CNHSA IHS awardees

Indian Health Service Honors Choctaw Nation Associates for Outstanding Work

Published August 4, 2026

DURANT, Okla. — Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority (CNHSA) associates received numerous honors at the Annual Oklahoma City Area Director’s Indian Health System Awards in Oklahoma City, on July 16 recognizing excellence in healthcare service.

29 Choctaw Nation associates received an award. “It was an honor to celebrate the achievements of so many of our hard-working Choctaw Nation Health associates,” said Assistant Chief, Jack Austin, Jr. “Although a select number of associates are being recognized today, they are a small part of the thousands of amazing healthcare workers we proudly have taking care of our tribal members.”

Service awards were presented to those who have served Native Americans for 30 years or more. Choctaw Nation associates recognized for their years of service, included:

  • 50 Years: Rita Carter
  • 40 Years: Leslie Crank, Artis Potts, Debbie Dalpoas
  • 35 Years: Cheryl Collins, Lawanda James, Tracie Cox, Jacqueline Box, Evelyn Jones
  • 30 Years: Lisa Isaac, Wendy Brown, Shaunna Roberts, and Sharla Scarberr

The Oklahoma City Area Director’s IHS/Tribal/Urban Awards Committee reviews nominations from tribes across the region and to recognize exceptional contributions to Native American health care. CNHSA associates receiving recognition included:

  • Michelle Settlemire, Moneka Baker, Ashley Corbin, Joshua Cart, Paige Bowers, Sarah Morris, CDR Joseph Smith, Belva Humphrey, and Carla Spruell: Peer Recognition Tribal Award for outstanding work in their respective fields.
  • Eric Burwell: Merit Tribal Award.
  • Choctaw Nation Chi Hullo Li: Exceptional Group Performance Award.
  • Choctaw Nation Public Health Department: Area Director’s Group Area Impact Award.
  • Clint Morrison: Area Director’s Individual Customer Service Award.
  • Kayla Price: Area Director’s Individual Patient Safety Award.
  • Wendy Brown: Area Director’s Healthcare Leadership Award.
  • Candice Vaughn: Area Director’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Detailed information is available on each awardee upon request.