Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC) welcomed the clinic’s elders for its annual Elder’s Health Fair, a day centered on care, connection, and appreciation for patients ages 55 and older. The day was filled with conversation and activity as elders gathered not only for health services, but also for the sense of community that has become a hallmark of the event.
A Day Dedicated to Promoting Wellness & Early Detection
Nearly 100 elders came in for scheduled appointments, while many others stopped by throughout the day to visit with more than a dozen community partners and learn about resources available to them. The fair made it easy for elders to take care of important health needs in one place, offering services such as flu vaccinations, dental and retinal check-ups, mammograms, colorectal cancer screenings, and cognition screenings to help with early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Preventive care is especially important for American Indian elders. According to the American Indian Cancer Foundation, American Indians face a higher risk of colorectal cancer than non-Hispanic white adults, with the disease ranking as the second leading cause of cancer-related death among Native people. Events like the Elder’s Health Fair help encourage early detection and make it easier for patients to access vital screenings.
Celebrating the Elders in the Community
For OKCIC staff, the purpose of the day went beyond screenings and checklists. The fair is truly about serving and celebrating elders, recognizing them as the root of Native culture and honoring their role in the community. Creating a space that shows respect and care reinforces trust and reminds Elders that their health and well-being remain a top priority.
Through events like this, OKCIC continues its commitment to culturally sensitive, comprehensive care for American Indians of all ages. The next Elder’s Health Fair will be held in the fall of 2026. To learn about upcoming events, please visit okcic.com/events.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
Aetna • Alzheimer’s Association • Great Dental Plans • Heartland Hospice • Humana • Oklahoma Insurance & Legal Services • Oklahoma Health Care Authority • OU Center for Community & Research Outreach • Southern Plains Tribal Health Board • Tinker Federal Credit Union
