribe.com

THE ABSENTEE

SHAWNEE NEWS

Volume 34, No. 06

June 2024

ASTHS Little Axe Health Center Celebrates Expansion

Nearly two years after breaking ground construction on the Little Axe Health Center is complete. On May 1 Absentee Shawnee Secretary Misty McGirt, ASTHS leadership past

and present, AST Health Board members, former AST EC members, tribal and health employees, construction representatives and tribal members gathered to commemorate

this occasion.

The celebration featured the AST Veterans Association posting the colors, an exhibition dance and a blessing from tribal elder Jerry Little Axe.

The project added 40,000 square-feet and renovated 17,000 square-feet. An additional 47 treatment rooms were added and the pharmacy drive-thru was expanded from

one lane to four.

“As we cut the ribbon today, we also open the door to a brighter future. We envision research collaborations, telehealth innovations and community outreach programs.”

said ASTHS Executive Director Chris Larkin. “Our commitment to patient-centered care remains unwavering and we look forward to serving you with excellence.”

After the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour the newly expanded clinic. Little Axe Health Center opened in 2012 and broke ground June 2022 for the expansion

project.

2A www.astribe.com

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

GOVERNOR’S REPORT

John Johnson, AST Governor

Hello Tribal Members,

Summer months are almost here. With

the summer heat quickly approaching, be

sure and check your air filters and your

ac units, make sure they are in working

order to out stand the heat. The prediction for this summer is expected to be hot

and rainy.

I will be attending the 2024 Sovereignty

Symposium on June 11-12, 2024 here in

Oklahoma at the Skirvin Hotel. This is

an annual meeting I attend with the oth-

GOVERNOR

John Johnson

Lt. GOVERNOR

Ezra DeLodge

LT. GOVERNOR’S REPORT

Ezra DeLodge, AST Lt. Governor

Maintenance

The maintenance department has been

busy with off campus elder repairs and

service calls. We are now taking on larger

projects and not contracting out the work

as done in the past, which will save the

tribe money and control the quality of

work being done.

I have been involved with the work on

repairing building three. The roof repair is

going well and should be complete within

the next few weeks. All the wood at the

roof line is being replaced and wrapped in

metal to stop all future rot. The new roofs

are being contoured with high density

foam to control the flow of water and prevent water from pooling in the corners.

We are also working with the gas com-

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Misty McGirt, AST Secretary

Hello Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe with all the storms we have been

having. Our traditional ceremonies went

well from all the grounds. It’s a great time

to be humble and connect with our family, people and ancestors. To start May I

was able to join ICW for a zoo trip. I re-

REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT

DeWayne Wilson, AST Representative

SECRETARY

Misty McGirt

TREASURER

Joseph Blanchard

REPRESENTATIVE

DeWayne Wilson

Hello Tribal members, it was nice to see

those that attended our General Council

in April. I hope everyone gets out and

Votes during our Run- off Election in

June. It is important for the Tribal members to vote for the best candidate who

they feel will keep our Tribe moving forward. My door is always open and as always Take Care of yourself and others.

477 Program: Currently, the 477 Department has 221 adult cases and 155

youth cases for a total of 376 for the year.

They had thirty- three (33) new 477 Participants for the month of May 2024. Five

of the 477 participants have been placed

on subsidized employment with the

Tribe. The 477 Program Summer Youth

Employment approved thirty- six (36)

participants, thirty- three (33) of these

participants are temporarily employed at

the Tribal Complex. The 477 staff attended the 2024 NINAETC Conference in

Orlando, Fl.

Construction of the new After School

Building at Horseshoe Bend, the concrete has been poured and the saferoom

has been completed. As for the Tecumseh

Square Building, we are working with the

architects on the designs of this building.

Education: Since the last newsletter article, the Education staff received training

from Dream Navigator, who was on site

to work on our tribal-specific career planning system. The Education staff training

consisted of how they will present tribal- specific planning system to youth.

The Education staff also attended a cultural activity at the Norman North High

School, where they presented Fentanyl

prevention information and Missing and

Murder Indigenous Women/ Girls information to the students in attendance. The

Education Director along with Grants

Department staff to submit to the Office

for Victims Crime (OVC) Preventing the

Trafficking of Girls grant through JustGrants. The Education Department staff

continues to be involved consultations

(North Rock Creek School), webinars

(Street Drugs Impact on Tribal Commu-

June 2024

er members of the Executive Committee.

This symposium keeps us up to date with

Federal and State officials in Oklahoma.

It keeps all Oklahoma tribes updated on

what’s to come.

For the first time, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe will host “Leadership Native

Oklahoma 2024” on June 24, 2024 for the

surrounding tribes that share boundaries

with us. It will be held here on campus

at the Multi-purpose building. This informational class will give other tribes

insight of the programs and services we

offer to our members. Overall the goal

is to give clarification of the programs

we have and how tribal members benefit

from these services. A few of our vital

departments will give a brief introduction

of the program they oversee and the requirements for eligibility. After class, our

visitors will be able to tour campus, the

daycares, the casinos and the location of

the food bank.

Should you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact my office

at the information listed below.

governor@astribe.com 405-275-4030

ext: 3500

alvinab@astribe.com 405-275-4030 ext:

3501

Thank you

pany to replace the existing old and leaking steel line. The new line will be plastic

and sized for the current load that includes the generator.

The mowing season is now upon us and

many days have now been spent mowing, spraying and weed eating the campus

along with some offsite sites. Please contact Title six if you are in need of having

your lawn mowed.

The past few weeks we started replacing

most all the old worn out benches located

throughout the campus. Joe Morton one

of our lead construction workers built

and installed benches. If you haven’t had

a chance to see them please do, they look

amazing. Good job Joe!

We have continued having weekly

training sessions along with several safety

meetings. Again, I want to state I am very

impressed with the attitudes and abilities

of our people. They are doing an amazing

job.

