.

>>> HELLO EVERYONE, AND WELCOME TO THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY, WE'LL BE DELIVERING THIS NEWSCAST FROM OUR STUDIOS IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OUR FIRST TIME BACK IN THE FACILITY AS A FULL TEAM IN 15 MONTHS.

LIKE HUNDREDS OF OTHER OKLAHOMA COMPANIES THE NEW NORMAL HAS A HYBRID SCHEDULE AND A RETURN TO THE WORK PLACE, AND WHILE THAT'S EXCITING, IT CAN BE A STRESSFUL TIME FOR SOME LOCAL HOMEOWNERS.

THE ANXIETY WITH LEAVING HOME AND RETURNING TO WORK.

>> A FEELING IN THE PIT OF YOUR STOMACH, MAYBE SWEATY PALMS, THE FEELINGS OF ANXIETY WHEN LIFE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE.

EVEN IF, A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO GOING TO THE OFFICE WAS THE NORMAL.

>> NOW YOU SAY YOU CAN GET BACK TO NORMAL, FEELING NERVOUS ABOUT IT.

>> THERE'S NO PSYCHOLOGICAL TERM FOR FEELING WORK PLACE ANXIETY, IT'S REAL FOR MANY OF US.

WITH THE OKLAHOMA MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION RECOMMENDSES, TO TAKE SMALL STEPS.

>> IT'S GET BACK TO THE NORMALITY IN LITTLE DOSES, IN PLACES YOU'RE REALLY FAMILIAR WITH.

>> IF IT HELPS, KEEP THE MASK.

>> A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE STILL DOING THIS.

YOU CAN STILL WEAR A MASK.

THEY'RE NOT HARMFUL, AND THEY'RE NOT JUST HELPFUL FOR COVID-19.

>> EMPLOYERS SHOULD ENGAGE THEIR EMPLOYEES AS THE DECISION IS MADE TO RETURN TO THE OFFICE.

>> THE BIGGEST THING IS THE EMPLOYEES UNDERSTAND WHY THE DECISION WAS MADE AND THE VOICE THEY HAD TO INFLUENCE THAT DECISION AND IF THEY DISAGREE WITH IT, WHAT ARE THEIR OPTIONS.

>> WEATHER IS A SOFTWARE COMPANY.

>> THE PANDEMIC WAS DISRUPTIVE FOR US, WE PRIDE OURSELVES WITH EVERYONE IN THE OFFICE, DOING THE WORK HERE.

>> MANAGEMENT ENGAGED THE EMPLOYEES TO FIND OUT HOW THEY FELT.

>> WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE EMPLOYEES HAD A VOICE IN HOW THEY HANDLE THIS.

WE HIRE SMART PEOPLE, THEY'RE FANTASTIC AT WHAT THEY DO, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEIR VOICES WERE HEARD.

THEY NEED TO DECIDE WHAT'S BEST FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES AND TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES.

>> THAT COMMUNICATION GOES BOTH WAYS.

>> I THINK HAVING GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR EMPLOYER IS DEFINITIVELY KEY, AND IF YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE GOOD COMMUNICATION MAYBE TIME TO MOVE ON.

MAYBE A TIME TO FIND THAT THING YOU WANT TO DO, THE PASSION THAT YOU HAVE.

>> LET THEM WORK WHERE THEY WANT TO.

COMING IN THE OFFICE A DAY OR TWO COULD BE THE KEY OF KEEPING THE EMPLOYEES HAPPY.

>> I HAVE TWO OF THOSE, WE MEET ONCE A WEEK HERE, GET THE PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK, AND I FOUND IT TO WORK REALLY WELL IN OUR SITUATION.

>> IF SOMEONE FELT MORE COMFORTABLE WORKING FROM HOME, WE ALLOWED THAT.

WE DIDN'T HAVE A MASK MANDATE BUT WE ENCOURAGED USING THE MASK.

>> THE RETURN TO THE OFFICE FOR THE 100 PLUS EMPLOYEES IS WORKING WELL IF YOU ASK THE MAYOR.

>> FROM THE TEAM BUILDING POINT OF VIEW, IT'S IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO GET BACK TO WORK, WE RECOGNIZE THEY CAN DO A LOT FROM HOME, BUT IT REALLY WORKS BEST WHEN WE'RE ALL BACK TOGETHER AND SO FAR SO GOOD.

