Kiamichi Tech prepared to offer Talihina campus as temporary care facility

Posted Date: 05/07/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2020

WILBURTON, Okla. – The Talihina Campus of Kiamichi Technology Centers is prepared to serve as a temporary care unit for Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority in the event of a patient surge due to the COVID-19 coronavirus.

“We are fortunate we can offer our facility to the Choctaw Nation and their patients,” said Shelley Free, Superintendent of Kiamichi Technology Centers. “Close proximity to the hospital and an ongoing partnership with CNHSA affords Kiamichi Technology Centers the unique opportunity to step up and provide services to the citizens of the Choctaw Nation during this widespread pandemic.”

Construction of temporary walls and installation of hospital-grade flooring in conference rooms began earlier this month and has since been completed. The facility will be used in the event that the Choctaw Nation hospital exceeds 80 percent bed capacity. The temporary care unit has a capacity to serve up to 20 patients, with additional space available if needed.

“While we hope that this emergency facility will not be required, we stand ready to provide the use of our Talihina Campus as a temporary care facility should the immediate need arise,” said Free. “Plans are currently in place to allow our staff to continue their work from home or in other locations.”

KTC and CNHSA have established a mutual agreement of commitment to provide facilities and ensure that Choctaw Nation healthcare patients receive necessary care in the time of an emergency.

The Talihina campus also donated medical gowns, masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment to the hospital and remains in close contact with CNHSA as a socially responsible community partner.

Photo caption: Kiamichi Technology Centers Superintendent Shelley Free and Talihina Campus Director Justin Kennedy (right) meet with Kelly Mings, Executive Director of Hospital Services at Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (left), in the newly constructed care facility on the Talihina campus. Hospital beds and other equipment have recently been moved into what usually serves as a conference area for Kiamichi Tech – Talihina.

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