OEH:

In total for 2024 OEH has assisted Tribal members with 30 different septic renovations and installations, water well drilling and installations, well renovations,

and community water connections.

For 2024, we have collected, processed,

and recycled 18 bales of shredded office

paper and cardboard equaling roughly

13.5 tons of recyclable waste that has been

diverted from landfills.

We would like to remind Tribal Members that if they see any activities related

to illegal dumping of trash or other discarded items on Tribal lands to please

contact OEH at the email or phone number.

ally enjoyed it I was able to see the families interact with the children. It was great

seeing how loved, cared and happy they

are with their families. A huge thank you

to the families that are helping with the

children you all are amazing. On May 7

ICW had their first adoption ceremony it

was an honor to attend to be there with

the family and celebrate this journey with

them. On the evening of this day the

TOR program had a Fentanyl awareness

event it was very informational on the

outbreak of Fentanyl in our community

and to learn more of the truth to fentanyl

misuse. Thanks to the directors, staff and

the panelist for this informational event.

That’s all I have to report at this time if

you have any question or concerns feel

free to give me a call at 405-275-4030 Ext.

3505 or by email: MMcGirt@astribe.com.

nities), Zooms (Office of American Education/ Power hour) to name a few.

Workforce Program: The H/VAC program has transitioned into servicing airconditioning units. The H/VAC mechanic and the H/VAC interns continue to be

busy completing work orders on the Tribal Complex and to Tribal member homes.

Let us know if we can be of service.

Cultural Preservation: For the past

months, the Language program and the

Tribal Historic Preservation office have

been focusing their time on their respective grants with the help of the Grants department.

Language Program will be submitting

their application for the Native American

Language Preservation and Maintenance

(P&M) grant offered by the Administration for Native Americans (ANA). This

grant provides funding for projects designed to ensure continuing vitality of

Native American languages.

Tribal Historic Preservation Office –

The THPO office has been working on the

different sections for the Historic Preservation Fund-Annual Tribal Historic Preservation Office Grant. The funds from

this grant will be used to support the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma’s Tribal Historic Preservation office.

The consultations assist staff in conducting the activities they have assumed from

the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation

Office which includes protecting cultural

resources, participating in consultations,

and providing outreach and support in

collaborative efforts and dialogue with

the intention of developing respectful relationships ect.

The Gift Shop Manager and Library

Technician/Gift Shop Assistant have

begun their evaluation and rebranding

of the gift shop and library. Books have

been removed from the shelves in the library and will be replaced by books about

Native Americans or written by Native

American authors. In the Gift Shop, new

products and new vendors are being added every day.

Finally, at the time of drafting this article, several staff from Cultural Preservation and THPO attended the 2024 TVA

(Tennessee Valley Authority) Annual

Tribal Consultation in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Like other conferences and consultations they have attended, the hot topic of the discussion is NAGPRA. Focusing

on protection, repatriation, and planning

for the future.

Gaming Commission: I continue to

attend the Gaming Commission meetings throughout the month. The AST

Gaming Commission external audit has

been completed and it was submitted to

the National Indian Gaming Commission

(NIGC) in April. Our External Audit remains another year with no findings. This

past month, The State Audit was completed, and we are currently waiting on their

results. Aside from auditing, we continue to receive training and keep up- date

with any regulations through the NIGC

and OTGRA (Oklahoma Tribal Gaming

Regulatory Association) Conferences.

Gaming Commission staff and Gaming

Commissioners attended the OTGRA

conference in April. Also in May, they

attended a 2-day comprehensive workshop with NIGC that placed emphasis

on the IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory

Act), SPI (Sole Proprietary Interest) and

Management contracts which involved

critical thinking, discussions, and handson activities. They continue to stay busy

with the review and approval process on

casino policies & procedures, licensing,

and projects with electronic gaming machines.

Youth Camp: Presently, construction on installing a water harvest project

around the dining hall continues. The water harvest project will allow the water to

be used to irrigate the softball field. Finally, the lighting construction has started

for parking lot, playground area, tennis

court, basketball court, and softball field

areas.

In closing, it is my pleasure to serve our

Tribe as the Tribal Representative. If you

have any questions or concerns regarding

these programs or need my assistance,

feel free to contact me at (405) 275- 4030

at Ext. 3512.

Respectfully,

Lt. Governor DeLodge

Ne yi wa!

Secretary McGirt

Ne Yi Wa

DeWayne Wilson

June 2024

www.astribe.com 3A

FROM THE ELECTION COMMISSION:

Tribal Members:

The Annual (Run Off) Election will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The voting polls will

be located at the Little Axe Resource Center on Peebly Road, 1970 156th Ave NE, in

Norman, Oklahoma and at the AST Health Multipurpose Building, 2029 James L Edwards

Lane, on the Tribal Complex in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m.

to 6:00 p.m. at both locations.

APPROPRIATE POLL BEHAVIOR

According to the Election Ordinance Article VIII Section 1 – The official polling sites and adjoining

Tribal Grounds are neutral grounds, therefore, there shall be no campaigning or loitering on

Election Day by any person. It shall be the duty of the Election Commission to request that Tribal

police, be present at each polling place and be responsible for maintaining order, prevent

campaigning, and loitering during the election process.

