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Weaving Connections for Care was a success! The ONHS Purchase Referred Care Department held a PRC event.

On April 15–16, 2026, approximately 150 participants joined Weaving Connections for Care at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, organized by the Osage Nation Health System’s Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program. About 63 Tribal health staff, 34 Indian Health Services (IHS) federal staff, and 33 medical vendors collaborated, shared best practices, and built relationships to improve PRC services within Native communities. These diverse professionals focused on enhancing patient care, making the event a resounding success.The event opened with a welcome and prayer from Kirk Shaw, COO of Osage Nation Health System, grounding the gathering in community and shared purpose. During the conference, participants listened to a strong lineup of speakers, including Taveah George, Director of PRC for the Oklahoma City Area Office, and Paula Stabler, former CEO of the Osage Nation Health Center. Additional presentations from Adrian Steel, Verona Deer, and Rebecca Cooper spotlighted best practices and innovative approaches. Sessions tackled key topics such as billing, scheduling, and staffing, while Kimetha Mitchell-Bennett led a PRC panel that fostered open discussion of real-world challenges and solutions.Networking was also a central part of the event. Conversations over meals and between sessions helped attendees build meaningful connections and stronger partnerships across tribal, federal, and vendor systems. Day one focused on IHS, Tribal, and Urban PRC programs, while day two included medical vendors to help bridge operational gaps.Weaving Connections for Care affirmed ONHS’s continued commitment to collaboration and expanding access to care. Attendees gained valuable insights, formed stronger connections, and left with a renewed, shared commitment to advancing PRC services for Native communities. ... See MoreSee Less