Pawhuska Hospital offers counseling

Pawhuska has small-town charm, but it also has some small-town limitations, and you might not expect the local hospital to offer its own counseling program for senior adults.

But it does. The Strong Mind Program, which has been around for almost three years, helps participants address problems such as loneliness, depression, loss, adjustment and hoarding. Individuals can refer themselves, or families, and medical care providers and others in the community can make referrals.

If you think this service might be helpful for you, or for a family member or friend, the number to call is 918-287-5174. You can call and just ask questions if you want. Or, it is possible to schedule a free assessment.

Traci Summerfield, the program director, said Medicare, Medicaid and some private, commercial insurances cover the cost of the service. She emphasized that the Strong Mind Program tries to work things out where its participants have no out-of-pocket expense.

The program at Pawhuska Hospital has had as many as 16 participants at one time. The current number of people enrolled is 13, and Summerfield said there is