Story by Bobby Anderson, RN, Staff Writer

The new year has brought a new round of hospital layoffs as healthcare systems nationwide deal with surging labor costs, shortages, and declining revenues.
Locally, the first two weeks of January saw layoffs from Integris Health as well as OU Health.
Integris announced it was cutting some 200 positions while OU announced an equal number of layoffs.
In a statement, OU health announced the layoffs would coincide with its planned restructuring.
“As part of the redesign, OU Health will move from a holding company to an operating company structure with duplicative services and positions being eliminated,” the statement read. “An estimated 200 positions will be reconfigured to the new structure, which integrates the organization into clinical business.”
Integris Health announced its reduction would be the result of a combination of cuts.
“Financial challenges are multifold, but some include a dramatic rise in expenses due to labor shortages and supply-chain disruptions, and significantly lower patient volumes compared to pre-pandemic days,” the statement read.
Integris laid off 140 positions and cut 60 vacant jobs, according to a spokeswoman.
The healthcare industry has suffered from nursing shortages and the winter’s omicron surge, forcing many organizations to turn to contract workers demanding higher rates.
The loss of Covid subsidies from the federal government also impacted the ability to keep up with rising labor costs.
Many systems find themselves in a counter-intuitive role of both cutting positions while trying to recruit and retain nurses.
OU Health announced its organizational redesign to complete the integration from its historic merger on July 1, 2021.
OU Health was created as the flagship comprehensive, integrated academic health system to improve the care and outcomes for all Oklahomans. As the state’s academic referral health system, OU Health plays the unique role of providing critical specialty services with access to advanced technology and expertise.
“OU Health needs to support and enhance the capabilities of the state’s vital rural and regional hospitals as the flagship academic referral center. All care that can remain in a community should remain local, but if the patient needs a higher level of care, OU Health is here to serve,” said OU Health President and CEO Richard Lofgren, M.D., MPH.
The organizational redesign and operational restructure will enable OU Health to improve efficiencies and grow its impact in the state and region as well as create a highly integrated, modern clinical platform, one that serves even more Oklahomans.
“In order to grow and adapt to industry changes, we need to perform in terms of the quality of our services, patient experience, and the efficiency and effectiveness of our processes,” Lofgren said. “Oklahoma needs the unique specialty and sub-specialty services we provide. We are positioned with dedicated physicians and staff to fully realize our special mission of clinical care, education, and research. We are committed to our role of continuing to improve the care and outcomes for the region and beyond.”
Both health systems are still actively hiring bedside nurses offering both recruitment and retention bonuses.

The Oklahoma History Center is pleased to announce a performance in the Kilgen Organ series featuring organist Christian Elliott. He will provide the accompanying music and sound effects to the American western silent film “The Mark of Zorro” (1920) starring Douglas Fairbanks. This performance will take place on Monday, February 27, 2023, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Oklahoma Historical Society members and $20 for non-members, and may be reserved by calling 405-522-0765. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Christian Elliott is a prominent concert organist, equally at home performing literature of the church and theater. Elliott’s career has included extensive silent film accompaniment at venues including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Packard Foundation’s Stanford Theatre and the University of California, Los Angeles. Elliott was privileged to be mentored by several world-renowned organists and worked extensively with the “dean” of silent film accompaniment, Gaylord Carter. Elliott was named Organist of the Year by the American Theatre Organ Society in 2009.

Bella Rose is a 5-year-old therapy pet for INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center and Terry Wulff is her handler. Bella has a very unique skill. She is trained to tuck her tail between her legs while visiting patients in the hospital to keep her wagging tail from hitting medical cords.
INTEGRIS Health has a total of 34 therapy animals walking the halls of our hospitals statewide. They are an integral part of our team, lifting spirits and providing comfort wherever they go.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at INTEGRIS Health visit: https://integrisok.com/volunteer

Three Oklahoma hospital administrators were recently elected to the Oklahoma Hospital Association (OHA) board of directors for the 2023-2025 term.
Elected to at-large positions are Richard Lofgren, MD, chief executive officer, OU Health; Tim Pehrson, president and CEO, INTEGRIS Health; and Krista Roberts, chief executive officer, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, Enid.
Tammy Powell, president, SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Oklahoma City, enters her second year as chair of the board. Others serving on the board’s executive committee are Denise Webber, chair-elect, president/CEO, Stillwater Medical Center; Jay Johnson, immediate past chair, president/CEO, DRH Health, Duncan; and Daryle Voss, at-large executive committee member and southeast region chair, president and CEO, Mercy Hospital Ardmore. (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)

