Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority

11/04/2025

🧸 TOY DRIVE | NOVEMBER 3 - 21 🧸

Toys must be a minimum of $5. Members who bring a NEW (in package) toy will
be entered into a drawing!

-Prizes vary per facility.
-Every toy earns an extra entry into the drawing!
-Suggested items include developmental toys, sports items, Lego blocks, baby dolls and gift cards for older kids.
-Must see your local wellness center management to turn in gift cards

For more information, visit or contact your local Wellness Center!

10/31/2025

Dr. Michelle Welch, optometrist at the Choctaw Nation Health Clinic in Idabel, has been appointed to vice-chair the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE)!

She has been a committee member for several years after being initially appointed to the organization in 2021. The ACOE serves as the only accrediting body for professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs.

Congratulations Dr. Welch! 🎉

10/31/2025

10/30/2025

Monthly Myth 🩺

Each month, we’re tackling a common health myth and setting the record straight.

Myth: Foot detoxes get rid of toxins in the body.

Truth: Science doesn’t back the claims that foot detox products advertise. However, they still offer a calming way to wind down and relax.

Learn more: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foot-detox

10/30/2025

The time has come to gather, celebrate and give thanks. Please join us for the annual Thanksgiving meals for our elders. 🦃 🥧

Please contact your local community center for questions about the events.

View all Thanksgiving meal dates and locations at https://chocta.ws/thanksgiving-meals.

10/30/2025

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS), sometimes called "red meat allergy or tick bite meat allergy, is a serious condition that can develop after being bitten by certain ticks, most commonty the lone star tick in the United States.

People with AGS may experience aliengic reactions after esting red meat or consuming other products that contain alpha-gal, a type of sugar found in mammals.
Hunters are at higher risk because they spend more time outdoors in areas where ticks live.

HOW TO PREVENT AGS:
The best defense is preventing tick bites in the first place. Ticks can be active in the fall and even or warmer winter days, not just summer.

Before hunting:
- Treat clothing and gear with 0.5% permethrin (follow directions)
- Apply EPA-approved insect repellent
- Protect your pets with tick prevention products

After hunting:
- Check your clothing gear, and pets for ticks
- Remove ticks as soon as you find them
- Shower and check your body thoroughly

Learn more about how you can fight the bite at https://bit.ly/3E9Sex3.

10/29/2025

October is domestic violence awareness month. 💜

These displays are at the hospital in Talihina and at Headquarters. Each purple ribbon represents a life lost to domestic violence.

Everyone deserves a life free of domestic violence. Help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.

https://bit.ly/4fkMqkI.

10/28/2025

🧤 Winter Apparel Drive | November 3- November 21 🧣

Every new jacket or blanket donation will earn members an entry into the drawing. The prizes differ for each facility. Additionally, for every five small items (such as socks, gloves, beanies and scarves) donated, members will also receive one entry.

New Items Only:
-Socks
-Gloves
-Beanies
-Scarves
-Jackets
-Blankets

For more information, please visit or contact your local Choctaw Nation Wellness Center!

10/28/2025

Yakoke to our Pharmacy Teams!💊

Last week, October 20–26, was National Pharmacy Week, a time to recognize the dedication and expertise of our Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority pharmacy staff. Your commitment ensures our patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care every day!

Thank you for all you do to keep our communities healthy and cared for. ❤️

10/28/2025

Even during the government shutdown, Choctaw Nation WIC services will remain OPEN and ready to serve you.

WIC provides nutritious foods and support for:

👶 Children ages 0–5
🤰 Pregnant women
🤱 Breastfeeding moms (up to 1 year postpartum)
👩‍🍼 Non-breastfeeding moms (up to 6 months postpartum)

Our caring WIC team can help determine eligibility and connect you with additional community resources to meet your family’s needs. WIC is an equal-opportunity provider, so you may qualify regardless of tribal affiliation.

Visit https://www.choctawnation.com/services/wic/ or give us a call — we’re here to help you and your little ones thrive!

10/28/2025

🎀 Show Us Your Pink! 🎀

All month long, we’ve been wearing pink to raise awareness for breast cancer and honor those whose lives have been touched by it. 💕 We’d love to see how YOU showed your support! Share a photo in the comments of the pink you wore this month.

A few important facts:

- 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

- Early detection through screenings can save lives.

- Men can also develop breast cancer, though it’s much less common.

Thank you for standing with us in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and remembering those we have lost. 💗

Learn more about breast cancer prevention, screening, and support from the American Cancer Society at https://bit.ly/48CfB0r.

10/27/2025

Big things are happening at the Choctaw Nation McAlester Health Clinic! 🌟

We’re growing to better serve YOU and your family with new technology, expanded care, and more providers — all designed to make your health care experience easier and faster.

- New CT Scanner

- Hologic Mammography Machine

- Standalone Same Day Clinic

- Expanded Primary Care

- Growing Pediatrics

- Separate Well & Sick Child Waiting Areas

- More Exam Rooms & Case Managers

We’re committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care — and these updates are just the beginning.

Call 918-423-8440 for appointments or more information.