Please be advised of the following rules and regulations that have been implemented over the years to ensure the safety of students, parents, and community members:

• North and south entrances to D. Bruce Selby Stadium will open to the public at 5:45 p.m.
• Express lane passes can be presented at the entrance behind the northwest ticket booth. Express passes include EPS (staff and student) ID, Enid Athletics All Sports pass, Retiree pass, EPS Gold pass, First Responders ID, Oklahoma Coaches Association ID, OSSAA ID, Military ID, and GoFan All Sports passes.
• Once a fan leaves, they are not allowed to re-enter.
• Elementary students must enter and leave with a parent/guardian.
• Middle school students must enter through the north gate with a guardian and will be seated on the northwest side of the stadium unless they are sitting with their parent/guardian.
• No loitering in the tunnels, ramps, or bathrooms in the stadium. The turfed area behind the west end zone is off limits to students and fans.
• EHS Band will play in the southeast corner of the stadium.
• EHS student section will be in the traditional northeast section of the stadium.
• Parking is available at EHS and on the west and south side of the stadium. Handicap parking is available on the north side of the stadium and two handicap spaces have been added to the south side of the stadium. Please do not park on the street on the north side of the stadium as it will disrupt the flow of traffic.
• There will be EPS, EHS and middle school administrators present at all times during the game as well as a full police presence.

Tickets to be admitted into the game are $12 for adults and $8 for students/children. Tickets purchased on the GoFan app are $9 for adults and $5 for students/children, plus fees. Employees have free admission with EPS ID card present. EPS Athletics also take retiree, OSSAA, OCA, GoFan All Sports passes, military identification, and first responders for free admission. Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m.

Dr. Dudley Darrow, EPS Superintendent, expressed his excitement to share the home game with the Enid community.

“We are really looking forward to hosting our first EHS home football game against Lawton this Friday night,” said Darrow. “We always enjoy cheering on our Plainsmen with the community. Go Big Blue!”

EPS is thankful for a supportive community that wishes to cheer our Plainsmen on to victory in safety. For questions, please contact that EPS Director of Safety and Security, Jason Priest, at 580.366.8341.

Mayor David Mason will be at their campus, 1006 E. Broadway, on Wednesday, April 9th, at 2:00pm for their 25th Anniversary ribbon cutting ceremony and open house. He will read the proclamation there at that time instead of tonight. The open house will be until 3:00pm following the ribbon cutting.

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and The CARE Campus and the Fourth Judicial District CASA Program are organizing the Wooden Children Display fundraiser to raise awareness and support for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Each wooden child displayed represents a child or youth from Garfield County who suffered abuse or neglect in 2024. This year, they will display 263 wooden children to create a powerful and meaningful visual throughout April. However, they still need sponsors for 70 wooden children to complete the display.

How the community can help:

• Sponsor a Wooden Child: $35 (name tag on the child)

• Sponsor the Wooden Child Display: $200 (8x11 sign at the display)

Pick-up information at the CARE Campus on Friday, March 28th, between 9 AM and 4 PM, 1002 E. Broadway. Children should be placed at the display on the NE corner of the Garfield County Courthouse on Friday, April 4th between 10 AM and 6 PM.

They also invite everyone to join them for a short ceremony and the mayor's proclamation on Friday, April 4th, at 6 PM, to help kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Other activities happening throughout April include:

• Wednesday, April 9th: Go BLUE Day! Everyone in Oklahoma wears blue

• Wednesday, April 9th: The CARE Campus 25th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting & Open House at 2 PM.

• Tuesday, April 15th: Dine to Donate at Pizza Hut.

• Tuesday, April 22nd: Family Fun Night at Enid AXE, starting at 5:30 PM, followed by Trivia Night.

• Wednesday, April 30th: Dine to Donate at Texas Roadhouse.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates about all the events in April!

If you require special accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disability Act, please contact them least 24 hours in advance of the meeting time at Cherokee Strip Transit (580) 863-2279.