BALLOT

ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

ANNUAL (RUN OFF) ELECTION

JUNE 15, 2024

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS: Cast your vote by placing an [X] or [] mark in the box next to the

candidate name of your choice. Any other mark outside the box will be considered a spoiled ballot.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

LT. GOVERNOR (4 Year Term)

In order to comply we suggest that you do not campaign in any fashion. For Example:

No “vote for. . .”sticker on cars

No campaign clothing

No disbursement of campaign material

No counseling as to who to vote for

Do not loiter at poll site:

Tear Off 

Yvonne Diane Ponkilla-----------------------------------Isaac Gibson, Jr.--------------------------------------------

1. Arrive

2. Register

3. Vote

4. Exit

REPRESENTATIVE (4 Year Term)

Anthony “Tadpole” Johnson----------------------------DeWayne Wilson------------------------------------------

Unless there is a line, each voter should be at the poll no more than 10 minutes outside of voter

booth. Each voter may take all the time they need to read the ballot to vote in the private booth

but should not “visit” with Commissioners or other voters at the poll site.

Any visiting of voters must occur outside of the Poll Site and adjoining Tribal grounds.

Voting Polls close at 6:00 p.m. Voter has to be in line in order to vote.

Policies and Procedures states:

There shall be no campaigning on property of polling site. This includes signs, person to person,

clothing, etc. or within 200 ft. of the polling site. On Election Day all signs must be over 200 ft.

away from the edge of tribal property that contain poll sites.

Po ki mi we ke s’fwa

Plum Month

(June)

Hi ta pe ka pi mi we fo pa me ni ke?

Are blackberries ready to pick?

Ni na me, we yi s’ki m’sko fe ke.

Almost, they are red.

Na yo la ka wi ke hi le ki te ki we ke sa ke ka.

Maybe in a few days.

Ma ge ki pi ya qi ki s’qa ya ti la fe wi ge.

Be careful the bush has thorns.

Ka ge pi t’to ko ke no ke ka ki l’s’ke na ko ke.

They will poke and scratch you.

Ne mi ma ne hi m’wi ke me ni ke.

I like to eat blackberries.

We ke lo ke pi ya qi ma ge me n’ki ni ne ti se.

They are good but have a bunch of seeds.

He ne me n’ki ni wa fi ke ta ne ke we pe ti l’we.

Seeds will get stuck in your teeth.

Ka ke la k’fa to ma li se he ne ke me ni ke.

Mix sugar with the berries.

Ko ge wa we ke lo ke.

They will taste sweet.

Ne ko ge! Ne yi wa ya se hi ko wa ti we yi ne!

Ka we yi ki me li we pa hi se si wi nwi to wa yi qa?

Si li no ke ka no la p’wi! He ne!

Celebration Weekend 2024!

Thursday, July 4th

Outdoor 80's Tribute concert (multiple bands)

Food trucks, Inflatables, Vendor market

Firework Show at 10:30pm

Friday, July 5th

Inflatables, Watermelon feed, Vendor market

Pow Wow Day one: Tiny Tots, Golden Age, Special contests,

10:30pm Firework Show,

11:00pm Stomp Dance.

Saturday, July 6th

5K race, 1K Fun walk. Inflatables, Horse shoes tournament, Vendor market

Pow Wow Day two: Gourd Dance, Supper, Adult contests.

Please join us!

4A www.astribe.com

June 2024

Absentee Shawnee Tribe ICW Celebrates Adoption

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe ICW held an adoption ceremony for tribal member Scarlett Jo Limon May 7. Her family, friends, tribal employees and especially AST ICW staff

all celebrated her finding her forever family.

Little Scarlett started her life with insurmountable odds against her. She was born with an abundance of narcotics in her system and was placed in the NICU. Scarlett couldn’t

breathe on her own and it wasn’t clear if she would even survive. Scarlett was in a hospital room by herself with no family or friends by her side.

AST ICW spent long days and nights at the hospital trying to be by her side while trying to handle other cases. ““I remember driving back to the office from leaving the

hospital in tears because the doctor stated to me, I had to up her oxygen she is just not able to get enough oxygen through her little body. That night, I just cried and prayed for

this little girl to become strong enough.” said ICW case manager Paige LittleCharley.

ICW reached out to Jennifer Limon and said there was a possible kinship in custody and asked if she would foster Scarlett. Jennifer and her husband Richard said yes with

no hesitation and even spent every night with Scarlett in the hospital.

The couple has already raised three children – 30, 26 and a 17 year-old and even has one grandchild. Despite being close to having an empty nest and just enjoy being

grandparents, these 2 jumped onto the chance to raise Scarlett.

When Scarlett was strong enough to go home; Jennifer and Richard took her home and has loved Scarlett unconditionally. To this day, Scarlett feels the love from her family

and is just the happiest little baby. She always has a smile on her face. AST ICW would like to congratulate the Limon family on adoption and wants to say thank you for being

a part of our foster care family.

Despite her initial circumstances, Scarlett is thriving today. She is happy, healthy and loved.

A testimony like Scarlett’s story is tough to hear. ICW is in need of foster homes, emergency foster homes, and respite homes. We struggle finding homes to put our native

children with native families and sometimes our children have to go into a non-native home. Those non-native homes could possibly adopt our children.

If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, this is your opportunity to step up and foster a child. You may have the child for a short period of time or forever but either

way; you are making an impact on that child’s life and yours too. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact AST ICW at (405) 395-4490.

June 2024

www.astribe.com

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Building Blocks C.D.C.

2025 S. Gordon Cooper Dr.

Shawnee, Ok. 74801

(405)878-0633 FAX(405)878-0156

Building Blocks had an amazing May. ‘Muffins for Mom’s’ was a huge

success. Lots of Moms and Grandma’s joined us in celebrating our

wonderful Mother’s. Thanks to all who came!!

th

On Friday, June 14 at 3:00p.m.

Building Blocks is having ‘Donuts with

Dads’ in celebration of Building Blocks

Fantastic Fathers!

th

Sunday, June 16 is Father’s Day.

Building Blocks will be closed Wednesday,

June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Summer is officially here Thursday, June 20th.

Remember to drink lots of water and wear

sunscreen when doing outside activities.

We are currently hiring staff, if you are interested in applying visit

https://www.astribe.com/employment for applications and to see

what positions are available.

