Acts of kindness

Santa brings hospital cheer amidst pandemic

Several nurses walked by the doors of the cafeteria at St. Anthony Hospital and did a double take.

Santa Claus satin a sleigh handing out candy cane sand talking and laughing with hospital staff members. And he wore a holiday themed mask, to boot.

Santa, also known as Dan Short, recently visited the hospital along with his elf, also known as Mike McAuliffe, as part of a daily staff appreciation effort.

Karen Green, St. Anthony' s director of pastoral services, said the holiday-theme interlude was a hit with staff. She said Joe Hodges, regional president of SSM Health in Oklahoma, wanted to show daily appreciation for the efforts of the hospital's frontline workers. Green said the hospital's engineer Dean Foley created a sleigh a few years ago and he brought it out and set it up along with a Christmas tree to make the theme come to life.

Short, known as “Santa Dan ,” has portrayed Santa at North Pole City for many years. He said McAuliffe heard a radio playing Christmas songs and thought it would be a good idea to bring the spirit of Christmas to a place that might appreciate some cheer.

Shorts aidMcAul if fe spoke with Hodges and arranged for the two to show up at the hospital in their holiday attire. The pair gave out candy and ornaments to staff.

“It put a lot of smiles on people's faces. Of course, we couldn' t see their faces because they were wearing masks, but we could just see the twinkle in their eyes,” he said.

Mental health services offered for First Americans

The Chickasaw Nation is offering free mental health programs and services to First Americans to help deal with anxieties concerning COVID-19 and isolation because social distancing.

Services are available to help people deal with stress positively.

First Americans with mental health conce rn s should contact the Chickasaw Nation Department of Family Services, Medical Family Therapy, MondayFriday ,8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The centers are at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, 580-4363980; Tishomingo Health Clinic ,580-371-2361; Purcell Health Clinic, 405- 527- 4700; and the Ardmore Health Clinic, 580-226-8181.

Chickasaw Nation employees who are facing mental health challenges are encouraged to contact Strong Foundation, 580-272-5170 or visit Chickasaw.Net.

TAHLEQUAH Cherokee center gets HOPE funds

Public operations at the Cherokee Heritage Center remain suspended but the organization's work continues.

The center recently received $25,000 from Oklahoma Humanities via the Humanities Organizations Pandemic Emergency Grants Initiative.