The forum takes place Tuesday, March 18 at the Northern Oklahoma Development Authority, 2901 N. Van Buren at 10:00 am

If you are unable to attend, but would like to share your ideas and comments, please forward written responses to: Cherokee Strip Transit, 622 Comanche, Box 344 Garber, OK 73738

Email: rkroll@noda-ok.org

The ornaments will be featured on a trio of Christmas trees at a celebration to be held December 15th at 3:00 PM in the Hallie Gantz Student Center at NOC Enid. This event will include a reading of the names of those being remembered, Christmas music and a brief spiritual message. It will end with a cookie and punch reception during which time, staff can interact with former hospice families and participants can pick up their ornaments. Attendance is not mandatory. Ornaments may also be picked up at the Hospice Circle of Love office, 314 S. 3rd.

“The holiday season is one that can bring many emotions for those who have lost a loved one. Joyful emotions and sorrowful emotions. We at Hospice Circle of Love consider it an honor and a helpful thing to take the time to remember your loved one with you and care for you at our Tree of Life Ceremony,” said Bereavement Coordinator Shelby Maddox.

To order an ornament, stop by the Hospice Circle of Love office at 314 S. 3rd or call 580-234-2273 to have an order form mailed to you. All proceeds from the event will be used to care for hospice patients who don’t have a hospice benefit through Medicare or insurance. Circle of Love never charges patients for their services. Circle of Love is the only not-for-profit hospice based in Enid, as well as the only 5 star rated hospice through Medicare’s family caregiver survey.

The Alzheimer’s Association is working tirelessly to fund research for a cure and to provide services to those affected. Walks to End Alzheimer’s fundraisers are taking place across the country, including one in Enid scheduled for September 22 nd . The event will kick off on the courthouse lawn at 5:30 PM where participants can gather information. A short, yet moving ceremony starts at 6:00 PM followed by the walk itself.

Participants will carry flowers to represent their tie to Alzheimer’s including being a caregiver, someone living with the disease or someone who has lost a loved one to the Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association is searching for more sponsors, walk participants and donors to help make this event a great success. The goal for this year’s Enid walk is $40,000.00. Everyone who raises at least $100.00 will receive a free t-shirt. Anyone can sign up or make a donation by going to EnidWalk.org.

Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

Oklahomans who sign up for the Helpline's All Access plan get eight weeks of free patches, gum or lozenges, plus five quit coach calls if they register by Nov. 30.

“Tobacco users need critical support on their journey to quit, and the Great American Smokeout offers an opportunity to build a better, healthier life,” said Stephanie Pendergraft, TSET Healthy Living Program Coordinator serving Garfield County “Quitting can be hard, but support and a thoughtful quit plan increase the chances of success. The Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free resources and support to all Oklahomans who want to quit tobacco and take control of their health.”

The Helpline encourages Oklahomans to start small and finish big during the Great American Smokeout by acknowledging successes and tackling tobacco cravings head-on. The Helpline offers tips for beating cravings and getting ahead of stressors at OKhelpline.com.

In addition to tips and resources online, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline provides free services, including text and email support and free patches, gum or lozenges. Additionally, Quit Coaches are available 24/7 to assist in creating a customized quit plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to quitting tobacco. However, the Helpline’s evaluation results show that those who work with a Quit Coach and use the full range of services available have the best chance of quitting.

Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit OKhelpline.com to explore all the free services and resources available to Oklahomans. Connect with the Helpline through social media by liking the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline on Facebook or following @OKhelpline on Twitter and Instagram.

About 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. As of 2013, there were also 12.4 million cigar smokers in the US, and over 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco.

By quitting — even for one day — you will be taking an important step toward a healthier life — one that can lead to reducing your cancer risk. It’s a race for your health, and it starts today. Today’s the day that quitters win. Here is a 5-day plan from INTEGRIS Bass Tips for the Great American Smokeout.

5 Days Before Your Quit Date

• Think about your reasons for quitting.
• Tell your friends and family you are planning to quit.
• Stop buying cigarettes.

4 Days Before Your Quit Date

• Pay attention to when and why you smoke.
• Think of other things to hold in your hand instead of a cigarette.
• Think of habits or routines to change.

3 Days Before Your Quit Date

• What will you do with the extra money when you stop buying cigarettes?
• Make a list of non-edible treats that you can give yourself starting the first day of not smoking.