Building Blocks is accepting waiting list applications for all of our ages;

6 weeks through Pre-K/4 Year Olds. If you are interested in getting

your child on our waiting list please call and we can email you a

waiting list application or you may stop by to fill one out.

Have a Great June!

AST Treasurer Joseph Blanchard recently held a going away party for his executive assistant Jan Ranft. She is moving to Florida and getting married this fall.

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe wishes her all the best and appreciates all the hard

work she put in for us.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of

Oklahoma

Building Blocks III C.D.C

16051 Little Axe Drive,

Norman, OK 73026

Phone: (405) 360-2710;

Fax: (405) 360-2726

5A

June

Newsletter

Director: Skye

Foreman

Assistant

Director: Renee

Richardson

You can find us on Facebook @ AST Building Blocks Child Development Center IIILittle Axe to see all of our latest updates.

In the Classroom

In the Center

This month our infants will be

working with positional words

such as in, out, up, down, etc. In

our Toddler and two-year-old

classrooms they will be working

on colors while learning to

identify them throughout their

environment. Our three-yearolds will be focusing on Summer

by exploring sand and water.

The 4's and 5's are going to be

learning all about insects.

We had a great turnout to our

Mom‘s & Mini‘s Afternoon

Tea Party for Mother‘s Day.

The students were very

excited to celebrate their

mom‘s and give them their

gifts. Our 3-1‘s had a field

trip to the zoo and learned

about all of the different zoo

animals.

The Center will be closed

on June 19th for

Juneteenth!

June 2024

6A www.astribe.com

VOTE JUNE 15, 2024

ELECT

DEWAYNE

WILSON

AST TRIBAL

REPRESENTATIVE

I AM ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT

JUNE 15, 2024

REASON TO VOTE FOR ME

EXPERIENCED & EDUCATED

PROVEN & DEDICATED LEADER

HARDWORKING & DETERMINED

A VOTE FOR ME IS

A VOTE FOR

PROSPERITY

NE YI WAY

(THANK YOU)

Absentee Shawnee Tribe's Domestic Violence Department

We help with:

Our mission is to:

Domestic Violence

Eliminate violence in

Sexual Assault

Native Country and to

Dating Violence

strengthen

Stalking

Native families to end the

Sex Trafficking

cycle of violence.

Our services are confidential and include:

Safety Planning

Emergency Assistance

Court Advocacy

Shelter Placement Assistance

Referrals

Must be intimate partner

related violence and the

victim must be fleeing the

home/situation

Who we serve:

Where we serve:

Natives and non-Natives

LGBTQ2S+

Any Religion

Any income level

EVERYONE

Because we are federally funded

we get to serve all populations

within our *service area, which

includes Cleveland, Oklahoma and

Pottawatomie counties.

*If you are AST and outside the service area, please call our office and we will see what we can do to help

you.

We Are

HIRING

Position :

Attorney General

Desktop Support Analyst

LPN’S

AP Clerk

Apply Now

Contact Us:

Office Line 405.273.2888

Fax 405.273.1192

Webpage https://www.astribe.com/domestic-violence

Link to intake https://www.astribe.com/forms/victim-intake

@ASTRisingWarrior

For emergencies call 911 or AST PD @ 405.275.3200

This project was supported byGrant No. 2015-TW-AX-0016 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations

expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.

astribe.com/employment

June 2024

www.astribe.com

Happy Birthday

Momeo!

We love you

7A

Coltin Wallis!

Cache High School

Class of 2024

Obituary

David William Powell, 88, of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away

March 29, 2024. He was the husband of Joan Bennett Powell of

Mount Pleasant. A private service will be held for the family. Dave

was born October 26, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late David

Kelso Powell and Rachel Alford Powell. He attended the University

of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, before serving in the United States

Army. He worked as Production Print Manager at the Medical University of South Carolina for 25 years. He was a member of the

Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Lifetime Member of the East Cooper

Outboard Motor Club. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan

Bennett Powell; four sons, David K. “Kelly” Powell II (Tracy), of Mt.

Pleasant, SC, Phillip M. Powell (Rhonda) of Kingsland, GA, Robert

E. Powell (Karen) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Scott Powell (Jill), of

Charleston, SC; his grandsons, David K. Powell III (Mary Beth),

William Drew Powell (Meghan), Reece Avery Powell and Hunter

Powell; and his granddaughters, Caroline Ann Drennon (Daniel)

and Megan Elizabeth Powell; his great-grandchildren, Addison, Olivia, Reece, Ford, and Maverick. He was preceded in death by his

brothers, Thomas Edward Powell and Robert Morgan Powell; and

his sister, Mary Rachel Cole.

Tribal Member Corner:

June Article:

Contented to see some of the follow up results:

Contented to see the Little Axe meal site is available now, at the Resource Center.

The Title Vi Salad bar at Shawnee site, is great. Check menu, to see when available.

Thanks to Chris Larkin, at the LA Clinic for following up. Heart Scans are available to elder tribal members. Speak with your LA/Shawnee primary

doctor. CPR classes for tribal members, are being discussed. They are working on a current Health guide.

We desire General Council meetings, to be televised live on the AST private member website or Spotify. We would still need members, to be physically

present, to meet quorum.

Taxes: If you have Obamacare/ Marketplace health insurance, you have to file a tax return. A premium tax credit form 8962, has to be completed. We

found many taxpayers were scammed last year and received a call, and were automatically enrolled. Therefore, requiring them to supply a 1095A Health

Insurance Marketplace statement.

The Osage, Cherokee, Creek and Quapaw have meat processing plants. Some utilized covid funds,

to commence startup costs.

Thanks to the tribe for providing services, that you currently do.

