Indian Health Service distributes funding

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- Indian Health Services has distributed more than $3 million to the Oklahoma area as part of $10 million to improve Indian health care.

Oklahoma got 30 percent of funds because it is the lowest funded area in the nation for Indian health care, according to the Cherokee Nation.

"We appreciate that this $10 million was distributed based on need," said Mim Dixon, executive director of the Cherokee Nation's health division. "Even though less than $200,000 will come directly to the Cherokee Nation, every bit we get goes directly to patient care."

Claremore Indian Hospital will get more than $500,000 in additional funding, according to the Cherokee Nation. W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah will get more than $460,000.