Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma Brings Tribal Health Leaders Together to Advance Community Health Priorities

OKLAHOMA CITY - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma gathered tribal health leaders, providers and community partners from across the state for its Tribal Partners Roundtable. Hosted by Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System, this is an annual forum dedicated to strengthening relationships and addressing health priorities impacting American Indian communities.

The event provided an opportunity for participants to share insights on emerging health needs, discuss barriers to care and identify ways to work together to improve access and health outcomes. Through open dialogue and collaboration, tribal partners and BCBSOK leaders explored opportunities to align resources and better support the communities they serve.

"Meaningful progress begins with listening," said Stephania Grober, BCBSOK President. "The Tribal Partners Roundtable gives us the opportunity to learn directly from tribal health leaders, deepen our understanding of community needs and identify ways we can work together to support healthier communities across Oklahoma."

During the event, attendees exchanged insights and best practices while exploring opportunities to strengthen coordination among health care organizations serving American Indian communities. The roundtable also highlighted ongoing community-based efforts aimed at expanding access to preventive care and health education.

At this year's event, Tribal Behavioral Health Programs that serve the Shawnee area were highlighted:

• Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System
• Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services Behavioral Health Program
• Kickapoo Tribal Health Center Behavioral Health
• Sac and Fox Nation Black Hawk Health Center Behavioral Health Center

"The Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System is honored to welcome Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma and Tribal health leaders from across the state for the 14th Annual Tribal Roundtable," said Dr. Marty Lofgren, Executive/Medical Director, Absentee Shawnee Tribal Health System. "Bringing Tribal Nations, health care organizations, and partners together creates an important opportunity to share perspectives, strengthen relationships, and have meaningful conversations about the health priorities affecting American Indian communities. We are proud to provide a space for this collaboration and to support the continued work toward improving health and health care for Native communities across Oklahoma."

The annual Tribal Partners Roundtable reflects BCBSOK's commitment to building strong partnerships and supporting community-driven approaches that help address local health needs throughout Oklahoma.

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About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For over 85 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 810,000 Oklahomans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.