For the past 10 years, the Caddo Nation Community Health Department has been working hand-in-hand with the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Fort Sill Veterinary Clinic to provide an invaluable service to our community - free rabies vaccinations for our beloved pets. This program, which began in 2014, has become a shining example of inter-agency cooperation and community outreach.
Mike Cope from the IHS Office of Environmental Health and Engineering explained the origins of this initiative: "This program actually came about 10 years ago, and we've tried to do it annually with the tribes." The partnership brings together the resources of the IHS, the veterinary expertise of Fort Sill, and the community connections of the Caddo Nation to ensure that pets across our region are protected against rabies.
What makes this program truly special is its broad reach. While centered at the Caddo Nation, the vaccination clinics serve multiple tribes in the Southwest Oklahoma region. "We have the Comanches, the Kiowas, Delawares, the Caddo Nation, Apache, and Wichita," Cope noted. "We have done rabies vaccination clinics for all those tribes as of yet. The only one that we haven't done yet is the Kiowas."
The mechanics of the program are straightforward but impactful. The tribes cover the cost of vaccines and syringes, while Fort Sill provides veterinarians who administer the shots free of charge. This cost-sharing model allows the program to reach as many pets as possible while keeping expenses manageable for the participating tribes.
Frequency of the clinics can vary based on available resources. "Sometimes we can do it twice, two times a year. Sometimes, depending on the manpower of Fort Sill, we can only do it maybe once a year for every tribe," Cope explained. This flexibility ensures that even with changing circumstances, the program continues to serve our communities year after year.
The impact of this program extends far beyond the individual pets receiving vaccinations. By preventing the spread of rabies, we're protecting not just our animal companions, but also our children, elders, and entire communities from a deadly disease. It's a proactive approach to public health that demonstrates the power of collaboration between tribal nations, federal agencies, and military installations.
As evidenced by the images from our recent clinic, the program brings together a diverse group of participants. From tribal elders to military personnel, from community health workers to pet owners, everyone plays a role in making these vaccination clinics a success. The sight of wagging tails and purring cats alongside uniformed service members and tribal health workers is a heartwarming reminder of what we can achieve when we work together.
Looking ahead, the Caddo Nation Community Health Department hopes to continue and possibly expand this vital program. As we celebrate a decade of keeping our pets healthy and our communities safe, we invite all tribal members to participate in future clinics. By vaccinating our pets, we're not just protecting them - we're strengthening the bonds of our community and honoring our commitment to the health and wellbeing of all living creatures in our care.
Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming vaccination clinics, and remember - a healthy pet makes for a happy home and a stronger community.
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