Eileen Pearce, Tribal Member

Questions, comments: Lapearce@att.net

AST TRIBAL MEMBERS

VOTE JUNE 15, 2024

POLLING PLACES

Little Axe Resource Center

1970 156th Avenue NE, Norman, OK

AST Multi-Purpose Building

2029 James L Edwards LN, Shawnee, OK

OFFICES ON THE BALLOT

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

LT. GOVERNOR (4 YR TERM)

YVONNE DIANE PONKILLA

ISAAC GIBSON JR.

REPRESENTATIVE (4 YR TERM)

ANTHONY “TADPOLE” JOHNSON

DEWAYNE WILSON

The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at both locations.

NOTI CE

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR STORY

Please give us a call at (405) 598-1279 or send an email to media@astribe.com

All articles for the next month’s issue are DUE by the 15th of the current month.

Unfortunately we can only accept ONE PICTURE PER BIRTHDAY PERSON, not per birthday wish.

June 2024

8A www.astribe.com

P H O N E D I R E C T O RY - D I R E C T N U M B E R S

O F F I C E O F T H E T R I B A L S EC R E TA RY

2025 S. GORDON COOPER DRIVE, SHAWNEE, OK 74801 • PHONE: 405.275.4030 • EMAIL: SECRETARY@ASTRIBE.COM • WEB: WWW.ASTRIBE.COM

AST Complex – (405) 275-4030

Toll Free - 800-256-3341

All Nations Bank…………………………………………(405) 273-0202

Brendle Corner…......……………………………………(405) 447-3372

Building Blocks….........…………………………………(405) 878-0633

Building Blocks III LA….....……………………………(405) 360-2710

Court………………………......…………………………(405) 481-8575

Domestic Violence…………….....………………………(405) 273-2888

Enrollment……………………….....……………………(405) 481-8650

Food Pantry………………………...……………………(405) 481-8640

Gaming Commission………………....…………(405) 360-9270 x1110

Housing Authority………………………………………(405) 275-1050

Human Resources……………………….....……………(405) 275-1468

ICW………………………………………………………(405) 395-4490

Media………………………….…………………………(405) 598-1279

OEH/OEP…………………….…………….…….………(405) 214-4235

Police…………………………………………(405) 275-3200/275-3432

Social Services…………….…………………….…….…(405) 878-4723

Tax Commission…….……………….……………….…(405) 481-8600

Thunderbird Casino Norman…….……….……………(405) 360-9270

Thunderbird Casino Shawnee…………….….…………(405) 273-2679

Tribal Store Little Axe……………………………………(405) 364-0668

THE ABSENTEE SHAWNEE TRIBE

WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2024

IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH DAY

Come meet our friendly

Shawnee team!

Bruce

Debbie

We are here because we wanted to be part of a

great community. We pay it forward by providing

great service and helping generations of local

people and businesses thrive.

Kyle

Wendy

2023 Gordon Cooper Dr. • Shawnee, OK 74801 • (405) 273-0202

www.anbok.com

www.asthealth.org

June 2024

Section B

ASTHS June 2024 Monthly Update

Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th

Older people throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more

annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation. Elder abuse also creates

health care and legal costs for our society. Older people are mistreated more often

than we think due to the lack of support for older people in our communities. It

doesn’t have to be this way. Get involved in creating a stronger society that safeguards our communities and prevents abuse.

An estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience elder abuse,

neglect, or exploitation. Working together across our networks, we can generate

awareness and foster action to end elder abuse. Let’s work to keep everyone safe as

we age.

What Is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to an older person. Elder abuse takes many forms, including:

• Neglect or Isolation

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Financial abuse and exploitation

• Emotional or psychological abuse (including verbal abuse and threats)

Each state defines elder abuse differently (you may wish to look up your state’s statutes to see how elder abuse is defined. For assistance, contact the NCEA.). There is

some debate over whether mistreatment by strangers, rather than by a person in a

trust relationship to the older person such as spouse, child, or friend, also constitutes elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Why Should We Care About Elder Abuse?

Caring about elder abuse is caring about justice for all. As a country, we are committed to ensuring the just treatment of all people, but elder abuse violates this

value.

The costs of elder abuse are high for the affected individuals and society alike. Their

losses can be tangible (homes and life savings) and intangible (dignity, independence,

and possibly their lives). For society, elder abuse is both a social and economic issue:

it creates health care and legal costs, which are often shouldered by public programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and isolates them from the community. It’s in

everyone’s interest to care about and prevent elder abuse.

What Causes Elder Abuse?

Some policies and practices make it hard to stay involved with and connected to

our communities as we age. As a result, older people are more likely to experience

social isolation, which increases the likelihood of abuse and neglect. Elder abuse

affects older people across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races and can

occur anywhere when they are disconnected from social supports:

• In a person’s own home

• In nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other institutional settings

• In hospitals

While any older person is potentially at risk of elder abuse, some are more susceptible to experience abuse or neglect than others. Based on available information,

women and people 80 years and older are more likely to experience abuse. Factors such as dementia or poor physical health can increase older people’s isolation,

which in turn puts people at greater risk of experiencing abuse or neglect.

Some Common Risk Factors:

• Dementia

• Mental health or substance abuse issues of an older person and/or a perpetrator

• Social isolation

• Poor physical health

Just How Big Is the Problem?

Elder abuse is an injustice with many consequences for our society, affecting everything from our communities’ public health to our economic resources.

Elder abuse is widespread. A comprehensive review article published in 2015

found the prevalence of elder abuse to be approximately 10% including physical

abuse, psychological or verbal abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect.

Elder abuse is significantly under-identified and underreported. This is in part

due to a lack of social supports that would make it easier for those who experience

abuse to report it.

Elder Abuse in Native Americans

American Indian elders have one of the lowest life expectancies in the United

States. Disproportionate disease burden, socioeconomic disparities, and higher

rates of violence across the lifespan are thought to contribute to higher rates of elder abuse. Elder abuse and higher rates of trauma exposure are linked with adverse

outcomes.

