Osage Nation awarded another Wellness Center Grant

Fairfax, Okla. September 14, 2016- Southwest side of Fairfax, Okla. Photo by ON Communications

Pawhuska, Oklahoma – September 13, 2016 – In another boost to the Osage Nation economy and for the health of its people, the Osage Nation Grants and Compliance Department announces the award of an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Osage Nation Wellness Center in Fairfax, Oklahoma. This grant is matched by $250,000 from Osage Nation funds. This is the second award to the Osage Nation for a new Wellness Center, the first being in the same amount for the new Osage Nation Wellness Center in Hominy, Oklahoma. The Hominy facility engineering and architectural proposals have been received and construction is scheduled to begin early spring of 2017.

The Fairfax Wellness Center, like the Hominy facility, will include space for weights and exercise equipment, and an area for fitness activities such as aerobics and yoga. It will feature restrooms and showers for men and women, and will also include space for wellness visits in conjunction with Osage Nation Diabetes, Community Health Representative, and Osage Nation health related programs.

Chief Standing Bear congratulates the Grants and Compliance Department for their successes. “Since I took office in 2014, we have greatly increased the amount of grants received. In addition to existing grant programs, we are now focusing on language immersion, health and wellness centers, a domestic violence shelter, rehabilitation center, and other initiatives”, said the Chief. “We believe an important part of any community is areas of recreation and exercise. The Grayhorse/Fairfax Community is one of our most historic and its people are active in making their community successful. It is our duty and pleasure to assist them in any way we can”, the Chief added.

Please contact:
Sheryl Decker
Executive Assistant to the Chief 918-287-5594