>> WHEN THE OFFICES OPEN BACK UP, THERE WERE ONLY A FEW EMPLOYEES WITH CONCERNS AND THOSE CONCERNS WERE ADDRESSED.

>> INITIALLY WE HAD A COUPLE OF THE OLDER WORKERS THAT FELT LIKE JUST FROM EVERYTHING THEY WERE HEARING IT MIGHT BE SAFER FOR THEM TO WORK AT HOME, AND WE CERTAINLY -- THOSE REQUESTS.

>> THE NATURE OF THE WORK PLACE CAN CHANGE AND STILL BE PRODUCTIVE.

>> IT'S WHERE YOU WORK.

THE WORK IS GOING TO GET DONE WHETHER YOU'RE IN THE OFFICE OR AN OFFICE [INAUDIBLE].

>> THAT'S ULTIMATELY OUR -- TRUE TO THE EMPLOYEES BEING TAKEN CARE OF, WE'RE NOT ASKING THEM TO -- OR THE ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

>> STILL FEELING ANXIOUS OF RETURNING TO THE OFFICE, YOU'RE NOT ALONE.

>> IN THE SAME BOAT, I THINK TALK TO ABOUT IT, AND HAVING REALLY -- SHORT BREATH OR SWEATY, MAYBE YOU NEED TO TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THAT, MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING ELSE IS GOING ON WITH YOU.

>> THINGS ARE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL, AND SOME CASES, GETTING BETTER.

>> PEOPLE KNOW THAT HARD WORK IS WHAT MAKES THIS COMMUNITY AND PEOPLE ARE BACK AT 100%.

>> OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>>> THANK YOU JASON.

AND ALSO RECOMMENDS THAT PARENTS RETURNING TO THE WORK PLACE MAKE SURE THEIR KIDS ARE NOT ANXIOUS OF THE CHANGE AS WELL.

>>> TO THE LISTING OF THE NATIONAL REGISTRY -- THANKS TO LARGE PART OF COUNCILWOMAN.

THIS WAS THE LEADING PLACE OF THE OKLAHOMA FEDERATION OF COLORED WOMEN'S CLUB UNTIL THEY HAD TO SELL IT.

IT'S BEEN A HUB FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN LIFE IN OKLAHOMA CITY FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY.

>> FAMILIES HAVE USED THIS BUILDING FOR THEIR FAMILY REUNIONS, CHURCHES HAVE USED THEM FOR THE CHURCH ACTIVITIES.

AND EVERYTHING AND SO, THE CLUBS, THE MEETING PLACE.

NOW, WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO BE TOMORROW, BUT IT'LL BE GOOD AND WE'RE SO HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO SAY THAT THE BROADWAY CENTER HAS BEEN SAVED.

>> THE SAME HONOR WAS BESTOWED IN TULSA WHEN THE BLOCK OF GREEN WOOD AVENUE WAS ADDED TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACE.

>>> JUNE 19TH IS JUNETEENTH NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY.

A FEDERAL THOLD COMMEMORATE THE END OF SLAVERY.

CELEBRATIONS ARE IN FULL SWING.

IT'S ENTERING THE SEVENTH YEAR, FIVE DAYS OF ACTIVITIES BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY.

DOZENS OF VENDORS ARE ON HAND WITH ANOTHER STRONG LINEUP OF MUSIC BEGINNING ON FRIDAY.

SATURDAY'S HEADLINERS ARE CAMEOS.

GREAT OLD SCHOOL R ANDB AND FUNK.

>> FRIDAY A MIX OF OUR LOCAL BANDS COMING TOGETHER AND MAKING ALL STAR BAND.

AND SO WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

WE HAVE A LOT OF GOOD TALENT HERE IN TULSA.

CAMEO IS PERFORMING THIS YEAR, JUNETEENTH HAS AN OLD SCHOOL FEEL TO IT, AND WE INTEND TO CELEBRATE FREEDOM.

CELEBRATE FREEDOM NOT JUST FROM SLAVERY BUT FREEDOM OF ALL KINDS.

>> AND CERTAINLY THIS YEAR'S CELEBRATION TAKES ON ADDED SIGNIFICANCE AS IT TAKES PLACE AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF THE CENTENNIAL TULSA RACE MASSACRE.

>> THE CENTENNIAL OF WHAT TOOK PLACE HERE IN GREENWOOD, COALESCES TO THE HISTORY OF WHAT LIVING IN AMERICA MEANS AS AN AFRICAN.

