Indian Health Care Resource Center

Stephen Eberle recognized for his volunteer contributions. Read about it in the Winter 2010 issue of the Healthy Spirit.

Health Education and Wellness

Satellite Office
1630 S. Main
(918) 382-2219

Food for Life

The problem: In its December 2007 report, the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger found that Oklahoma is one of the hungriest states in America. Over the past ten years, the percentage of the state's population classified as food insecure rose from 13.1 percent to 14.6 percent; the percentage of our state population experiencing hunger, classified as experiencing very low food security, rose from 4.2 percent to 5.3 percent. On both measures, Oklahoma ranks as one of the five worst states in the country. The threat of hunger is especially prevalent among children, as more than one in every five Oklahoma children lives in a food insecure household. Due to their special needs, Oklahoma seniors and disabled individuals are also at high risk of hunger.

Oklahomans face many challenges in terms of household income, current health trends, and access to healthy foods. Oklahoma's food insecurity, is linked to our state's high poverty rate and to our state's obesity epidemic. Nearly one in six Oklahoma families are living in poverty at 15.9 percent. The poverty level in 2007 is $20,650 for a family of four. The lack of financial resources for adequate food budgets makes it difficult for families to obtain nutritious food on a consistent basis, leading to unhealthy eating patterns and poor dietary habits. Among Oklahoma households living below the poverty line, 36.3% are classified as food insecure and 14.8% experience hunger; and in households with income at or below 185% of the federal poverty line, 27.3% are classified as food insecure and 10.7% experience hunger.

Read more: Food for Life

Left to right: Rita Scott of Buy Fresh Buy Local, Rep. Seneca Scott, Demalda Newsome of North Tulsa EATS and Steve Eberle, IHCRC Food and Garden Coordinator.

OK Horizon aired the second interview on food security and Food for Life in January on OETA, (Ch-11 in Tulsa). The videos are available on their web site (www.okhorizon.com) and YouTube on the following links. Oklahoma Horizon showcases contributions made by individuals, companies and other organizations across the state to benefit Oklahoma's economic development.

Stephen Eberle talks about food deserts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZUamEMXPwg>

Doug Walton talks about food deserts pt 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvZ3k0Iqw0E

Doug Walton talks about food deserts pt 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMmnkOiRy8A&feature=related

Oklahoma legislator says we must do something about food deserts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9WNHyWeKPc

Eliminating food deserts one neighborhood at a time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzYQwjncmAs&feature=related

You can cook healthy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lz_IOq0dZ8

Increase food security, decrease waist lines

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv-3NRv73_g&feature=related

Healthy Corner Grocery Stores Championed

State Representative Seneca Scott (representing HD 72 in north and central Tulsa) has proposed Healthy Corner Store legislation for the 2010 legislative session, providing funding, employee training and assistance in acquiring EBT machines to process SNAP benefits (food stamps). State Representatives Jabar Shumate (HD 73), Dan Morrissette (HD 93) and Eric Proctor (HD 77) are also strong supporters of the Healthy Corner Store Initiative. Read more: Healthy Corner Grocery Stores Championed

Smoking Cessation Class

Are you a smoker? Need the help and support to quit? Beginning January 9, the Health and Wellness Department of IHCRC will be offering a six-week smoking cessation class. Classes will be held at IHCRC's satellite office located at 1630 S. Main from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. For more information please contact Clayton Tselee at (918) 588-1900 ex. 3224. This smoking cessation program tailored to the needs of Native American people. All ages participate in cessation programs, including youth, pregnant women, adults and elders. Native American families become healthier by reducing the exposure of babies, children and youth to second-hand smoke in the home and community, and by reducing the number of nicotine-related illnesses among elders and adults.

Traditional Ties Tobacco Cessation Program
(918) 588-1900, extension 3224

Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Diabetes Booklet (PDF)

Health education helps clients make lifestyle changes to control their diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The primary prevention programs provide education and nutritional counseling to persons at risk for these diseases. Secondary prevention activities include identification and screening of high-risk individuals and provision of medications to prevent complications.