Tribe Lays Off 100 Health Care Workers

OKMULGEE,Okla. — Officials say the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has laid off more than 100 health care workers since October began.

KTUL-TV reports that the workers are from the tribe’s six clinics and the home health program is slated to be phased out over time. In addition to the layoffs, 55 workers were transferred to other positions.

The tribe is also closing a 22-bed rehabilitation center in Okmulgee. Long-term patients will be sent to the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Medical Center.

According to tribal leaders, the changes are due to an audit conducted last year that showed the tribe was in financial trouble.