Of the nine studies published in the last 30 years, rates of elder abuse varied by

study, location, and tribal affiliation from 4.3% to 45.9%. Large studies with comparison populations found higher rates for American Indians. There was a consensus for three risk factors: substance abuse, mental health problems, and caregiving

issues. Importance of tribal norms, the notion of respect conferred to elders, and

the concept of acculturation were major culturally relevant themes. Perceived tribal norms and strengths, for example, respect for elders were at odds with abuse

experiences, particularly financial exploitation and neglect. Historical trauma,

shame, and fear impacted reporting.

High rates of abuse suggest healthcare providers should be encouraged to screen

and intervene despite the lack of empirical evidence. Providers should not assume

that traditional culturally ascribed strengths, such as honor and respect for elders,

provide any degree of protection against elder abuse.

Government Programs, For-Profit, or Non-Profit Organizations Provide Both

Public & Tribal-Specific Social Services

• The goal of social services is to prevent and alleviate elder abuse and neglect.

• Indigenous communities have developed tribally-operated elder services

and programs to meet their older or disabled adults’ needs.

• In 1965, the United States Congress passed a federal bill, the Older American Act (OAA) to address the lack of community social services for older

persons.

• The OAA provides federal funding for aging services, resulting in expanded

services all over the country

OAA Title VI

• In 1978 the OAA was amended to include Title VI, which established federal

funding for elderly nutrition and supportive services for Native Americans

(American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians).

• The program has expanded to include caregiver support services.

Title VI Program and Elder Abuse Prevention

All social services outlined in the Title VI program can be used to prevent elder

abuse and neglect by:

• Encouraging participation by seniors in communal services

• Helping older and disabled adults access financial help

• Balancing family support with older and disabled adults’ independence

How Can We Report Elder Abuse?

It is up to everyone to prevent and address elder abuse. Report suspected mistreatment to your local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or

law enforcement agency who can investigate the situation.

In Oklahoma, Triad is an agreement between local law enforcement and older/

retired persons that work together to reduce the criminal victimization of the elderly. Triad enhances the delivery of law enforcement services to our older citizens.

Triad educates citizens in crime prevention and victim/witness programs for older

persons. Triad also recruits and trains volunteers to assist the police and sheriff 's

departments. Triad provides a forum for law enforcement and the community to

share needs and concerns and work together to develop solutions and identify

problem areas for seniors, and develop and implement community wide solutions.

The coordinator for Oklahoma City's Triad program is Sheryl Presley. Sheryl

can be reached at (405) 316-4336. She is available for speaking engagements on

the topics of personal and home safety, current frauds and scams and identity theft

Reporting Elder Abuse

• Some tribes have adopted an elder abuse code or ordinance to protect tribal

elders from abuse and neglect.

•

If you suspect elder abuse or neglect, report it to your state or tribal APS

office or local police department.

• If you need help locating a number to call to report elder abuse, please visit:

https://www.nieji.org/hotlines

Programs such as Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Long-Term Care Ombudsmen are here to help. For reporting numbers, contact Eldercare Locator at

1-800-677-1116 (eldercare.gov).

If you believe that an older person is in a life-threatening situation, contact

911 or the local police or sheriff ’s department.

Learn more about the issue. Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website at

https://ncea.acl.gov

References:

Crowder, J., Burnett, C., Laughon, K., & Dreisbach, C. (2019). Elder Abuse in American Indian Communities: An Integrative Review. Journal of forensic nursing, 15(4),

250–258. https://doi.org/10.1097/JFN.0000000000000259

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS ELDER JUSTICE INITIATIVE. Social Services for Elders in Indian Country. https://pfs2.acl.gov/strapib/assets/Social_Services_for_Elders_in_Indian_Country_25602de444.pdf

Oklahoma City Police Department. Triad. https://www.okc.gov/departments/police/

community-programs/triad

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Factsheet. https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/

wp-content/uploads/2024/01/WEAAD-Factsheet-FAQs.pdf

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Little Axe Health Clinic

• COMPLETED! Grand opening was held May 1st

Shawnee Health Center

NEW SHAWNEE HEALTH CLINIC! (Coming Soon)

39665 Benson Park Road, Shawnee, OK 74801 (adjacent to Tecumseh Lake)

The feasibility study has been completed and an architect has been selected.

Design phase has been initiated and interviews have been completed for Construction Manager. Planning for Groundbreaking Ceremony is ongoing.

May 2024 Health Employee Awards of the Month

Employee of the Month: Shannon Livsey, Provider Relations Manager

Team of the Month: Housekeeping

Special Leadership Award: Terra Little Jim, Lead Patient Registration

Chris A. Larkin, MBA, FACHE, CHC

Executive Director

June 2024

2B www.astribe.com

BEAT THE HEAT

Signs of external

Summer's high temperatures put student athletes at increased risk of heat illness. There are several types of

heat illness. They range in severity, from heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which are common but not severe,

to heat stroke, which can be deadly. Although exertional heat stroke can be fatal, death is preventable if it’s

quickly recognized and properly treated.

Headache, lightheadedness,

dizziness, confusion and

disorientation

DEHYDRATION AND HEAT ILLNESSES

It takes only 30 minutes for cell damage to occur with a

core body temperature of 105 degrees or higher.

Excessive sweating

and/or flushing

Chills and/or

goose bumps

Cramps, muscular

tightening and

spasms

Exertional heat stroke

is one of the top three

killers of athletes and

soldiers in training.

As of August 2022, 14 states

mandate all best practice heat

acclimatization standards at

the high school level.

• From 2015-19, 17 athletic heat stroke fatalities were reported.

Core body

temperature

of more

than 105

degrees

• It takes seven to 14 days for a body to adapt to exercising in the heat.