2 Days Before Your Quit Date

• Contact family and friends who have quit smoking, let them know what you are going to do and ask them if you can call if you need support over the next few weeks.
• Make a list of their names and telephone numbers so that you can refer to it at any time.

1 Day Before Your Quit Date

• Put away lighters and ashtrays.
• Clean your clothes to get rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.
• Smoke your last cigarette. Then, throw away all cigarettes and matches.

Quit Day

• Go to your favorite relaxing (acupuncture, massage) appointment in the morning.
• Keep very busy.
• Remind family and friends that this is your quit day.
• Stay away from alcohol.
• Give yourself a treat, or do something special.

There will be free dental extractions for adults and free dental cleanings and sealants for kids.

Free rides to the event will be provided by the City of Enid and their public transportation system.

There will be a health resource fair held in the parking lot. Numerous nonprofit agencies, hospitals and clinics will be there to provide information.

Walk ups are welcome. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like more information please call 580-233-5300 and leave a message with your name and number and someone will get back to you with more information.

Experts point out that food poisoning cases can spike when cooking in the warmer weather. Foodborne bacteria thrive and multiply more quickly in warmer temperatures making the 4th of July a time to play it safe.

When cooking on the grill, place cooked food on a clean plate. Reusing the one that held raw meat, could contaminate your food. The goal is to keep raw foods away from ready to eat foods.

Make sure that all meat is cooked at the correct temperature. Burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees and poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees.

Bacteria thrive when food is left out for too long in the heat. Put the food away as quickly as possible. Generally food should not be left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.

When temperatures outside reach 90 degrees or above food really should be stored within one hour to prevent contamination. If you're in doubt, throw it out.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache are all symptoms of food borne illness. If you have questions, visit www.foodsafety.gov. You can also call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at (1-888-674-6854) Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Since 1998, 882 children have died due to pediatric vehicular heatstroke, an average of 38 children each year. In 2020, 24 children died in hot cars. Although it's not an epidemic, it is often enough that parents with young children need to form habits that guarantee they will not forget the child in the back of a hot vehicle.

When parents get busy or are thrown out of their routine things are bound to happen. Things get forgotten and overlooked which leads to these kinds of accidents. A cars temperature can rise over 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. A car in the sunlight can reach temperatures of 110 degrees when the outside temperature is only 60 degrees. A child dies when their body temperature reaches 107 degrees.

Many organizations are trying to bring awareness to parents and one campaign is called "Look Before You Lock." Here are a few tips and ideas to help new parents form habits of not forgetting the kids in the back of the car.

• If you are a parent that drives kids around you need to get in the habit of checking your back seats before locking the doors and walking away.
• Keep a kids item in your child's car seat when it is empty. As soon as you put the child in the seat move the item up front with you so you'll have a visual reminder or leave something of yours in the back seat.
• If your spouse or someone else is driving your child and it is not their daily routine, be sure to check on the child's location and make sure they arrived safely.

If you ever see a child alone in a closed vehicle make it your first priority to get the child out before doing anything else. The child may not have time for you to wait on the owner of the vehicle. If a child has been left in a hot car and they are unresponsive, call 911 immediately. Make sure the child is out of the car and try to get cool water on the child.

The Trails Master Plan was developed by Enid in association with a steering committee of citizens, a trail planning consultant, and residents of the area. It responds to specific needs that were defined by residents through a series of public workshops. This executive summary describes the process that was used to prepare the Enid Trails Master Plan, as well as the major findings and recommendations of the plan.

See A Walking Trail Adventure with photos.

ENID TRAILS MASTER PLAN

TRAIL ORDINANCE

Multiuse conflict is a national problem for community and regional trail systems. Typically, conflicts are caused by overuse of a trail, however, other factors may be problematic including poorly designed and engineered trail alignments, inappropriate user behavior, or inadequate facility capacity. The most effective conflict resolution plan is a well conceived safety program that provides the individual user with a Code of Conduct for the Trail, sometimes called a Trail Ordinance. Several communities across the United States have adopted progressive trail ordinances to govern public use and keep trails safe for all users. The following Rules and Regulations shall be implemented for the Enid Trails System. These rules should be displayed both on brochures and information signs throughout the trails system.