SLAVERY.

HOPEFULLY LIBERATION.

AND WE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD A COMMUNITY THAT WE WERE CLEARLY LEFT OUT OF, AND SOCIETY AROUND AND -- TURNED AROUND AND DESTROYED IT.

>> WE'RE DISAPPOINTED THAT ONE OF THE ARTS WAS VANDALIZED LAST WEEKEND.

IT WAS A REFLECTED HEALING WALK, WHERE MANY SURVIVORS OF THE RACE MASSACRE HID 100 YEARS AGO.

THIS PHOTO SHOWS THE ORIGINAL ART WORK AND THE AFTER MATH OF THE VANDAL'S WORK.

>> ON THE PROJECT, 16 HOURS A DAY FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS LEADING UP TO INSTALLATION, AND PEOPLE HAVE WORKED ON IT IN AFGHANISTAN, ACROSS CONTINENTS.

ALL OF THESE HAND SEWN BY WOMEN AND VILLAGES.

>> YOU CAN IMAGINE HER SHOCK, DISBELIEF AND SADNESS WHEN SHE DISCOVERED SEVERAL WERE VANDALIZED BY WHO OR WHY AT THIS POINT NO ONE CAN SAY.

>> MY REACTION IS DISRESPECT OFF OF THE ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS OBVIOUSLY THE HISTORY AND THE PEOPLE IN WATER FORD PRESENTS, JUST VIOLENT DISRESPECT OF THE ENVIRONMENT.

THAT'S WHY YOU DON'T SEE THE MESS BECAUSE I CLEANED IT UP.

>> SHE'S DECLINED TO FILE A POLICE REPORT, AND AFTER CLEANING UP ONE OR TWO, SHE CHANGING HER MIND AND LEFT THE OTHERS AS SHE HAD FOUND THEM.

>> IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SETTING IF YOU WERE GOING TO VANDALIZE SOMETHING, AT SOME POINT I JUST LIKE -- REALIZED IT NEEDS TO BE LEFT THIS WAY, IT'S HUMAN INTERVENTION.

>> WE'RE SUPPOSED TO BE AT A POINT WE HAVE OVERCOME THAT, WE HAVE RECONCILED A LOT OF THE ISSUES, AND NOW WE CAN LOOK AT THE BEAUTY AND THE RESILIENCE OF THE PEOPLE.

TO BE VANDALIZED MAKES ME FEEL SICK INSIDE.

>> ARTIST CONTRIBUTED FINANCIALLY TO THE COMPLETION OF SARAH'S WORK.

AND SHE'S A DESCENDANT OF RACE MASSACRE SURVIVORS.

>> I WAS EMOTIONALLY TAKEN BACK, TAKEN BACK.

TO THOSE DAYS THAT THEY HAD TO EXPERIENCE 100 YEARS AGO WITHOUT THE GLORY.

>> JOY AND SARAH'S WORK IS PART OF THE SUCCESSFUL GREENWOOD ART PROJECT.

>> IF THIS IS A MOMENT WHERE PEOPLE WHO WERE NOT AT ALL ENGAGED ARE NOW CURIOUS TO KNOW, WHAT WAS THE BIG DEAL, WHAT'S THE HARM, WHAT'S HAPPENING THERE, IF THAT ALLOWS THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME HERE AND EXPERIENCE THIS SPACE AND TAKE SOMETHING FROM IT, I THINK EVERY CITY WILL BE BETTER.

>> THE ENGAGEMENT COULDN'T BE DROWNED OUT AND THE VANDALISM, THERE WERE SUGGESTIONS TO SALVAGE WHAT WAS LEFT AND REMOVE IT.

I WOULD LIKE PEOPLE -- THIS IS NOT GOING TO DROWN OUT THAT ENGAGEMENT.

>>> ANOTHER BUSY WEEK FOR THE TEAM IN CHARGE OF EXHUMING THE REMAINS, REMAINS OF TWO JUVENILES AND TWO ADULT WOMEN HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED.

SO FAR, THE FORENSIC ANALYSIS HAS NOT SHOWN SIGNS OF TRAUMA.

NO DIRECT LINK TO THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AT THIS POINT.

>>> AND PRELIMINARY WORK BEGAN AT THE ROLLING OAKS CEMETERY.

