Latest news with #CherokeeNationHealthServices
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation to assist individuals with rare diseases
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — With rare diseases affecting 1 in 10 Americans and over 7,000 known conditions, the Cherokee Nation is taking a significant step toward raising awareness and addressing these complex medical challenges. The Cherokee Nation Health Services Rare Disease Task Force recently released its nine-page report outlining progress made over the past year and recommendations the tribe can take in the future to help address the unique challenges faced by patients with rare diseases both on and off the Cherokee Nation Reservation. Established by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., the task force has spent the past year thoroughly examining treatment approaches and developing strategies to enhance care for patients and families affected by rare diseases. 'The work of the Rare Disease Task Force represents our unwavering commitment to provide the most comprehensive care possible for the patients in our health system, including those facing the unique challenges of rare diseases,' Hoskin said. 'The conclusions of our task force not only highlight the significant progress we've made in the past year but also charts a clear path forward to ensure no one is left behind in our health care system.' The Rare Disease Task Force report provided several recommendations and outlined some key accomplishments: The establishment of a committee to evaluate specialty lab availability, including genetic testing for rare disease diagnosis, while adhering to evidence-based medicine protocols. The planning phase for a dedicated research department and the development of system-wide cancer care coordinator positions. Continue to host the tribe's Rare Disease Summit Establish a permanent rare disease advisory group Expand behavioral health and specialty services Develop financial support mechanisms for patients with rare diseases Strengthen data sovereignty and research partnerships to ensure patient information is protected and respected Continue the growth of rare disease case management 'Our hope is that, by implementing the Rare Disease Task Force's recommendations and continually looking for ways to do more, that Cherokee Nation citizens like Meadow will find more comfort and care and recognize that they are not on their journey alone.' Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. Since the task force began its work in 2024, Cherokee Nation Health Services has assigned a Registered Nurse as a case manager for rare disease patients. The case manager works closely with the primary care team and specialists to close gaps in care and assist patients with access to critical resources, helping facilitate referrals, durable medical equipment needs, and other necessary services. The Rare Disease Task Force announced the tribe's plan to host its second Rare Disease Summit on June 12. The summit will address the unique challenges facing tribal citizens with rare medical conditions and bring specialty physicians, healthcare professionals, and community members together to discuss key topics and rare diseases impacting the reservation. Registration is required to attend the free summit, and you can complete it by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cherokee Nation invests $16M to improve access to cancer care
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Cherokee Nation is investing $16 million in two area hospitals earmarked to provide critical cancer care closer to home for Cherokee Nation citizens and others in the region. Cherokee Nation operates the largest tribal health care system in the country, with more than 2 million patient visits annually. American Indian and Alaska Native populations in Oklahoma experience a 36% higher cancer incidence rate and a 73% higher cancer mortality rate compared to the general U.S. population. Limited access to diagnostic services and treatments has historically been a significant challenge for many patients. By partnering with leading healthcare institutions, the Cherokee Nation is taking meaningful steps to tackle these disparities head-on, according to Cherokee Nation data. 'Cherokee Nation Health Services diagnoses nearly 400 new cancer cases per year, and we know that having treatment facilities within 60 miles of our citizens significantly increases their chances of survival,' said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. 'This investment ensures more hope and opportunity for our tribal citizens who need cancer care.' 'These facilities represent more than health care infrastructure – they are a beacon of hope for our families and communities who have long struggled with the devastating effects of cancer,' said Cherokee Nation Health Services CEO and Executive Director Dr. R. Stephen Jones. 'We are proud to lead in advancing health care equity.' Cherokee Nation's $8 million investment in OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center will support the development of its new facility in Tulsa. This expansion will extend the advanced, research-driven care provided at the National Cancer Institute-designated center to residents of northeastern Oklahoma, where cancer mortality rates are among the highest in the state. Patients at the new center will have access to hundreds of clinical trials and innovative cancer treatments, which will significantly improve their outcomes. 'We are grateful for the Cherokee Nation's generosity and for their partnership as we bring the highest level of cancer care and clinical trials to the people of northeastern Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation shares our mission of ensuring that no Oklahoman has to compromise on the care they receive because of their geography. This gift represents a milestone in that effort.' Gary Raskob, Ph.D., OU Health Sciences Senior Vice-President and Provost. Since its opening, OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center has collaborated with the Cherokee Nation on initiatives such as lung cancer screenings, which provide early detection for high-risk patients. This new partnership will expand on those existing efforts and help address cancer disparities within tribal communities. Mercy Fort Smith Oncology facilitates more than 25,000 patient visits annually. More than 5,000 residents in the hospital's service area are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. Mercy's expansion of cancer services in Fort Smith will provide high-quality care to thousands of Cherokee Nation citizens in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. The tribe's $8 million contribution will support Mercy's capital campaign to create expanded patient access to screenings, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The hospital will more than double the number of oncology and radiation oncology providers, add surgical oncology specialists, incorporate essential technology, and expand patient access. 'Mercy's vision is to keep patients close to home while receiving care, which aligns with the Cherokee Nation's focus and continued investment in the health and well-being of its citizens. Fort Smith and the surrounding communities will benefit for years to come from this collaboration between Mercy and the Cherokee Nation, which will help address the needs of cancer patients by expanding access and enhancing the care that's currently available. We look forward to working together on a common goal: to improve the overall health and quality of care for local residents.' Ryan Gehrig, Mercy Arkansas Communities president 'These new facilities will be a lifeline for families who want to stay close to their communities while receiving care,' said Cherokee Nation Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. He said more treatment options on or near our reservation would benefit Cherokee citizens and the surrounding rural communities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