1) Be Courteous: All Trail users, including bicyclist, joggers, walkers, wheel- chairs, skateboarders and skaters, should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode of travel, speed, or level of skill. Never spook animals; this can be dangerous for you and other users. Respect the privacy of adjacent landowners!

2) Keep Right: Always stay to the right as you use the Trail, or stay in the lane that has been designated for your user group. The exception to this rule occurs when you need to pass another user.

3) Pass on the Left: Pass others going in your direction on their left. Look ahead and behind to make sure that your lane is clear before you pull out an around the other user. Pass with ample separation. Do not move back to the right until you have safely gained distance and speed on the other user. Faster traffic should always yield to slower oncoming traffic.

4) Give Audible Signal When Passing: All users should give a clear warning signal before passing. This signal may be produced by voice, bell or soft horn. Voice signals might include “Passing on your left!” or “Cyclist on your left!” Always be courteous when providing the audible signal - profanity is unwarranted and unappreciated.

5) Be Predictable: Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind before changing position on the Trail, regardless of your mode of travel.

6) Control Your Bicycle: Lack of attention, even for a second, can cause disaster - always stay alert! Maintain a safe and legal speed at all times.

7) Do Not Block the Trail: When in a group, including your pets, use no more than half the trail, so as not to block the flow of other users. If your group is approached by users from both directions, form a single line or stop and move to the far right edge of the Trail to allow safe passage by these users.

8) Yield when Entering or Crossing Trails: When entering or crossing the Trail at uncontrolled intersection, yield to traffic already using the other trail.

9) The Use of Lights: (where permitted) When using the Trail before dawn or after dusk be equipped with proper light. Cyclists should have a white light that is visible from five hundred feet to the front, and a red or amber light that is visible from five hundred feet to the rear. Other Trail users should use white lights (bright flashlights) visible two hundred fifty feet to the front, and wear light or reflective clothing.

10) Do not Use this Trail Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: It is illegal to use this Trail if you have consumed alcohol in excess of the statutory limits, or if you have consumed illegal drugs. Persons who use a prescribed medication should check with their doctor or pharmacist to ensure that it will not impair their ability to safely operate a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle.

11) Clean-up Your Litter: Please keep this Trail clean and neat for other users to enjoy. Do not leave glass, paper, cans or any other debris on or near the Trail. Please clean up after your pets. Pack out what you bring in - and remember to always recycle your trash.

12) Keep Pets on Leashes: All pets must be kept on secure and tethered leashes. Keep pets off of adjacent private property. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

13) Prohibition on Camp Fires: Fires, for any purpose, are prohibited within the Trails System. Any person caught lighting a fire for any purpose will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

INTEGRIS Home Care Enid may be one of many home health agencies in Enid, but, according to administrator, Gretchen Cinnamon, RN, it is the best. “I believe we have the best agency in Enid because we have the best caregivers,” Cinnamon says. “Our team of nurses, therapists and office staff are very passionate about what they do, and collectively they have decades of experience in home care.”

Many of those decades of experience are with INTEGRIS Home Care, as one nurse has been employed twenty years, while one of the office caregivers has worked for INTEGRIS for 40 years. Cinnamon herself has worked for INTEGRIS Home Care Enid for 21 years.

INTEGRIS Home Care Enid provides a variety of health care services for those who require professional health care skills in the home environment. “We begin our services upon referral with a home assessment,” Cinnamon explains. “We then create an individualized care plan based on the home assessment. That care plan includes what the patient will need in order to be cared for in his or her home, ranging from medical equipment needs to therapy needs.”

What many people may not realize about home care is that patients are taught, in large part, to care for themselves, or, if that is not possible, family members are taught to help care for the patient. “We spend a lot of our time educating family members how to support someone with a new diagnosis,” Cinnamon says. “Our caregivers are only with the patient at set times throughout the week, so it’s important that the patient and family members know how to operate home medical equipment and otherwise care for the patient.”

According to Cinnamon, it takes a special nurse with a unique set of skills to work in home care. “You need great problem-solving skills and you must be resourceful when the resources are limited,” she says. “You don’t have the conveniences available in a hospital – you’re working out of someone’s living room. Our nurses have worked in the field for many years, and that experience is invaluable.”

