TAHLEQUAH, OKLA. (KTUL) — The Cherokee Nation has awarded $1.8 million in grants to 34 entities to enhance public health and wellness initiatives.
The grants, part of the newly launched Public Health and Wellness Partners Grant program, aim to improve access to wellness activities and programs across communities.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said the program’s initial funding was set at $1 million, but the volume of impressive applications led to an increase to $1.8 million.
“Our Public Health and Wellness team received so many great applications to further the cause of public health in our communities that we felt compelled to add funds to this great new program,” said Chief Hoskin.
“These grants are an investment in healthy living and they are investments through which we will see a great return.”
The grants support a range of projects, from initiatives addressing homelessness in rural areas to the construction of public restroom facilities at municipal parks and a tornado siren in underserved areas.
Deputy Chief Warner emphasized the collaborative spirit of the initiative, stating, “These funds are gadugi, the Cherokee word for ‘working together,’ in action.”
The program is funded under the tribe’s Public Health and Wellness Fund Act, proposed by Chief Hoskin and Deputy Chief Warner in 2021.
The Act allocates a portion of revenue from the tribe’s health system to public health and wellness programs.
District 8 Councilor Cody Poindexter praised the program’s impact, noting, “The Public Health and Wellness Fund Act continues to deliver great results.”
Deputy Secretary of State Canaan Duncan announced that the grant program will return for the next fiscal year, encouraging applicants who did not receive awards to reapply.
Among the recipients, the City of Wagoner received $150,000 for a new splash pad at Lincoln Park.
The Mayes County Grace Foundation was awarded a $25,000 pilot operating grant to address housing insecurity.