>>> AMAZON IS COMMITTING TO $150 MILLION TO HELP BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES SUCCEED BY OFFERING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, MENTORSHIP AND PROMOTION.

>>> THE PROGRAM HOPES TO COMPENSATE, AS WELL AS PREEXISTING DISPARITY.

>> THE BLACK ENTREPRENEURS WERE TRAILINGS LEFT OUT OF MEFLTS OF MENTORSHIP, THEY HAVE LESS ACCESS TO THOSE THINGS.

WE'RE HERE TO DO WHAT WE CAN.

>> THE BARRIERS ADD UP TO A LOPSIDED MARKET IN AMERICA.

BLACK AMERICANS MAKE APPEAR 14% OF THE ADULT POPULATION BUT ONLY 6% OF RETAIL BUSINESS OWNERS.

SHE SAYS THAT PART OF THAT DISPARITY IN RETAIL IS THE MAJORITY OF THE BUSINESSES ARE IN THE SERVICE SECTOR.

>> YOU CAN CALL THE PLUMBER OR LEARNING, THOSE MANY MINORITIES ARE IN THOSE THINGS.

COUNT THOSE YOU'LL FIND WE'RE HEAVY ON THE SERVICE AND NOT NECESSARILY ON THE SUPPLIER.

>> ONE, FLORENCE'S RESTAURANT.

IN THE LAST YEAR OF COVID-19, FLORENCE HAD TO GET CREATIVE.

AND EVERYTHING IF THINGS SWING BACK, THEY'RE CHANGING FROM SERVICE TO SUPPLIER.

>> SOMEONE CALLED AND SAID, MY LODGE IS HAVING A PANCAKE BREAKFAST, CAN WE BORROW YOUR BATTER.

BUT FLORENCE DIDN'T HAVE A RECIPE, SO I STARTED WORKING ON PERFECTING HER RECIPE.

>> PERFECTING THAT RECIPE FROM HER MOM'S BIT OF THIS AND BIT OF THAT COOKING METHODS, TOOK WORK BUT NOW SHE HAS PANCAKE AND CORNBREAD MIX GETTING READY TO HIT STORE SHELVES.

>> I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT THAT TOOK, I CALLED THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, AND SAID, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO BE ABLE TO DO THIS.

AND THEY WERE VERY HELPFUL, AND THEY GAVE ME A LIST OF LENDERS.

>> THE INITIAL STOCK SOLD OUT IMMEDIATELY.

BUT IT'S AN ADVANTAGE OF BEING A LONG AND ESTABLISHED RESTAURANT.

>> WHENEVER WE NEEDED MONEY TO EXPAND BUSINESSES, TO GROW OUR BUSINESSES, WE'VE ALWAYS HAD BENEFIT OF A RELATIONSHIP WITH A BANK THAT WOULD ALLOW US TO GET THAT AT A LOWER INTEREST.

>> HISTORICALLY, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE ERA OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS, MANY BANKS WERE INVOLVED IN SHORTING BLACK CUSTOMERS THAT LED TO A LEVEL OF DISTRUST THAT STILL EXISTS.

BY PASSING THAT FOR STARTUP FUNDS IS A GOAL OF THE PROGRAM.

>> THE PROGRAM BENEFITS FALL IN THREE CATEGORIES.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT WHICH INCLUDES CREDIT LIKE ADVERTISING CREDITS TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCTS TO THE CUSTOMERS, AND ALSO ACCESS TO CAPITAL, WE'RE LAUNCHING ON JULY 1, THE INITIAL ROUND OF $10,000 CASH GRANTS FOR SELECT PARTICIPANTS.

>> THE OWNERS OF BELL'S BOOKS BOUTIQUE AND MORE, HAD TO LOOK ELSEWHERE.

>> A PPP LOAN, WE'RE A SMALL BUSINESS AND NEW BUSINESS.

>> IT'S ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW.

WE WERE NOT ABLE TO ACCESS ANY OF THE RESOURCES.

WE STRUGGLED.

PULLING FROM OTHER BUSINESSES TO PAY FOR THIS ONE.

>> THE BOOK STORE HAS AN ONLINE STORE FRONT THE INVENTORY IS LIMITED BY THE DISTRIBUTORS.

THE BRICK AND MORTAR STORE IS IT THE CORE OF THE BUSINESS.

>> THEY'VE BEEN AROUND AND THEY'RE ESTABLISHED.

