History: 1983-1998
In 1983, an adolescent component was added to Indian Family Services. Visual acuity screenings were also added in 1983. Any Early Childhood Development program was added to Indian Family Services in 1984. During the same year diabetes education classes began, and a volunteer program was established. Mental health services became a full-time program in 1985, and IHCRC developed a national model program for high-risk Indian adolescents (no longer active). A substance abuse group began meeting on a weekly basis.
In 1986, an x-ray machine was put into service to make chest and skeletal radiology examinations on site. Optometry and hearing services were added in 1987. During the same year, fetal alcohol syndrome counseling and prevention services were added and the Indian Family services program was expanded to include a Child Court Advocate (no longer active).
In 1988, the Human Services department added outpatient chemical dependency counseling, temporary child placement, and adolescent self-esteem programs. In 1989 an HIV counseling and community education program was added to IHCRC's program scope, and the adolescent self-esteem model was selected as a State model program.
Mammography services became available in 1990. IHCRC received an Administration for Native American grant to assist business-related ventures and economic development opportunities for the Indian community. After operating for many years with only a dispensary for medications, IHCRC opened an in-house state-licensed pharmacy in 1990.
A number of fund-raising and special events were held in 1991, including the first Dance of Two Moons , as well as a golf tournament. In 1992, the IHCRC Economic Development department established the American Indian Entertainment business venture that generated revenues for IHCRC and provided jobs for local American Indians. The first annual Tallasi Winter Art Festival was held this same year. (The Tallasi was held again in 1993, its last year. The Dance of Two Moons has been held every year since its inception).
In cooperation with national health program initiatives, IHCRC secured grants to expand childhood immunization efforts, HIV education, counseling, and testing. Two additional grants (received in 1995) were used to enhance services for women and youth. A national Fannie Mae Foundation grant of $25,000 funded a Women's health program, and a Conference of U.S. Mayors grant of $65,000 funded youth leadership and HIV prevention programs.
Also in 1995, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority launched the new SoonerCare program. IHCRC continued to see Medicaid clients. IHCRC joined the new Community HealthNet Consortium. This community partnership of traditional providers of health care seeks to keep a safety net in place for low and moderate income persons who are at risk of not having access to primary health care.
In August 1997, IHCRC received a five-year grant from the Indian Health Service to prevent, reduce, or treat the family stressors that lead to child abuse, neglect, and family violence. The funds from that grant enabled the Human Services department to hire additional professional staff and expand the family services offered at the clinic. This family preservation program provides a family-based alternative to child removal in cases of abuse, neglect, or other supervisory needs cases.
In December 1997, IHCRC added a full-time case manager to its prenatal program, in a partnership program supported by Healthy Start grant. IHCRC helped author this four-year grant which provides approximately $1 million in annual funding to the Tulsa community. This grant has subsequently been renewed for another four years. The central objective of this grant is to reduce infant mortality in Tulsa county through outreach and case management in targeted high-risk areas.
In May 1998, IHCRC expanded its diabetes prevention program with the benefit of a national, multi-year grant from the Indian Health Service (IHS). These funds came from a grant program established by IHS in accordance with the provisions of the 1997 Federal Balanced Budget Act. The expanded diabetes programs help patients better understand and manage their diabetes, and to learn the special care and nutrition requirements imposed by the disease. The grant helps fund a licensed dietician and the management of the Health Education and Wellness Department.
Continued:
Move to a New Facility: 1999