Continuing their terms as regional chairs on the OHA board are Kandice Allen, northwest region chair, CEO, Share Medical Center, Alva; Jim Gebhart, Oklahoma City region chair, community president, Mercy; Jonas Rabel, northeast region chair, chief hospital executive, INTEGRIS Miami and Grove hospitals; Michael McBride, Tulsa region chair, regional president and chief operating officer, Ascension St. John Medical Center, Tulsa; and Brent Smith, southwest region chairman, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Lawton.
Continuing as at-large members are Charles Grim, secretary of health, Chickasaw Nation Department of Health, Ada; Richie Splitt, president and CEO, Norman Regional Health System; and Bennett Geister, CEO, Hillcrest Hospital South, Tulsa.
Corey Lively, CEO, Great Plains Regional Medical Center, serves as the American Hospital Association delegate to the OHA board; and Steven Crawford, MD, chair of the department of family and preventive medicine, OU College of Medicine, serves as the physician member.

New general admission prices effective Thursday, February 9, 2023. With more than 1,000 animals to see, immersive habitats and memorable experiences, OKC Zoo remains top destination at best-value among state attractions.

On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, Oklahoma City Council members approved price adjustments to general admission prices for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Beginning Thursday, February 9, general adult admission will increase from $12 to $16, and admission for children ages 3 to 11 and seniors 65+ will increase from $9 to $13. Children two and under receive free entry into the Zoo. City Council also approved adjusted admission prices for student field trips which will be decreasing from $6.15 to $6 per student 3 to 11 and from $9.25 to $9 for students 12+. Educators wishing to make a reservation for a field trip can do so online at:
https://www.okczoo.org/self-guided-field-trips.
The Zoo’s last admission increase took effect February 2020.
ZOOfriends’ memberships will also be increasing effective February 9, 2023. Zoo fans are encouraged to join now and purchase memberships at our current prices. All ZOOfriends memberships are good for one year from date of purchase with the same incredible benefits including unlimited Zoo visits for a year and additional discounts. By purchasing a membership, you are also supporting the OKC Zoo, its growing animal family, conservation efforts and expansion including the awaited opening of Expedition Africa this summer! Purchase ZOOfriends memberships online at:
https://www.okczoo.org/membership.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is in its winter hours and open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry at 4 p.m., and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through February 8, 2023. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular daytime admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming a ZOOfriends member. Starting at $45, memberships can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/membership and provide access to the OKC Zoo for an entire year plus, additional benefits and discounts. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit https://www.okczoo.org/.

Story by Darl Devault, Contributing Editor

Our legislators need to “Hear Our Voices” about issues concerning seniors in Oklahoma, especially since COVID-19 restricted the ability to interact with them in person for the last three years. Organizers ask seniors to recruit a friend and attend the Senior Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol on the morning of February 27, 2023.
Seniors can inform their legislators about important issues seniors face while aging in Oklahoma. They can explain their views on securing funding for home and community-based services, senior nutrition programs, transportation, healthcare accessibility, and caregiver support services.
Attendees are invited into the House Chambers in a once-a-year opportunity to fill the members’ seats and House gallery as they hear from their senators and representatives about their legislative agendas this session. This activity can help prompt them to take positive actions on bills addressing the full spectrum of aging that are in the best interest of seniors. (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)