THEY CAN GET MICHELLE OBAMA'S BOOK FOR SIX BUCKS OR SOMETHING AND BUY 50 OF THEM.

>> CONNECTIONS ARE A BARRIER THAT ALL BUSINESSES FACE, EQUITY EFFORTS ARE NECESSARY.

>> WE'RE WORKING WITH A TEAM OF PARTNERS -- SO COLLECTIVELY WE'RE COLLABORATING AND WORKING TO HAVE A SOLUTION FOR BLACK OWNED BUSINESSES.

>> FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO THE AMAZON PROGRAM, BEGIN THE APPLICATION.

>>> CHECK OUT THE OKLAHOMA CITY BLACK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

>>> LOOKING AT THIS WEEK'S COVID-19 NUMBERS, THE SEVEN DAY ROLLING AVERAGE OF NEW CASES JUMPED TO 163 PER DAY.

AND HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE UP FROM 117 LAST FRIDAY TO 138.

THE GOOD NEWS JUST 26 DEATHS RECORDED IN THE LAST SEVEN DAYS COMPARED TO 44 LAST WEEK.

>>> HUNDREDS OF NEW JOBS ARE COMING TO OKLAHOMA, THANKS TO A NEW CAR COMPANY.

>>> LOS ANGELES BASED VEHICLE MANUFACTURER PLANS TO BUILD A MICRO FACTORY, BRINGING WITH IT UP TO 2,000 NEW JOBS.

THEY'VE BEEN WORKING TO MAKE THE DEAL HAPPEN, THE FACTORY IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY 2023, BRINGING THE FIRST VEHICLE TO MARKET IN LATE 2022.

>>> THE CANCER CENTERS OF SOUTHWEST OKLAHOMA ANNOUNCED A DATA BREACH.

NO FINANCIAL INFORMATION WAS TAKEN, THE PATIENTS ARE NOTIFIED IF THE INFORMATION WAS COMPROMISED.

IT AFFECTED MORE THAN 40 HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATIONS.

>>> AND THE MID ENERGY PARTNERS IS EXPANDING TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS REGION.

>>> BLACK WALL STREET IS COMMEMORATE TODAY A NONREFUND BELIEVE TOKEN TO HELP RAISE FUND TO EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SECOND NEWS AND BLOCK CHANGE IS CREATING A COIN THAT HAS BLACK WALL STREET COFOUNDER ON IT.

THE INITIAL CELL OF THE -- WILL GENERATE MONEY FOR THE PLATFORM, EACH TIME AFFORD AFTERWARDS, THEY'LL -- AFTERWARDS, THEY'LL GET 50% OF THE -- TO PROMOTE THE CAUSE.

>>> A REALITY TELEVISION SHOW IN OKLAHOMA, THE SHOW IS CALLED "OPENING NIGHT AMERICA".

IT WOULD CREATE AN ESTIMATED 400 JOBS IN THE 13 EPISODE PRODUCTION.

>>> THANK YOU.

SOUTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY RECEIVING THE LARGEST SINGLE DONATION IN SCHOOL HISTORY THIS WEEK OF $5 MILLION GIFT.

THE MONEY IS USED TO BUILD A HEALTH CARE CENTER.

>> THE IMPACT OF THIS GIFT WILL BE SIGNIFICANT.

NOT ONLY TO THIS UNIVERSITY BUT THE THOUSANDS OF GRADUATES THAT'LL BENEFIT WITH DEGREES IN HEALTH SCIENCES.

THOSE GRADUATES IN TURN WILL CONTINUE THE POSITIVE IMPACT BY PRACTICING THEIR HEALING CRAFT IN THE RURAL COMMUNITIES OF OKLAHOMA AND BRING ADEQUATE PROFESSIONAL HEALTH CARE WHERE IT'S DESPERATELY NEEDED.

>> JERRI HOBBES IS A 1965 GRADUATE.

AND A LONG TIME BENEFACTOR.

>>> WE REPORT ON THE PUSH BACK TO BE LEGITIMATE CAREGIVERS.

>> THESE PHOTOS FROM A CHURCH MISSION TRIP TO THE COUNTRY OF BELIZE, 58-YEAR-OLD OKLAHOMA CITY RESIDENTS MONTY WENT ON BACK IN MARCH.

THE GROUP BUILT A HOME AND DISTRIBUTED A LOT OF FOOD TO FOLKS WHO REALLY NEEDED IT.

BUT HE ALMOST DIDN'T MAKE IT.