• Dehydration at levels of 3% to 4% body mass loss can reduce muscle strength by an

estimated 2%.

SAFETY TIPS

Have sports drinks

on hand for workout

sessions lasting

longer than an hour.

Remove unnecessary equipment, such as

helmets and padding, when environmental

conditions become extreme.

Signs of nervous system

dysfunction, such as

confusion, aggression and

loss of consciousness

Rapid

breathing

Keep beverages cold

– cold beverages

are consumed 50%

more than warm

beverages.

Hydrate before, during

and after activity.

Nausea and/

or vomiting

Fatigue

Fluid replacement should be based on

SWEAT LOSS.

Increased

heart rate

Clothing worn by athletes should be light

colored, lightweight and protect against

the sun.

Low blood

pressure

Seizures

• If someone is suffering from exertional heat stroke, remember to cool

first and transport second.

• Also, during the first week, slowly integrate equipment into practice

using the following schedule:

- Days 1-2: Helmet/headgear only

- Days 3-5: Helmet and shoulder pads

- Day 6: Begin full equipment

• Have shade and cooling stations available and large cold tubs ready

before all practices and games in case cold water immersion is

needed to treat exertional heat stroke.

• Get a location-specific measurement of heat stress using a wet-bulb

globe temperature, which accounts for ambient temperature, relative

humidity, wind and radiation from the sun.

Infographic courtesy of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (Updated 2023)

• According to best practice, the optimal way to determine core

temperature, and whether someone is experiencing exertional heat

stroke, is through the use of a rectal thermometer, which should be

done by a trained medical professional, such as an athletic trainer.

Sources: Korey Stringer Institute, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, NATA,

National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research, University of North Carolina

Purchase Referred Care (PRC)

Policy Reminder

Purchased Referred Care (formally referred to as Contract Health)

would like to remind all tribal members to report all outside office

visits to the PRC department at least 48 hours prior to your

appointment so that we can process a Coordina�on of Benefits

(COB) to cover your visit.

ER visits must be reported to PRC within 72 hours of the visit to

be considered for payment.

To be eligible for payment of outside services, tribal members

must be in compliance with PRC guidelines, which include

providing the following to the PRC department:

•

An Up-To-Date CDIB card,

•

Proof of Residence within the AST Catchment Area,

•

Copies of All Commercial Insurance Cards, and

•

A SoonerCare Applica�on.

Thank you for allowing us to serve you in your healthcare needs!

Phone: (405) 701-7951

VA PHONE SUPPORT

PACT ACT ELIGIBILITY

Were you exposed to

burn pits, herbicides,

or other toxins while

in the military?

You may be eligible for

VA health care and

compensation. Learn

more at VA.gov/PACT.

11

800 -MyVA4

2411

(800) 698-

1-800-MyVA411

(800-698-2411)

The one number all Veterans, their

families, caregivers, and survivors

can use to access VA resources 24

hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

VA’S OFFICIAL MOBILE APP

VA WELCOME KIT

Download the

VA Health and

Benefits App!

Download VA’s

Welcome Kit!

• View and cancel appointments

• Check claims and

appeal status

• View payment

information

• Download Veteran

Service Letters

Download the VA Welcome Kit and

explore VA benefits and services,

including:

VA.gov/welcome-kit

Excessive sweating

• During the first week, practices shouldn't exceed 120 minutes and

should be limited to one practice per day.

• Follow a work-to-rest ratio based on environmental conditions.

THANK YOU FOR

YOUR SERVICE.

WE’RE HERE FOR

YOU IF YOU NEED US.

Email: PRC@astribe.com

Disability Ratings

Education Benefits

VA Health Care

Veteran-Owned

Small Business Support

NOTICE

COVID guidelines have changed as

we con�nue our fight against COVID.

Please review the following:

COVID pa�ents no longer need to be separated

in wai�ng areas.

Pa�ents do not need to wait inside their vehicle

at any of our loca�ons.

Symptoma�c pa�ents do not need to use

separate entrances/exits.

You must wear a mask in waiting areas if

you have COVID symptoms!

Little Axe Health Center 405.447.0300 Shawnee Clinic 405.878.5850

PlusCare Clinic 405.447.0477

June 2024

www.astribe.com

MONDAY

3

KRAUT & WEINERS

GREEN BEANS

BREAD

APRICOTS

10

STEAK FINGERS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

VEGGIES

ICE CREAM

17

CHICKEN STRIPS

MASHED POT/GRAVY

BROCCOLI

MANDARIN ORANGES

24

CHICKEN FAJITAS

BELL PEPPER &

ONIONS

SPANISH RICE

TORTILLA/FRUIT

TUESDAY

4

11

18

25

WEDNESDAY

TAMALE

SPANISH RICE

REFRIED BEANS

PINEAPPLES

GRILLED CHEZ

SANDWICH

VEGGIE SOUP

PEARS

CHEF SALAD

W TURKEY

CRACKERS

PEACHES

5

6

12

13

HOT DOG

CHIPS

POT SALAD

MANDARIN ORANGES

PULLED PORK

SANDWICH

ONIONS, PICKLES

COOKIE

THURSDAY

BAKED CHICKEN

VEGGIES

ROLL

JELL-O

CHICKEN RICE &

BROCOLLI CASSEROLE

SALAD BAR*

TATOR TOTS

CASSEROLE

BRUSSELL SPROUTS

PEACHES

19

20

26

CLOSED FOR

BAKED POT

BROCC W CHEZ

ONION,HAM

APPLESAUCE

27

TURKEY

SANDWICH

LTOP

FLUFF

BEANS W HAM

STEAK FRIES

CORN BREAD

MIXED FRUIT

3B

FRIDAY

7

WAFFLES

SAUSAGE PATTIES

FRUIT

14

BOILED EGG

SAUSAGE PATTIES

MUFFIN

21

SCRAMBLED EGGS

SAUSAGE GRAVY

BISCUIT

28

SCRAMBLED EGGS

BACON

TOAST

*MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

WE ARE NOW SERVING AT LITTLE AXE RESOURCE CENTER

AND SHAWNEE SITE

LUNCH SERVED MONDAY – THURSDAY 11 AM TO 1 PM

BREAKFAST SERVED FRIDAYS 9 AM TO 11 AM

A Legend Retires – Dr. Bruce Stafford

Dr. Bruce Stafford, MD, has been an intergral part of the Absentee

Shawnee Tribal Health System for over nine years. He began his journey

in the medical field in 1996, after meeting a young Honduran girl who had

a facial disfigurement which turned his worldview upside down. After a

great desire to become a physician enveloped him, he decided to

dedicate his life to helping those in need.