Participants are also encouraged to visit the legislators in their offices and meet their staff for contacts they can follow up on later. Everyone can take a guided tour of the renovated capitol. Seniors will also visit nonprofit and government agencies’ exhibitor booths on the second-floor rotunda providing a wide range of information about senior needs and issues and their services.
Visitors can join hundreds of other seniors that day for a moderated discussion on the top issues facing the aging population throughout Oklahoma and programs designed to help seniors live their lives with dignity and independence.
Registration runs 8-9:45 a.m. with exhibitor booths available: 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Seniors attend an official welcoming presentation in the House of Representative Chambers at 10 a.m. and can visit with their legislative members from noon – 1 p.m. Pease allow a short period before your first event to get through the Capitol Security checkpoint.
The annual event is a chance for Oklahoma’s seniors and their advocates to discuss the needs of the more than 875,877 adults age 60 and older in Oklahoma and approximately 140,000 adults age 80 or older. By 2030, the population of older Oklahomans is projected to increase by 21.3 percent, and for the first time, seniors are expected to outnumber children.
The beginning of a legislative session is the best time for seniors to interact with their elected representatives. This is when new laws are being proposed and discussed and when legislators are more likely to be open to hearing from their constituents.
Organizers say the group of seniors gathered that day should be large enough to show legislators the significant number of seniors affected by the lack of services and resources. “The emphasis on Senior Day is many seniors being present at the Capitol to show Legislators their determination to be heard,” said Trish Emig, president of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association. “We must make sure our voices are heard about treating all Oklahomans well from birth to 60, 80, 90 and beyond.”
Seniors can also provide legislators with specific examples of how the lack of services impacts their community. For example, they can talk about the lack of affordable housing options for seniors, the shortage of home healthcare providers, or the limited access to public transportation in rural areas.
This opportunity to gather at the Capitol also allows seniors to network with other seniors and advocacy groups that share their concerns. They can share information and strategies for effectively communicating with legislators and organizing to make their voices heard.
Seniors can prepare before attending the special event. They can research the current laws and policies that affect seniors and be ready to discuss them with legislators. They can then make specific recommendations for improving services at long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living and similar adult care homes and seek more funding and support for other vital services for Oklahoma seniors.
Please pre-register at: https://forms.office.com/g/5CYnvwvF1F and open the hyperlink. For more info, contact Alliance on Aging- at 405-943-1895 or https://okallianceonaging.org/.

For physicians Mitch and Kristin Earley, every day is take your spouse to work day. In clinic, they often go by Dr. Mitch and Dr. Kristin to avoid any confusion among patients. He is enthusiastic about men’s health, and she loves women’s health. Together, they provide the whole range of expertise to their patients after recently joining Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Northwest Family in Oklahoma City.
The Earleys met in medical school at Des Moines University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine when Dr. Mitch was going into his third year and Dr. Kristin was entering her first year.
“Our family has taken care of a lot of other families over the years, which has been very rewarding,” said Dr. Mitch.
Combined, Dr. Mitch and Dr. Kristin have over 42 years of experience in medicine. Sometimes patients overlap, which provides a unique experience for those receiving care and their families. As patients grow, Dr. Mitch tends to treat more of the men and Dr. Kristin sees more of the women and children. (STORY CONTINUES BELOS)

“Family medicine is a great field because we have the privilege of caring for multiple generations of families,” said Dr. Kristin. “When you treat the whole family, you have a better understanding of your patients’ health, living and family situation. It completes the picture and allows us to provide personalized and informed support.”
Treating multiple generations of families has also led to some memorable moments. Dr. Mitch said, “I remember one of my patients gave me a hand-drawn picture, and as I tried to figure out what it was, I learned it was multiple generations of family members that either I or my wife had helped take care of in this little girl’s family, which was a fun thing to see.”
Both physicians appreciate providing general family medicine to any patient, regardless of age or gender. Preventive care is also an essential part of their treatment philosophies.
“I’ve wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. I was fascinated by how the body worked as a child, and as I pursued my education and career, it developed into an interest about how the whole person works,” said Dr. Kristin. “I want to create a partnership with my patients so we can better their quality of life together.”
In addition to general and men’s health, Dr. Mitch also provides sports medicine expertise to his patients.
“One aspect of family medicine that challenges me is figuring out a diagnosis and then determining the best course of action for a patient,” said Dr. Mitch. “I also really enjoy the diversity of patients that family practice provides. I can practice a variety of skills that helps improve a patient’s life.”
When they are not caring for patients, the Earleys enjoy sports, travel, music, cooking and trying new foods.
Schedule online with Dr. Mitch at https://www.mercy.net/doctor/mitchell-l-earley-do/ and with Dr. Kristin at https://www.mercy.net/doctor/kristin-frady-earley-do/.