>> I'M NOT KIDDING, IT WAS TOUCH AND GO WHETHER I WAS GOING TO GO AT ALL.

>> THE SCIATIC NERVE PAIN HE'S DEALT WITH BEFORE, REARED ITS UGLY HEAD.

TWO YEARS BEFORE THE TRIP, HE TRIED MEDICAL MASSAGE.

>> SHE DUG INTO ME AND IT WAS PAINFUL, AND I MAY HAVE SHED A TEAR OR TWO.

SHE DIDN'T RAT ME OUT, BUT IT HELPED ME A LOT.

>> SHE IS NEURORENOVATION MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPIST.

>> DOESN'T GO IN THE CONNECTIVE TISSUE, THAT HELPS THE SPINE, IT DOESN'T REALLY GO IN LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE THAT HELPS WITH THE SWELLING.

>> 32-YEAR-OLD MANDY WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SCOLIOSIS.

THAT'S HER X-RAY.

>> I COULDN'T SIT IN A CAR VERY LONG.

WITHOUT TERRIBLE PAIN, AND I KNEW I NEEDED HELP AND I WAS LIKE TERRIFIED OF BACK SURGERY.

>> SHE TRIED MEDICAL MASSAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

>> MY QUALITY OF LIFE IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT, FROM RIDING IN THE CAR TO MAKING MEMORIES OF MY FAMILY AND TO GO TO THE GYM AND BE HEALTHY.

THEY'VE NEVER TOLD ME THAT SOMETHING WASN'T POSSIBLE OR THAT I COULDN'T DO IT OR THAT I COULD QUIT.

THEY CARE FOR ME AND TELL ME NOT TO OVERDO THINGS, BUT THEY WATCH OUT FOR ME, AND MAKE SURE THAT I CAN LIVE A GREAT LIFE EVERY DAY BECAUSE THERE'S ALTERNATIVES TO BEING IN PAIN ALL THE TIME.

>> AND THE JAIL DETENTION OFFICER WHO STARTED THE MEDICAL MASSAGE TREATMENTS A YEAR AGO.

HE WAS BORN WITH A DWARFISM.

HIS OWN BACK PAIN IS WHY HE SWITCHED CAREERS TO -- >> THAT IS HOW THE BODY RESPONDS IT NEEDS A LITTLE HELP, INPUT, FOCUS, CLEAR THIS OUT.

>> IN MANY CASES MASSAGE TREATMENT IS NOT COVERED BY OKLAHOMA HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SAY YES, I GET A LOT OF REJECTIONS.

>> THIS IS 2500 YEARS OF WELL DOCUMENTED STUFF, THERE'S SOMETHING -- IT MEANS TO PULL AND TO PUSH OR SQUEEZE.

THIS IS SPINAL MANIPULATION, THIS IS MASSAGE THERAPY, IT WAS WELL DOCUMENTED BEFORE JESUS CHRIST WALKED THE EARTH.

>> I WOULD THINK A HIGH ADDICTION TO PAIN KILLERS, MEDICAL MASSAGE WOULD BE CONSIDERED TO HELP PEOPLE WITH PAIN MANAGEMENT.

>> THE TWO LARGEST HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS IN THE STATE IS BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD AND HEALTH CHOICE.

I REACHED OUT TO BOTH.

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD SAYS IT'S NOT A COVERED BENEFIT FOR THE FULLY INSURED PLANS.

SOME EMPLOYERS MAY HAVE SELF-INSURED PLANS.

HEALTH CHOICE SAYS THAT MASSAGE THERAPY IS COVERED IF THE TREATMENT IS PERFORMED BY A HEALTH CHOICE RECOGNIZED PROVIDER, LIKE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST OR CHIROPRACTOR.

>> MISNOMER ABOUT MASSAGE, I CAN'T TELL YOU ENOUGH HOW MUCH IT HELPS.

IT'S JUST A -- IT'S PART OF RECOVERY.

>> OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT.

>>> OKLAHOMA'S BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY REGULATES THE LICENSES IN THE STATE.

THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO HIS CALLS.

>>> THE U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT IS SEEKING AN ADDITIONAL 82 MILLION IN FUNDING.

THE FBI OFFICE IN OKLAHOMA WHICH IS NOW TASKED WITH INVESTIGATING CRIMES ON RESERVATIONS IS AMONG THE BUSIEST IN THE NATION.

