Chickasaw Nation health officials are closely watching the rise in COVID-19 infections from the Delta variant, which is twice as infectious as the original virus. "Most of the variants that are being reported now in our region are Delta," says Under Secretary of the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health Dr. John Krueger. "Delta has taken over the United States now and we're ramping up in the number of infections it's causing." According to Dr. Krueger, the highest risk is to those who are unvaccinated. "The best chance we have of stopping not only this variant but other variants is to become fully vaccinated." As families are preparing for the start of a new school year, Dr. Krueger advises that eligible children age 12 and older receive the vaccine and to continue wearing masks. The Chickasaw Nation is still offering vaccination appointments and will soon also be providing on-site vaccinations at Sulphur and Davis Public Schools. To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.covidvaccine.chickasaw.net.

In Oklahoma, one in four children lives with hunger and the Chickasaw Nation works tirelessly to provide needy children with nutritious meals. The Impa'chi Meals for Kids program distributes healthy food to children throughout the year in various locations such as parks, public libraries, churches and community centers. During the school year, the meals are offered at schools and after-school programs. Currently there are 28 distribution sites and the meals are offered to any child. Meals can also be delivered every 10 days to Chickasaw children, regardless of income. To learn more about the program, please visit www.chickasaw.net/mealsforkids.

The Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities Division recently hosted a morning mini workshop for children ages 8 to 14. The hands-on outdoor session covered visual and performing arts. Another young Chickasaw with a big heart is using her creativity to impact her community. Paityn Silas puts together care bags for the homeless and purchases every item with money she earns through her art. Her labor of love began after she saw a homeless person in need for the first time and wanted to help by selling her drawings. After her mother made a Facebook post about her endeavor, requests for her art and donations poured in from as far as the North Pole. Paityn's desire to help others inspired her sisters, classmates and the local community to get involved as well. Her goal was to earn just $50, but contributions and art supply donations have far exceeded that to more than $2,500.

To close the episode, Oklahoma Contemporary in Oklahoma City is showcasing several pieces woven by Chickasaw artist Tyra Shackleford as part of an exhibition called Art Now 2021. The exhibit runs through September 13. To learn more, visit www.oklahomacontemporary.org.