April 21 Update
SPOTLIGHT ON CHEROKEE NATION: HAMMRC’S THREE BILLION DOLLAR MEMBER
The Cherokee Nation, represented by Board Member Brian Hail, has been a member since the inception of HAMMRC and has been an invaluable ally in the growth of our partnership. With more than 141,000 citizens living inside of the nation's borders in Oklahoma, there is a need for affordable and quality healthcare. To assist in ensuring this need is met, The Cherokee Nation joined HAMMRC to bring medical manufacturing to the region. In doing this, the region will have access to the medical equipment it needs and provide valuable job opportunities for citizens.
With the groundbreaking of a new 400-million-dollar hospital set to replace the aging W.W. Hastings Hospital and a 300 patient increase from 2018-2022, the need for a partnership like HAMMRC has become increasingly advantageous.
The Cherokee Nation also had a 3-billion-dollar impact on the 2021 Oklahoma economy, showing that the region is growing and a powerhouse of the area. With the collaboration of HAMMRC members and The Cherokee Nation, the region has the opportunity to become a national leader in healthcare.
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. is excited and committed to the HAMMRC vision. In a Chief Chat, he said, "I am optimistic that we are on the rise, thanks in large part to the innovative collaborations between our tribe and our neighbors. The Cherokee Nation is a founding partner in the Heartland Advanced Medical Manufacturing Regional Cluster (HAMMRC), a campaign to attract and keep high-quality healthcare manufacturing jobs in northeast Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas."
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROGRESSING
As reported in the March 30th newsletter, a HAMMRC sub-committee composed of Nathan Reed of TRDA, Brian Hail, and Arielle Barnett of the Cherokee Nation has identified four strategies: Community Readiness, Innovation, Recruitment, and Partnerships. The goals under our first strategy, Community Readiness, are gathering data points; providing support and technical assistance to members for recruitment and retention; and developing a site readiness checklist. Goals for strategy two - Innovation are to identify, develop, and support entrepreneurs in medical innovation; and work with partners across the region to create a network of resources for innovation to thrive. Strategy 3 - Recruitment goals are to identify and recruit reshoring opportunities; establish a complimentary contract manufacturing capacity within the region. Strategy 4 - partnerships; engage and involve regional healthcare stakeholders; establish investor relationships to gain support and backing.
The subcommittee requests input on objectives under each of the goals. Send input to Wayne Mays or Nathan Reed. We aim to review the draft document at the May 12th Board Meeting.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Next Board Meeting will be May 12th. The location will be announced soon.
NEWSLETTER STATISTICS
The HAMMRC newsletter has seen growth and success since its establishment. We started it last March, sending it to 69 people, with a lower open rate than today. However, recent editions go out to over 100 people and have seen over 55% open rate on average, with two being over 60%. HAMMRC Leadership thanks all of our readers for improving the success of this small publication.
We want to invite any of our recipients to provide input, suggestions, and criticisms. We want your input by sending us stories in your region that will be beneficial knowledge for other newsletter readers who may not see the news otherwise. We want your suggestions on better reaching and informing you. And we would appreciate your criticisms to understand how we can help better communicate with essential members of our project.
We attempt to send two newsletters out a month, typically on Thursday afternoons. If you have a better time or day to send them or have a different suggestion, email Hank Hoggard by clicking the button below.