Indian Health Care Resource Center provides quality health and behavioral health care for American Indians in the greater Tulsa area Welcome to Indian Health Care Resource Center of Tulsa! NEWS AND EVENTS HEALTHY HAPPENINGS IHCRC's 2025 Annual Report Now Available Indian Health Care Resource Center hosted its annual meeting this past Monday, celebrating a year of accomplishments and honoring the people who have shaped the organization’s legacy. The event featured special guests who were instrumental in IHCRC’s early days, including Pam Iron, the first Executive Director; Dorothy Jones, the first WIC Supervisor; Luke McIntosh, the first IHS Project Officer; and Janice Edmiston, the first Community Development employee. CEO Carmelita Ske IHCRC Dec 8 2 min read MORE BLOGS SERVICES, PROGRAMS, AND MORE MEDI CAL IHCRC is a non-emergency outpatient clinic. Citizens of any federally recognized tribe or nation may be seen here. Services are available for the entire family including: General medicine, "sick" care, and wellness care Internal medicine for diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and other chronic conditions Geriatric medicine Pediatrics and well-baby care Women's health care, including prenatal care and family planning Mammography, X-ray, ultrasound, and lab diagnostics BEHAVIORAL HEALTH We understand that health is really about the whole person. So, our holistic approach includes the availability of a comprehensive behavioral health department. The department includes licensed psychiatrists (adult and children), psychologists, counselors, drug and alcohol counselors, and social workers. Learn more by clicking on the picture. Services are culturally sensitive, respecting the religious and healing orientation of each client. DENTAL & OPTOMETRY De ntal Our dental teams go out of their way to make your visit as pleasant as possible while providing you with top of the line dental care. Dental services, now rendered at IHCRC 530, are currently limited to children and youth, pregnant women, and persons living with diabetes. Optometry Combine our computerized diagnostic machines with highly skilled and caring optometry staff and you can clearly see why IHCRC should be your optometry choice. Optometry services, now rendered at IHCRC 530, are currently limited to children and youth, persons with diabetes, and individuals with eye diseases or infections. HEALTH & WELLNESS Our Health and Wellness program is staffed with dietitians and certified diabetes care and education specialists (program accredited by ADCES). Our team is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to better health through personalized guidance and education to improve and maintain their overall well-being and lifestyle. Diabetes self-management education and support for individuals with diabetes Nutrition therapy/education to promote healthy eating and manage health conditions including: Diabetes Prediabetes Blood pressure Cholesterol Digestive issues Weight management OTHER SERVICES Pharmacy IHCRC's pharmacy, now open at 530 with a five-lane drive-thru, provides prescriptions, medication education, and adherence counseling for prescriptions written by IHCRC physicians only . Medication Education Having trouble remembering to take your medications? Unsure how to use your inhaler? Ask your physician or nurse to refer you to the Medication Reconciliation Pharmacist. Transportation Free transportation is available in Tulsa County for patients and clients without means to get to IHCRC. Healthy Start The Healthy Start program provides case management and educational services for pregnant women. HOURS Monday Medical: 6:45 AM to 6:00 PM Walk-ins: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pharmacy Drive-Thru at 530: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Business Services (Medical Records, Administration, etc.): 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM Tuesday through Friday Medical: 6:45 AM to 6:00 PM Walk-ins: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pharmacy Drive-Thru at 530: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Business Services (Medical Records, Administration, etc.): 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM The clinic is closed all day on the first Wednesday of each month. Walk-in hours are subject to provider availability. The clinic is closed on all federal holidays. After Hours Care - 918-342-6200 (Claremore Indian Hospital) For medical emergencies, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For after-hours nurse advice, please call 918-588-1900 , then press 3.

PROGRAMS / Elder Activities / > ... > Elder Activities > ACTIVITY CALENDAR UPCOMING EVENTS Coffee Hour And A Half Tue, Dec 30 IHCRC - Middle Event Room RSVP Elder Game Hour Wed, Jan 14 IHCRC 550 Middle Conference Room RSVP Afternoon Tea and Topics - Estate Planning Tue, Jan 20 IHCRC Middle Event Room RSVP Good Medicine Bingo Fri, Jan 23 IHCRC Middle Conference Room RSVP Coffee Hour And A Half Wed, Jan 28 IHCRC - Middle Event Room RSVP ELDER BLOG Breast Cancer Awareness Month October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to remember that it is the second-most common cancer affecting American women behind... IHCRC Oct 2 September is Suicide Prevention Month By identifying those at risk, people can protect, support, and provide care for those that need it. IHCRC Sep 8 Wisdom Warriors: Elder Summit Provides Education, Encouragement If you didn't have the opportunity to attend this event, you can see photos, videos, and more information here. IHCRC Aug 15 1 2 3 4

