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TAHLEQUAH, Oklahoma - Several Cherokee Nation health centers recently received Government Performance and Results Act awards from the U.S. Indian Health Service. Award recipients are recognized based on their predetermined goals and their performance in carrying them out. “We are honored to receive these recognitions,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Our Health Services employees are dedicated to service and professionalism. It’s great that IHS has recognized their service to our citizens and the other Native Americans we serve.” Tribal health centers receiving recognition include Redbird Smith Health Center in Sallisaw, Three Rivers Health Center in Muskogee, Amo Health Center in Salina, Sam Hider Health Center in Jay, Will Rogers Health Center in Nowata, and the Bartlesville and Vinita clinics. The Government Performance and Results Act is a federal law allowing IHS to report to Congress how the various health centers and programs are performing based on a set of clinical measures. While tribal facilities are not required to report their measures to IHS, doing so strengthens the overall mission of Indian Health Service and the various facilities and programs that participate. The goal of the reporting is to improve effectiveness by promoting a strong focus on results, service quality and customer satisfaction.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org