Dr. Stafford received a Master’s degree in Nursing while attending

Southern Nazarene University and a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine

at Oklahoma State University and completed three years of residency at

OU Family Medicine in 2004, at the age of 56. He worked for many years

in self-employed practice, as well as at hospitals, the VA, and the

Department of Defense.

After wrestling with the idea that there was more he could do to help

others, Dr. Stafford reached out to an exceptional colleague, Dr. Marty

Lofgren, MD, to see if there was a place for him at the Absentee Shawnee

Tribal Health System. As fate would have it, there was. Dr. Stafford settled

in as a family medicine practitioner at the Absentee Shawnee Tribal

Health System and dedicated himself fully to not just caring for its

patients, but learning about the culture and language of the Absentee

Shawnee people.

While Dr. Stafford’s last day was on May 10th, 2024, we will always

remember the impact he had on not only our health system but on our

patients and our community as well. We wish him well on his

well-deserved retirement and blessings on the next chapter of his

professional career.

June Newsletter Article- AST Tribal Opioid Response (TOR) Project

Tuesday, May 7th was the National Fentanyl Day of Awareness. What should you know about fentanyl? First, fentanyl is a human-made pain killer. If you

misuse fentanyl, whether it’s legally or illegally made, it can be unsafe and deadly.

One common misconception about fentanyl is that it’s only illegally made. Fentanyl is legally produced and prescribed to treat people in severe pain, typically

people in the advanced stages of cancer. It is 50 to 100 xs more powerful than morphine.

Fentanyl is also illegally made and sold, it is inexpensive to manufacture and a little bit goes a long way, and due to its potency a small quantity equal to

approximately a dozen grains of table salt can be lethal. While some drug suppliers purposefully sell fentanyl to interested and aware buyers, other sellers aren’t

as upfront about what’s in their illicit products, they cut their drugs with fentanyl to increase the potency. Substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, black

tar heroin, and marijuana, counterfeit or pressed pills have tested positive for fentanyl. According to a statement made by OKC Law Enforcement at the TOR

organized Fentanyl: Fact vs Fiction panel on May 7th, two of the most common forms of fentanyl they see in their jurisdiction are M-30s (pills) or powdered

fentanyl.

The misuse of fentanyl has led to a rise in substance use disorders and unintentional drug overdose deaths. One step you can take to address unintentional

drug overdoses is to keep Narcan/Naloxone on hand to help reverse an opioid drug overdose, to pick up a box of Narcan stop by the TOR Office located at

the Little Axe Resource Center. TOR has also set up several Narcan/Naloxone distribution boxes in Shawnee: Absentee Shawnee Tribal Police Department,

Domestic Violence Department (Contact First), Absentee Shawnee Housing Authority and the Indian Child Welfare Department. Any of these places you can

pick up a box or several boxes of Narcan/Naloxone.

June 2024

4B www.astribe.com

HEALTH BUZZ!!

JUNE IS ALZHEIMER’S AND BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH!

The human brain is a complex organ and has at least three levels of functions that affect all aspects of our daily lives:

• Interpretation of senses and control of movement;

• Maintenance of cognitive, mental and emotional processes; and

• Maintenance of normal behavior and social cognition.

Maintaining a healthy brain during one’s life is the uppermost goal in pursuing health and longevity. As the population ages, the burden of neurological

disorders and challenges for the preservation of brain health increase.

Evidence indicates that healthy behaviors have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Here are 8 ways to help

improve your brain health:

1. Quit Smoking

2. Prevent and manage High Blood Pressure

3. Prevent and manage High Cholesterol

4. Maintain a healthy weight

5. Get enough sleep

6. Stay engaged

7. Manage blood sugar

8. If you drink, do so in moderation!

In general, Native Americans are more likely to get Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia than other groups. It is believed that certain habits and

preventable health conditions may raise your chances for worse brain health and possibly dementia later in life. By taking steps to reduce your risk now, they

will give you the best chance for a better quality of life.

THE BOTTOM LINE!!

A healthy lifestyle can not only help you feel better, but it can also reduce the risk of some diseases, lengthen your lifespan, save you money, and benefit

the environment.

Your version of a healthy lifestyle is whatever you define it to be. Start small when you make changes. Living a healthy lifestyle does not mean you have

to give up the things that may be considered “bad habits”. It is perfectly possible to balance healthy living with eating cookies, taking a day off from working

out, or having wine with dinner!! In fact, enjoying a treat once in a while can help you better stick to healthy eating habits.

Remember, you are never too old to get moving, get stronger, and improve your health!

The Alzheimer Program Team is pleased to provide dementia and brain health educational information in our monthly articles. If you have a specific dementia

topic you would like for us to address, please let us know. If you know of someone needing our services and support, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country and Music & Memory

Check out our web-page:

Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System

https://www.asthealth.org

Programs and Prevention

Seeking Hope

You can also contact me directly at: (405) 561-7893.

Best regards,

Atheda Fletcher

Grant Project PI

THE GREATEST WEALTH IS HEALTH!