INTEGRIS Home Care Enid serves seven counties in north central Oklahoma, including Garfield, Kingfisher, Major, Woods, Alfalfa, Grant and Noble and is Medicare certified and Joint Commission accredited. INTEGRIS Home Care Enid is the only home health agency in Enid that accepts pediatric referrals. For more information about INTEGRIS Home Care Enid, call 580-548-1116.

This easy yoga class focuses on strength and balance to help prevent falls and build confidence. Participants will learn gentle moves that can be performed seated, while standing and holding a chair back for balance, or while free standing. This class is for everyone, regardless of age or mobility. Participants may bring their own mats or make use of one provided by the library. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

For more information about this event and others, visit the library’s website at enid.okpls.org.

The Enid Public Library is located at 120 West Maine, Enid, OK 73701.

* This project is brought to you by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries with a federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act.

Sandy Schapansky, like thousands of other women diagnosed with breast cancer, never imagined she would be one of them.

A wife and mother of two grown daughters, Schapansky is like many women in their mid-50’s – enjoying an empty nest, watching grandchildren play sports and traveling as much as possible. She has a friendly, outgoing personality and beautiful smile. If you met Sandy on the street, you would never guess the hardships she has confronted over the past 12 months.

Schapansky’s story really begins 25 years ago, when she was just 30 years old. “I had just had a baby, and I discovered a lump in my right breast,” she said. “I had it checked out, and it turned out to be what is called macrocalcifications, which are small calcium deposits in the soft tissue of the breasts. These are usually noncancerous, although some patterns can be a sign of cancer.” Schapansky went on, “It looks kind of like glitter on a mammogram. It can be completely normal, but is something that can turn into cancer, so I began to get screened for breast cancer every one to two years.”

She continued her screenings throughout her 30’s and 40’s without incident. No new lumps. Nothing to be concerned about.

In late 2019, Schapansky, then age 55, was working for INTEGRIS Health ENT Jerome Dilling, M.D., as a medical assistant. “Things were very busy at work and busy in my personal life, and I felt like I didn’t have time to squeeze in my mammogram, so I put it off. I told myself I would do it after the beginning of the year, when things started to slow down.” Then COVID-19 hit, sending everything into a tailspin.

A few months later, in September 2020, Schapansky felt an unusual lump in her left breast, which she thought to be somewhat odd, because her right breast was the one with the microcalcifications and the one she always kept a close eye on. She immediately scheduled a mammogram.

An hour after the appointment, the clinic called and asked her to come back in for additional views and an ultrasound of her left breast. While she was there, they also scanned her underarm, which Schapansky knew was not a good sign. They told her at that time the abnormality that was found appeared to be cancerous.

The next step was to undergo a guided biopsy. The results came back confirming that she in fact did have cancer - invasive ductal carcinoma, which is the most common type of breast cancer, representing about 80 percent of breast cancer cases.

An MRI further confirmed that the cancer had spread to Schapansky’s lymph nodes, meaning that her cancer was designated as stage three.

Schapansky said she felt more comfortable with a female surgeon and chose INTEGRIS Health’s Stephanie Taylor, M.D., located in Yukon, to perform a lumpectomy and remove two lymph nodes to which the cancer had spread.

Following her surgery, Schapansky began chemotherapy treatment with Sumbal Nabi, M.D., and her team at the INTEGRIS Cancer Institute of Enid in December 2020. “They are the kindest, best support system you could ever imagine,” she said. “When you’re scared to death of the unknown, they put you at ease.”

Schapansky continued on about her experience, “Throughout the process I was sick, I cried, and I asked if I was going to lose my hair. Dr. Nabi told me I would. That first day of chemo was the hardest, most emotional day I have faced. I got really sick. The thing that got me through is knowing the hurt others have faced, like losing a child. Chemo was bad, but I know there are worse things that I could have faced.”

In April of this year Shapansky finished her treatments and went back to work. Dilling retired, so she ended up working with OB/GYNs Michael S. Jackson, M.D. and Andrea Partida, D.O., at INTEGRIS Women’s Health Enid. “I feel like this is exactly where I’m supposed to be,” Schapansky said of her new role. “I feel like God put me here for a reason, and I’m really enjoying it.”