Explore the dedicated professionals driving IHCRC towards health care excellence. ABOUT / Leadership / > ... > Leadership > BOARD OF TRUSTEES Officers R obert Anquoe President (Kiowa) Joyce Roberts Vice President (Choctaw) Janice Edmiston, CFRE Secretary ( Choctaw/Sac and Fox) David Spring Treasurer ( Choctaw) Members Jim Cameron (Cherokee) January Phetsacksith (Osage) Brent Allison (Chickasaw) Jay Anderson, D.D.S. (Choctaw) Bob Bitting (Cherokee) Brandon Caruso, MBA (Cherokee) Walela Knight (Choctaw/Cherokee) Chris McDaniels, O.D. (Cherokee) Goldie Phillips (Comanche) Tyler Post Matt Wilkett, D.O. (Choctaw) ADMINISTRATION Carmelita Wamego Skeeter Chief Executive Officer READ BIO Tanya Cain, RN Chief Operating Officer READ BIO Jason Menting, PsyD Chief Behavioral Health Officer READ BIO Deanna Holman Chief Financial Officer READ BIO Stacie Nutt, B.S., SHRM-SCP Chief Human Resource Officer READ BIO

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month, a time to remember that the holidays may not be happy for everyone due to the "winter blues," when some experience depression with fewer daylight hours. WHAT IS "SAD?" According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH), SAD is a recurrent, seasonal type of depression with symptoms during part of the year. For winter-pattern SAD, symptoms include: Hypersomnia, or oversleeping Overeating Social withdrawal Some people also experience summer-pattern SAD, which has these symptoms: Insomnia, or trouble sleeping Poor appetite Restlessness Anxiety Aggressive behavior Winter-pattern is more common than summer-pattern, and SAD occurs more often in women than men, according to the NIH. SAD is diagnosed when people experience symptoms in consecutive seasons, especially when symptoms seem to occur most often during those specific seasons. CAUSES AND TREATMENT The NIH notes that more research still needs to be done on SAD, especially summer-pattern, but studies have shown that people with SAD may have: Reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Vitamin D deficiency, which people receive from food but also from sunlight. Altered levels of melatonin, a hormone helping maintain a normal sleep cycle. Treatment for these causes include: Light therapy: When a person sits in front of a bright light box daily for about 30-45 minutes. Therapy and counseling Vitamin D Antidepressant medication (when necessary) DEPRESSION AND SADNESS If you experience major life changes or disappointing events close to holidays, you may feel sad or depressed, unrelated to Seasonal Affective Disorder. If your sadness lasts more than two weeks, you might have depression. According to the CDC, depression symptoms include: Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless often or all the time. Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun. Unplanned weight change or changes in appetite. Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much. Feeling irritable, easily frustrated, or restless. Lack of energy or feeling tired. Feeling worthless or overly guilty. Trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions. The CDC recommends seeking treatment from a health care provider, especially if your symptoms do not go away, are getting worse, or affect your daily activities. Help is also available immediately by calling or texting 988. Free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis is available 24/7. SOURCES NIH: Seasonal Affective Disorder | CDC: Sadness & Depression | IHCRC Domestic Violence Resource Hub

