January 09, 2009 –
MAYETTA: Jerry Briscoe was selected as the new Health Administrator for the Prairie BandPotawatomi Health Center and began his duties on December 21.
Jerry is a tribal member and conducted a practicum at the HealthCenter before becoming administrator, in partial fulfillment for his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Kansas (KU). As part of his practicum, he shadowed Center Administrator John Holtz, who will remain at the Center during the management transition.
Briscoe’s other credentials also include possessing a bachelor’s of science degree in American Indian Studies from Haskell Indian Nations University and having previously worked as a Research Associate in the American Indian Community Health program at KU.
When asked about his new position, Briscoe said, “One of my goals is to enhance the communication efforts with the community and the Health Center – this is the community’s center and we want to ensure that their health needs are being met by the services which are provided.”
The Health Center is a state-of the-art health facility built in 2006 and located on 158 Road on the Prairie Band Common Land. The 36,000 foot building consists of three wings that provide medical, dental, and social services, and has staff that provides educational programs and other wellness materials for American Indian people.