Two weeks after her chemo treatments ended, Schapansky began taking radiation therapy each day after work at the INTEGRIS Bass Radiation Oncology Clinic, completing 33 treatments. “It was scary to get started, just like chemo, but the girls in the clinic really helped make me feel comfortable and at ease. Their care and compassion made such a big difference for me.”

It’s been a long year for Schapanksy, and this month she will go for her final CAT scan to see if she is now cancer-free, although her tumor markers indicate that she is.

After her experience, Schapansky’s message to other women is simple. “Know your breasts. If you are familiar with them, then you will be more likely to recognize changes if they do happen. Be proactive.”

She emphasizes that communication with your physician is important as well. “If you think something might be amiss, call your doctor. Phone calls are free,” she said with a smile.

And, of course, she wants to encourage women who are the appropriate age to get those mammograms and not put them off. Don’t skip them. “Had I not waited and put my mammogram off, I feel like I probably would have caught my cancer sooner, before it had moved into my lymph nodes,” she said.

Sandy has inspired her sister and both daughters to become more proactive in their own breast health with mammograms and self-exams, something that she feels good about.

“I never dreamed I’d have breast cancer. It came out of nowhere,” Schapansky said. “But today, I am 56 years old and looking forward to the future. I can’t live in fear.”

Ultrasonic Liposuction is a non evasive, pain free, fat burning and skin tightening procedure. Sessions last 30 minutes. Using Ultrasonic pressure waves and heat it breaks down and melts away fat cells while tightening skin.

There is ZERO downtime with this treatment. It is non-invasive and gives lasting results. During a treatment there is a mild heat, similar to a hot stone massage.
Cavi-Lipo is effective for all body areas where localized fat deposits or cellulite exists that are resistant to diet and exercise.

The treatment is FDA approved and pain free. It's scientifically proven to breakdown fat cells, reduce cellulite and wrinkles, and tighten and firm skin. Sessions also sooth pulled and tender muscles.

Call Bobbi at 405-570-2173 for more information or to set up your first appointment for October. You can also email blushbodycontour@gmail.com or visit their Facebook Page HERE.

A variety of health literacy classes for all ages will begin September of 2021 and run through the spring of 2022.

“When we think of literacy, we often think of reading,” said Theri Ray, Deputy Director of Enid Public Library. “However, literacy is about being knowledgeable in a specific area. Health literacy is having the information and tools to make decisions related to things that affect your health. When we have the information about what promotes health, we can make decisions that promote our own health and the health of our families.”

Classes will include healthy cooking and food prep, tai chi and yoga, a Walk with Ease program, and a Small Space Garden project. Instructors from the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative as well as the Garfield County Oklahoma State University Extension Center will help lead some of the classes.

“These programs are going to be fun, empowering, uplifting, and informative,” said Ray. “Learning more about healthy choices can help enrich the lives of everyone in our community. We are very excited about all the great health building programs we are planning for the next year.”

For more information about this event and others, visit the library’s website at enid.okpls.org. The Enid Public Library is located at 120 W. Maine, Enid, OK 73701.

This activity is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. The opinions and content of activities and materials do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Oklahoma Department of Libraries or IMLS, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

This person does not need to be a formal legal representative, but rather someone who the patient seeks emotional support from and decision making advice.

Patient Visitor Requirements:

Only one visitor per patient on site at a time. The identified visitor may change over the duration of patient care.
Visitor must not exhibit signs or symptoms of illness.
Visitor will be compliant with hand hygiene and masking requirements.
INTEGRIS Health reserves the right to ask non-compliant patient representatives to leave our facilities.
No patient representatives under 18 will be allowed.
Obstetrical Outpatients will be allowed one patient representative.

Allowed Exceptions:

Patients in COVID-19 isolation are allowed visitation only at end of life.
Pediatrics and NICU will be allowed two patient representatives.

Masks must be worn by everyone who enters our facilities, the public and our caregivers alike.

The agreement will expand upon the existing cardiology services provided by Douglas Brown, M.D., and Matthew Thoms, PA-C, by bringing cardiologists from Oklahoma City-based INTEGRIS Heart Hospital to continue our mission of partnering with people to live healthier lives.

