Norman Magazine May/June 2022 | Page 16

By Staci Elder HENSLEY ~ Photos Provided AST Health System Represents a New Era in Native American Health Care

Saving Lives , the Shawnee Way

By Staci Elder HENSLEY ~ Photos Provided AST Health System Represents a New Era in Native American Health Care

The Absentee Shawnee Tribe ( AST ) isn ’ t one of the largest tribes in Oklahoma , but as its healthcare system amply shows , you don ’ t have to be huge to have a huge impact .

In recent years the Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System has become an overwhelming success story , providing culturally sensitive , nationally accredited and cutting-edge care for Native Americans . The tribe operates three clinics , including one in Little Axe , which officially serve Native American and Soonercare patients residing in Cleveland , Lincoln , Logan , Oklahoma and Potawatomie Counties . Native American patients from other locations also are welcome , said Executive Director and CEO Mark Rogers , noting that some patients travel from as far away as Alaska to receive treatment .
The services provided by the Little Axe Clinic ’ s medical and support teams include the full spectrum of care in the areas of : behavioral health , dental , diabetes and wellness , family medicine , home health , internal medicine , laboratory , optometry , pediatrics , pharmaceutical , physical therapy , public health , purchased referred care , radiology , specialty clinics , transportation and women ’ s health . Detailed information about specific services is available at www . asthealth . org or by calling 405-447-0300 .
The facility also reached a huge milestone this May -- its 10th anniversary . The clinic ’ s success over the past decade has been phenomenal , so much so that a major building expansion is underway which will more than double its size and patient capability , Rogers said .
In addition to its main clinic in Shawnee , the third AST Health System facility is PlusCare , an extended hours acute-care clinic that treats Native Americans for non-life-threatening medical issues on a walk-in basis . Located adjacent to the Little Axe Clinic , it ’ s at 15702 E . State Highway 9 , across from Thunderbird Casino . ( Call 405-447-0477 or visit www . asthealthorg / pluscare for more information .)
Historically , healthcare for Native Americans was provided by the federal government ’ s Indian Health Service ( IHS ) and was substandard in most cases . Today , tribes are able to set up their own healthcare systems working in partnership with the federal government and , without getting into all the legal and organizational technicalities , they have much more control over how they provide care , Rogers said . The AST Health System is therefore able to work with the IHS and also contract with entities such as the Oklahoma Heart Hospital , Norman Regional Health System and other specialty hospitals in the area to purchase health care and surgical services for AST tribal members . This is a huge factor that greatly increases the ability to provide rapid , effective care and remove lingering distrust of traditional healthcare professionals that is still felt by many Native Americans , Rogers said .
16 NormanMagazine . com | MAY / JUNE 2022