Chickasaw Nation Department of Health employees honored

Exceptional initiative, outstanding contributions and efforts in leadership are just a few of the redeeming qualities that qualified 11 Chickasaw Nation Department of Health employees for special recognition..

The Indian Health Service (IHS), supervisors and peers honored model employees at the 11th Annual Oklahoma City Director's Indian Service, Tribal, Urban Awards ceremony July 17 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Chickasaw citizen Rear Admiral Kevin Meeks serves as Area Director of the Oklahoma City Area Office of the IHS.

Chickasaw Nation Governor Anoatubby attended the awards ceremony with the 11 award-winners.

"Our employees consistently strive to deliver the highest quality service to each patient they serve,"Gov. Anoatubby said. "Each of these individuals exemplifies the commitment that is the hallmark of our department of health employees."

Recipients were Debra Provence, Jerod Waters, Brenda Teel, Laura Morrison, Kellie Row, Leslie Johnson, Thelma Johnson, Robbie Williams, Tony Poe, Gail Glase and Larry Wood.

Chickasaw Nation Clinic and Medical Center employees Leslie Johnson, Thelma Johnson, Laura Morrison, Robbie Williams and Kellie Row were all recognized by their peers for excellent service and skills.

Debra Provence, Diabetes Care Center clinic nurse manager at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, received the Area Director's Individual Award for Excellence in Customer Service.

Director of nursing and EMS at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center Jerod Waters received a Merit Award for his outstanding work.

Brenda Teel was awarded for exceptional individual performance in a non-clinical setting. Ms. Teel serves as director of the Business Office at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center.

Tony Poe received an award for 30 years of service, Gail Glase for 35 years of service and Larry Wood was recognized for 40 years of dedicated service.

For more information on IHS health facilities, programs and services, visit http://www.ihs.gov. IHS is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. It is their mission to raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of Native Americans to the highest level. It is also the principal federal health care provider and health advocate for Native American people.