On the path forward 2022: Building a resilient community: ALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS STORIES

Minor procedures and surgeries that do not require an extended stay often are performed at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which Enid Surgery Center administrator Greg Leap said offers patients both convenience and access.

❝Cancer still happens. Heart attacks are still happening. There are still falls and strokes. Health care did not stop because of the pandemic. You need to take care of your health care needs. We can’t take that for granted. If you're seeing some things you don’t think are right, go seek a medical professional.❞

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center CEO Krista Roberts

The key to starting yoga is simple: ❝Pause and take a deep breath, focus on the things around you that bring you joy and then exhale.❞

yoga instructor Meg Hisey

Currently, programs include an outreach to Marshall Islanders in Enid’s rural population, Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust’s (TSET) Healthy Living Program, HIV care, programs for seniors and, the main focus for now, a COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence program that aims to reduce vaccine hesitancy in 11 Northwest Oklahoma counties.

❝I am continually impressed with how hard everyone works, keeps their spirits up and continues to provide great care to the citizens of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma, even as the surges keep coming.❞

Chief Hospital Executive Kurt DeVaney

In the nearly two years have passed since COVID-19 was first detected in Oklahoma and in Garfield County, total COVID-19 cases in the state are nearing one million and, most recently, the omicron surge sent active cases up to more than 100,000 at one point.

The center’s audiologist, Dr. Kim Tinius, is only one of two in Northwest Oklahoma. Speech and language pathologists Kathy Chambers, Charlene Wiechert, Darci Dennis, Emily Buller and Nikki Fogtman work with clients of all ages, from as young as 2 months up to senior citizens.

❝If you really want to do bodybuilding, get a coach. Not only do they prep you, but they look at you and tell you where you’re at, then they tell you if you need to cut or bulk first. They can help you pick a show, too.❞

Sarah Long, bodybuilder

❝We are big believers that in-person, hands-on training is important. Careertech is about hands-on training. This flex program will play a huge role in facilities getting more people.❞

 Ashlee Gore, Autry Technology Center, training specialist

Circle of Love is a 501(c)3 organization that began when Enid community leaders saw a need in the early 1980s. Julie Nelson, the community relations director for Circle of Love, said there was no hospice care available in northwest Oklahoma at that time.