The expanded cardiology clinic will help keep business in the Enid community while offering residents access to the most comprehensive cardiology program in the state - INTEGRIS Heart Hospital, which is based at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center and INTEGRIS Southwest Medical Center. The program will not only offer additional cardiology providers but will also include an outpatient clinic with a cardiac electrophysiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon.

“With heart disease so prevalent in Oklahoma, the ability to grow the cardiology presence in Northwest Oklahoma provides greater access to cardiology care needed by so many,” said Mel Clark, M.D., cardiologist and president of INTEGRIS Cardiovascular Physicians. “INTEGRIS Bass Baptist has had a strong cardiology program for years, and we are excited to grow with them.”

The additional physicians serving the Enid and Northwest Oklahoma community include cardiologists: Adam Burroughs, M.D.; George Chrysant, M.D.; Jered Cook, M.D.; Terrie Gibson, M.D.; Sean Halleran, M.D.; Ryan Norris, D.O.; Alex Topliceanu, M.D.; Gary Worcester, M.D; and cardiothoracic surgeon, David Vanhooser, M.D.

“INTEGRIS Heart Hospital is a well-respected, trusted program with a group of cardiologists and surgeons who have served the state of Oklahoma for many years,” said Sarah Matousek, M.D., medical staff president of INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center. “We are excited to expand our cardiology program through this partnership.”

The clinic is located at the Heart and Vascular Institute of Northwest Oklahoma, 707 S. Monroe in Enid. To schedule an appointment, please call 580-616-6324.

Unfortunately, there are times when what should have been the best day, turns into a nightmare. When a baby is stillborn. According to the Centers for Disease Control, stillbirth affects about 1 in 160 births, and each year about 24,000 babies are stillborn in the United States.

It’s not something anyone likes to think about, but it is a sad reality for some, and an occurrence that labor and delivery nurses have to learn to cope with from time to time.

Many large hospitals have a designated staff person, known as a bereavement coordinator, there to assist parents, family members, nurses and hospital staff when these tragedies do occur. Smaller facilities often times do not have a bereavement coordinator, leaving nurses and other caregivers to navigate these situations, doing their best to comfort families and one another while adhering to protocols and guidelines.

At INTEGRIS Bass Baptist Health Center, registered nurse Talya Gross has taken on this difficult role. Gross has spent her entire nursing career- 15 years - in labor and delivery at INTEGRIS Bass. “Before I started nursing school, I knew I wanted to work in labor and delivery,” Gross says. “I loved the experiences I had giving birth, and I wanted to help make the experience as positive as possible for others.”

Gross, however, goes above and beyond when it comes to dealing with stillbirths. “Experiencing a stillbirth from a nurse’s perspective is very stressful. We are heartbroken, but at the same time we still have to make sure we are following state and hospital policies and checking all the necessary boxes.”

Denese Campbell, nurse manager for women and children, house supervisors and float pool, has worked with Gross over the last three years. “In a stillbirth situation, Talya works diligently to organize available resources for parents, to ensure that every stillborn baby is bathed and clothed, with its own swaddle blanket, and to make sure each one is treated with love and dignity.”

Campbell continues, “Families spend months preparing for their newborn. It’s difficult to imagine leaving the hospital without your newborn in your arms.”

Recently, Gross began providing moms and dads with a bag with their child’s name embroidered on it and weighted with sand to the exact weight of their baby at delivery as a way to help families honor and remember their baby. These bags are also designed to help bring comfort and healing.

Gross’s compassion goes beyond helping families when a stillbirth occurs. “Even if Talya is not working when a fetal stillbirth occurs, she still makes herself available to the caregivers on the unit to help them navigate through the stressful time and to ensure that the nurses and the family have the resources needed to begin the healing process,” Campbell says.

Ultimately, Gross wants to do everything she can to help bring comfort and support to parents and families who experience stillbirth. “I want to make sure that we do everything we can to preserve their child’s memory.”

In an ongoing clinical trial, the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine has been shown to prevent COVID-19 following a single dose. The duration of protection against COVID-19 is currently unknown.

The CDC has stated that if you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.

Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.