Hillcrest Hospital Pryor

08/18/2025

As children head back to school, infectious disease experts are reminding people that vaccinations should be at the top of your back to school checklist.

New CDC data shows vaccination rates among U.S. kindergarteners have fallen again, as they've done every year since the COVID-19 pandemic. When eligible children aren't vaccinated, the entire population is at higher risk of disease. This , we're explaining "herd immunity."

What is herd immunity?:
• Herd immunity is when enough people in a group have immunity against a given infection, making it difficult for that infection to spread.

How does herd immunity work?:
• If a person is immune to a certain infection, it'll be harder for the virus or bacteria to use you to infect other people or mutate into a new variant.
• Immunity happens through natural infection and vaccination, and experts say vaccination is the safest way to achieve both personal and herd immunity.
Why is herd immunity important?:
• When we achieve herd immunity, we protect ourselves and the most vulnerable members of our community.
• Decreasing vaccination rates among young children put them, their classmates, their families and their communities at higher risk.

Vaccines have nearly eradicated some deadly diseases, so remember to put "immunizations" at the top of your list this year.

08/14/2025

Taylor Swift’s dad’s heart looked perfectly fine on an EKG, but a follow-up test uncovered five major blockages.

At Oklahoma Heart Institute, we use the CT cardiac calcium scoring to catch hidden heart disease early, even when other tests look normal. This quick, non-invasive scan can detect plaque buildup before symptoms appear, helping you stay out of the woods and feeling 22 for years to come.

Don’t shake off symptoms or family history. This scan could be the mastermind move that saves your life.

Call 918-393-5553 or check the link in the comments below to schedule yours today or tag someone who should.

The superstar shared the details behind her dad's serious surgery during her guest appearance on the 'New Heights' podcast.

08/07/2025

Summer's almost over, so that means we're doing our part to make sure kids in our community have everything they need when they return to learn. We're so proud to share that, thanks to the generosity of staff at Hillcrest Pryor, we donated more than 600 school supply items! Our staff went all out, collecting everything from notebooks and pencils to scissors and glue sticks. In all, we delivered 13 baskets of supplies to Chouteau-Mazie Public School.

To our staff, thank you for caring for our community both inside and outside of the hospital.

08/03/2025

Did you know there is a set of sisters who care for patients at Hillcrest Pryor? On , we're introducing you to Luenda and Brandé! Brandé started at Pryor in 2010 and Luenda in 2011, both as nurses. Their third sister, Daphne, was also a housekeeper at the hospital before she passed away in 2018.

"We'll hold dear the laughter, the tears and the moments we shared, and look forward to reuniting with her in heaven one day," the sisters said.

Brandé said what she admires most about Luenda is her "tireless dedication to her work and her selfless attitude in helping others." Luenda said she loves Brandé's compassion and commitment.

"Not everyone gets to just go hug their sister at work when they have lost a patient or just had a really taxing day, but I do," Brandé said.

"Though our paths diverged, with [Luenda] excelling in emergency nursing and [Brandé] thriving in medsurg, we've both risen to leadership roles," the sisters said. "Our journey together has shaped us into the nurses we are today."

Thank you to all of these amazing sisters for their service to our community!

07/18/2025

Meet our new regional president, Jeff Johnston! Jeff brings more than 30 years of executive health care experience to Tulsa. He is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University and earned a master’s in hospital and health administration and an MBA from Xavier University. In his new role, Jeff will oversee strategy and operations for Hillcrest's eight hospitals, 80+ sites of care and 450+ health care providers.

"I am excited to get to know the Tulsa area community and continue Hillcrest's legacy of compassionate care for our patients," said Jeff. "Along with our dedicated staff members and providers, I look forward to advancing patient-centered care and strengthening our commitment to the health and well-being of our neighbors."

Please help us welcome Jeff to Tulsa and the Hillcrest family!

07/15/2025

Summer is in full swing! Don't forget to schedule your child's physical so they can start off their next school year with ease.

Go to uticaparkclinic.com/find-a-provider or call 918-579-DOCS (3627) to schedule your appointment.

07/15/2025

Hillcrest Pryor is collecting school supplies during our back-to-school drive now through July 28! Donated supplies will be distributed to 2nd through 4th graders at Chouteau-Mazie Public Schools.

They are in need of:
- Tissues
- Notebook paper
- Crayons
- Highlighters
- Regular and colored pencils
- Hand sanitizer
- Plastic folders

You can drop off donations in the front lobby of the Hillcrest Pryor or at either Utica Park Clinic location in Pryor. Thank you for supporting our community's kids!

07/10/2025

🚨 Measles cases in the U.S. have hit a 33-year high according to the CDC, with over 1,200 confirmed cases in 2025. While Oklahoma has seen fewer than 50 cases, but there have been more than 700 in neighboring Texas.

Most of these cases are among unvaccinated individuals. Not sure what to do if you think you’ve been exposed? Learn the signs, symptoms and next steps in this helpful guide: hillcrest.com/blogs/what-do-if-you-think-you-have-measles.

Hospital Leaders in Oklahoma | Hillcrest HealthCare System

07/04/2025

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Fourth of July. As you celebrate, please take precautions to stay safe—especially around fireworks, food and the summer heat. Our care teams are here if you need us. 🎆

06/19/2025

Celebrating Juneteenth! This day marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors freedom, resilience and the ongoing fight for equality. Let's reflect on our history and continue to strive for justice and inclusivity.

06/16/2025

The time is now to schedule your child's physical for the upcoming school year! Fall sports will be here before you know it and it is best to be ready.

Go to uticaparkclinic.com/find-a-provider or call 918-579-DOCS (3627) to schedule your appointment.

06/16/2025

Healthcare Risk Management Week is an opportunity to recognize the professionals who ensure patient safety and quality care. Their efforts to identify and mitigate risks are crucial to maintaining high standards in healthcare.