Dear Recently,
I’m very sorry to hear about your uncle. The death of a loved of can bring about Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year will depend on how much you earned last year, as well as the source of the income, your age and filing status.
Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing requirement thresholds.
For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2022 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if it’s over, you will.
* Single: $12,950 ($14,700 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2022).
* Married filing jointly: $25,900 ($27,300 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $28,700 if you’re both over 65).
* Married filing separately: $5 at any age.
* Head of household: $19,400 ($21,150 if 65 or older).
* Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $25,900 ($27,300 if 65 or older).
To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2022,” or you can see it online at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf.
Check Here Too – Be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2022, owe any special taxes like an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you’ll need to file.
You’ll also need to file if you’re receiving Social Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married and filing jointly.
To figure all this out, the IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on “Do I Need to File a Tax Return?” Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.
Check Your State – Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies.
Tax Preparation Help – If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can free file through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2022 adjusted gross income was below $73,000.
Or, if you need some help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.
You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. Call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp for more information. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

Are you 60 years of age or better? The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world’s first and foremost pageant to give honor to the women who have reached the “age of elegance” and Ms. Oklahoma Senior America is now seeking contestants to appear Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Mustang Performing Arts Center, 200 W. Juniper, Mustang, OK 73064, at 1:00 p.m.
The contestant must be able to display a hobby or talent within 2 minutes and 45 seconds, model a long evening gown, give her philosophy of life within 35 seconds, and sit for a 5 minute interview. An information session about the Ms. Oklahoma Senior America Pageant will be held at the Album Quail Springs, 14201 N. Kentucky Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, from 1-3 p.m.
The winner will be sponsored by the Ms. Senior Oklahoma Foundation to compete in the National Ms. Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in October 2023. Her airfare, room and registration fee will be paid by the Foundation. Applications can be filled out on the Ms. Oklahoma Senior America Pageant Facebook page. For more information, contact Carol Kallenberger, Administrator, at msoksramerica@gmail.com.

Two venues with two different topics will include more education partners

Beginning its eighth year of free educational seminars, the Senior Living Truth Series has announced expansion of its offering with two different workshops each month in two separate locations.
The new locations are in the Atrium at Crossings Community Church, 14600 North Portland Ave, and the Patience S. Latting Northwest Library, 5600 NW 122nd St. Programs at Crossings will be on Thursdays, and programs at the Northwest Library will be on Tuesdays.
“Both new venues offer more education-friendly environments,” said co-moderator Dr. Nikki Buckelew, PhD. “We are hoping to attract a more diverse audience.
“The success of the Senior Living Truth Series is due largely to the support of our education partners.
It is because of them we are able to continue offering the programming at no cost to attendees. In addition to their financial contributions, education partners are selected due to their commitment to providing information and resources to attendees without obligation. That’s right – no sales and no sales pitch – ever. We want people to make informed decisions with no strings attached.” (STORY CONTINUES BELOW)

Attendance has ranged from 150-200 monthly at the past location, Quail Creek Golf & Country Club, but the Crossings location will accommodate even more in an education-friendly environment. While the Northwest Library location is smaller, Buckelew said she was excited to be able to add this educational opportunity to the library’s calendar.
She will remain the primary moderator for the Crossings seminars, but education partners will rotate responsibility at the Northwest Library location. Topics will be more broad-based, and this venue will include more panelists.
One education partner expressing excitement at the expansion was Marilyn Olson, VillagesOKC executive director.
“Professionals and organizations who provide information without a sales pitch give added meaning to the phrase ‘knowledge is power,’ ” Olson said. “Mature adults are seeking trusted information – more than from the internet. This is a free monthly series providing that opportunity. Here attendees learn from a wide variety of professionals and organizations who present, and sessions also allow time for attendees to talk personally with education partners.”
Here are the January series topics:
January 12 in the Atrium at Crossings Community Church
The Truth about Choosing Your ‘Forever’ Home: Staying Put or moving on
Maybe you’ve decided to stay in your current home and “make it work” or is it possible you’ve decided to sell your current home and buy another one in preparation for getting older. Some people call this next home their “Forever Home.” Either way, you’ve made a choice to avoid moving into a retirement community.
January 24 at the Northwest Library
Smart and “Not so Smart” Accessibility Ideas for Your Home
Planning to stay in your current home for the long haul? If so, you’ll want to know the most up to date accessibility features designed to make your life easier. Our panel of experts and education partners will share gadgets, tools, and strategies for helping you live safely and comfortably.
Seminars are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Seating is limited, and pre-registration is required at 405.563.7501 or:
https://seniorlivingtruthseries.com/.
A complete list of monthly topics is located at:
https://seniorlivingtruthseries.com/.
Senior Living Truth Series provides candid conversations concerning today’s senior living issues and options with panelists who specialize in the topic areas. SLTS provides education and resources designed to help people live empowered lives and make informed decisions. Its motto is “Educate. Equip. Empower.”