Indian Health Care Resource Center hosted its annual meeting this past Monday, celebrating a year of accomplishments and honoring the people who have shaped the organization’s legacy. The event featured special guests who were instrumental in IHCRC’s early days, including Pam Iron, the first Executive Director; Dorothy Jones, the first WIC Supervisor; Luke McIntosh, the first IHS Project Officer; and Janice Edmiston, the first Community Development employee. CEO Carmelita Skeeter invited these trailblazers to share their stories and presented them with blankets and shawls in recognition of their lasting contributions. The evening also highlighted outstanding staff and the organization’s continued growth, reflecting IHCRC’s commitment to excellence and the community it serves. Letter from the President and the CEO This past year was a defining one for our organization. We celebrated the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at IHCRC 530 with friends, neighbors, community partners, city officials, and tribal leaders. The gathering was a moment of pride that reflected years of planning and a commitment to providing the highest level of care for American Indian families in Tulsa and the surrounding communities. The new building is already transforming the way patients experience care. A larger pharmacy, along with expanded and modernized dental and optometry clinics, is serving more people with greater efficiency. Physical therapy services began this year, creating new opportunities for recovery and wellness. Patients also now have access to a spacious fitness center, designed to encourage healthy habits and prevention. Looking ahead, occupational therapy and speech therapy will further extend the continuum of care. Every addition was made with the goal of building a healthier community for generations to come. In 2025, our organization earned certification in the Standards for Excellence program through the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, recognizing accountability, transparency, and sound governance. At the same time, we advanced in our Baldrige Journey, a national framework that helps organizations improve through strong leadership, thoughtful planning, and measurable results. These accomplishments demonstrate that our focus on growth includes not only new services, but also the strength of the systems that guide our work. Together, these efforts create lasting benefits for our patients. Stronger systems lead to care that is more responsive, coordinated, and reliable. Expanded services make it easier for patients to find the support they need in one place. I am deeply grateful for the trust our community places in us and for the dedication of our staff who live our mission every day. Every achievement is a reminder that we are walking this path together, with our patients at the heart of all we do. This is the kind of progress that ensures families can turn to us with confidence, knowing their care is guided by quality and compassion. With each step forward, we are building a future where excellence in health care is not a goal but an expectation. As we look forward, we do so with gratitude for those who made this possible and with determination to honor our mission: To empower the American Indian through exceptional healthcare! Robert Anquoe President, IHCRC Board of Trustees Carmelita Skeeter Chief Executive Officer

In 1992, President George H.W. Bush declared it the “Year of the American Indian,”  and that November marked the first official recognition of National Native American Heritage Month.  Every U.S. president since has continued the tradition, honoring “the storied legacy of American Indians and Alaska Natives” and celebrating the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native peoples. As November draws to a close, the spirit of the month doesn’t end. Native American Heritage Month serves as a reminder—not a timeframe—that Native cultures, histories, and perspectives are woven into everyday life. While November offers a focused moment of recognition, celebrating Native heritage is something we can and should continue throughout the entire year. There are many ways to honor and uplift Native communities long after the month concludes: visiting museums and cultural centers, supporting Native-owned businesses and artists, attending cultural programs, reading Native authors, learning about tribal history, and staying engaged with contemporary Native issues. MUSEUM COLLECTIONS & CULTURAL SPACES Museums and cultural centers preserve the stories, traditions, and creativity of Native peoples. Visiting these spaces offers the chance to experience Native history and art firsthand, and to deepen understanding of the diverse cultures that continue to shape our communities today. Tulsa has many exhibits and museums to offer a look into many Native cultures, including: Indigenous Paintings at Gilcrease Museum:  Gilcrease's permanent collection features Native American paintings and drawings that span more than 150 years of visual expression and include nearly 2,500 works on a variety of mediums including hide, paper, and canvas. Also of note: Museum founder Thomas Gilcrease is a Muscogee Nation citizen! Click here for more information. Native American art at Philbrook Museum:  Philbrook's permanent collection includes 20th-century Native art and features iconic works by influential artists from across Indian Country with particular strengths in basketry, pottery, paintings, and jewelry. Click here for more information. Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve: Located less than an hour north of Tulsa, Woolaroc’s collections include Native American artifacts alongside art, firearms, and natural history exhibits. Its grounds also feature preserved landscapes and wildlife, offering visitors a unique way to engage with the region’s history and heritage. Click here for more information. SUPPORT NATIVE-OWNED BUSINESSES Celebrating Native heritage extends to supporting Native entrepreneurs, artists, and creators. By purchasing from Native-owned businesses, we help sustain local economies, honor traditional skills, and amplify Indigenous voices throughout the year. The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) maintains a directory of Native-owned businesses statewide—an easy way to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and creators any time of year. Native business members on its site . KEEP LEARNING Education is key to understanding and appreciating the rich histories, cultures, and contemporary contributions of Native peoples. Whether through reading, attending programs, or exploring online resources, there are many ways to expand your knowledge and engage with Indigenous perspectives year-round. Tulsa City-County Public Library , which notes that "the land on which we stand is the present-day home of the Muscogee, Cherokee, and Osage Nations," hosts regular events on American Indian language and history. It also has an American Indian Resource Center on its website with recommended books to read, database entries on Indigenous Peoples of North America, and more. Tulsa Public Schools' Indian Education program , which notes that TPS has more than 3,200 Native students and nearly 150 Native teachers in the district, offers age-appropriate book recommendations, ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, and more on its webpage . SOURCES U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs History of Native American Heritage Month Tulsa Library American Indian Resource Center | AICCO Native Businesses | Native American Art at Philbrook Museum | Indigenous Paintings at Gilcrease Museum | Tulsa Indian Education Resources