A new mental health facility is planned for Broken Arrow.

Officials recently approved the completion of a new surgery center and other improvements to the facility renovation at Rural Wellness Stroud Hospital.

Owner Rural Wellness Stroud Inc. and management Avem Health Partners have each made significant investments totaling more than $5 million into Stroud Hospital over the past three years.

“The new outpatient surgery department, operating rooms and procedure rooms with enhanced technology and equipment throughout the facility will provide an elevated level of local patient-centered care to residents of Lincoln County and the surrounding areas,” said hospital administrator Ed Dyer.

“The new surgery center will provide patients with access to quality medical care close to home without having to travel outside their local community,” said Dale Alward, chief operating officer for Avum Health Partners.

Completion of the center and additional facility improvements will provide enhanced capabilities, technologies and services, including:

• Partnership with OSU School of Medicine for outpatient surgery services. Procedures include ophthalmology, pain management, colonoscopy, endoscopy and removal of minor tumors. Additional surgeons will be hired as expansion plans for Stroud Hospital Surgery Center continue.
• New signage and exterior improvements, including an expanded and resurfaced parking lot with new lighting and a new roof.
• Upgraded complete electrical system with new breaker panel and generator.
• New HVAC equipment.
• It features modern, well-equipped private patient rooms and Hillrom Smartbeds.

“Access to quality health care is important to our patients, so the new surgery center is an important addition to our community. We are pleased to provide our residents with first-class services closer to home,” said Jeff Hill, CEO of Avum Health Partners. “We are confident that this significant enhancement will enable us to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care to patients in Stroud and beyond for years to come.”

BROKEN ARROW — CREOKS Health Services plans to break ground Monday on a state-of-the-art mental health facility at 2500 E. Hillside Drive, about two miles northwest of the Broken Arrow Expressway and Creek Turnpike interchange in east Broken Arrow.

The center will house a crisis stabilization clinic for both children and adults and will also provide comprehensive outpatient and group therapy services.

“This project represents a significant capital investment of $4.5 million and will become a cornerstone of mental health services in the area,” the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce said in a news release.

The Broken Arrow clinic plans to hire 130 professionals dedicated to providing quality mental health care, it was announced.

This number is expected to grow as the facility’s services expand. The clinic will offer a variety of programs to address a range of mental health issues, a family clinic and a full-service pharmacy to ensure accessible and effective treatment options for residents of Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas.

Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin this summer, with completion expected in 10 to 12 months.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission announced that the first of five summer employer outreach seminars will be held Thursday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MidAmerica Industrial Park near Pryor.

The seminar will be held at the Bunker in MidAmerica and participants will be provided with free meals.

“This seminar is a great opportunity for businesses, employers and human resources and accounting professionals to gain valuable insight into the various services available through OESC,” said Jim Polly, OESC unemployment insurance advocate, who is leading the event.

“We are committed to providing vital resources and information to support businesses in communities across the state and invite everyone who lives in the area to get involved to find out more about how we can work together to provide our services at no cost to you.”

Employers in the region are encouraged to attend this event, which will cover a wide range of topics vital to your business. Seminar highlights will include discussions on veteran employment, federal bonds, unemployment taxes, employment resources and more.

For more information about the seminar or to register, visit oklahoma.gov/oesc

The National Federation of Independent Business’ Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.8 points to its highest this year at 90.5 in May, but remains below the historical average of 98 for the 29th consecutive month.

The uncertainty index rose nine points to 85, the highest level since November 2020.

22% of business owners said inflation was the most important issue facing them in running their business, unchanged from April and still the top business issue among business owners.

“The small business sector generates more than 40 percent of GDP and employment, making it a critical part of our economy,” said Bill Dunkelberg, NFIB’s chief economist.

“But small business owners have expressed historically low optimism for 29 consecutive months, and their views on the future business environment are at their worst level in the past 50 years. With inflation not providing much relief on Main Street, small business owners need relief.”

While state-by-state data is not available, NFIB Oklahoma director Jerrod Shouse said there is “no doubt small business owners need real relief.”

“As job creators flock to our nation’s capital, tax and regulatory relief is exactly what they’re asking for. Small business owners are asking Congress to permanently reduce taxes and eliminate the ‘beneficial ownership’ requirement. In this difficult and uncertain economic environment, lawmakers must stand up for Main Street businesses.”