DURANT, OK – Twenty-nine Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) associates received honors at the Annual Oklahoma City Area Director’s Indian Health System Awards.
“It was an honor to celebrate the achievements of so many of our hard-working Choctaw Nation Health associates,” said Choctaw Nation Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr. “Although a select number of associates are being recognized today, they are a small part of the thousands of amazing healthcare workers we proudly have taking care of our tribal members.”
Service awards were presented to associates who have served Native Americans for 30 or more years. Rita Carter was recognized for 50 years of service. Leslie Crank, Artis Potts, and Debbie Dalpoas received 40-year awards. Recognized for 35 years were Cheryl Collins, Lawanda James, Tracie Cox, Jacqueline Box, and Evelyn Jones. Lisa Isaac, Wendy Brown, Shaunna Roberts, and Sharla Scarberry were recognized for 30 years.
The Oklahoma City Area Director’s IHS/Tribal/Urban Awards Committee reviews nominations from tribes across the region for exceptional contributions to Native American healthcare. Michelle Settlemire, Moneka Baker, Ashley Corbin, Joshua Cart, Paige Bowers, Sarah Morris, CDR Joseph Smith, Belva Humphrey, and Carla Spruell received Peer Recognition Tribal Awards. Eric Burwell received the Merit Tribal Award, Choctaw Nation Chi Hullo Li received the Exceptional Group Performance Award, and the Choctaw Nation Public Health Department received the Area Director’s Group Area Impact Award. Clint Morrison received the Individual Customer Service Award, Kayla Price received the Individual Patient Safety Award, Wendy Brown received the Healthcare Leadership Award, and Candice Vaughn received the Lifetime Achievement Award.