>>> WITH REPUBLICANS HOLDING SUPER MAJORITIES IN BOTH OKLAHOMA HOUSE, IT'S NO QUESTION -- HOW DID THEY DO IN THE RECENTLY COMPLETED SESSION?

HERE'S NEWS DIRECTOR -- >> WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBER OF BILLS SIGNED THIS YEAR, ONLY A DOZEN MEASURES OFFERED BY DEMOCRATS RECEIVED THE APPROVAL OF BOTH CHAMBERS AND THE GOVERNOR.

SOME WERE MINOR BILLS, OTHERS WERE MORE IMPORTANT.

IN TERMS OF OF THE ITEMS ON THE CAUCUSES AGENDA, THEY DIDN'T MAKE MUCH PROGRESS ON THE ITEMS.

>> THE GOVERNOR WRAPPED UP THE SESSIONS BUSINESS, WHAT WERE THEY AND HOW MANY BILLS DID HE SIGN THIS YEAR.

>> THE TWO BILLS, ONE CREATED A TASK FORCE RELATED TO TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.

AND THE OTHER FOR SALES TAX CREDIT THAT PROVIDES CLOTHING TO CHILDREN IN THE NORMAN AND THE NOBLE AREA.

OVERALL, THE GOVERNOR SIGNED 583 OF THE 599 MEASURES PLACED ON HIS DESK.

HE VETOED 12 OTHERS AND TWO TOOK EFFECT WITHOUT HIS SIGNATURE.

>> REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE RAISED CONCERNS OF DEATH ROW INMATE RICHARD GLOSSUP.

>> HE WAS CONVICTED IN 1997 FOR PLANNING THE MURDER OF AN OKLAHOMA CITY HOTEL OWNER, NOT ACTUALLY COMMITTING THE MURDER.

HE RECEIVED THE DEATH PENALTY.

RICHARD IS ESSENTIALLY EXHAUSTED ALL OF HIS COURT APPEALS PARTICULARLY THOSE RELATED TO CHALLENGING THE OUTCOME OF THE TRIAL ITSELF, SO WHAT HIS ATTORNEY HOPES WILL HAPPEN AND REPRESENTATIVE MCDUGAL HOPES IS TO INVESTIGATE THE CRIME AND THAT COULD INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF THE DECISION IN THAT CASE.

>> LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON THE MONEY COMING INTO OKLAHOMA FROM THE LATEST ROUND OF STIMULUS.

DO THEY HAVE CONTROL OVER HOW THE MONEY IS USED.

>> THE ANSWER IS NO AND YES.

NO, THEY DON'T, BUT THEY HAVE FORMED THE JOINT COMMITTEE TO WORK WITH GOVERNOR ON HOW THE MONEY WILL BE SPENT.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, ONE OF THE BILLS THAT TOOK EFFECT WITHOUT THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE, PREVENTS THE AGENCIES FROM USING THE FEDERAL MONEY IN A WAY TO INSEWER FUTURE STATE EXPENSES THEY HAVE THAT CONTROL AS WELL.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.

>> YOU'RE VERY WELCOME.

>>> THE OETA FAMILY IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF ANOTHER ON AIR CONTRIBUTORS.

WEATHER CASTER ROSS DICKSON PASSED AWAY LAST FRIDAY.

>> JUST A FEW HIGHER CLOUDS IN THE STATE, LET'S TALK SUNNY SKIES.

>> HE WAS A POPULAR MEMBER OF THE ANCHOR TEAM TO 2010, AND ALSO WORKED AT KOC IN OKLAHOMA CITY IN THE 70S AND 80S, BEFORE EARNING HIS MASTER HE SERVED IN THE U.S. NAVY.

HE WAS 79 YEARS OLD.

FUNERAL SERVICES SATURDAY JULY 10 AT THE PARKLAND CEMETERY.

>>> AND THE LATEST REPORT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN ARRIVES, THE NUMBER OF OF -- AFFAIRS -- INCREASE OF SUICIDE.

POSITIVE NEWS YET, 18 LIVES LOST PER DAY IS STILL TOO MANY.

IN THIS WEEK'S IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION, SUSAN CADOT AND HER GUEST DISCUSS WHAT'S DONE TO LOWER THAT NUMBER.

>> I'LL JUMP RIGHT IN, I'D LIKE TO INTRODUCE OUR PANEL TO YOU.

COMING FROM ALL OVER THE NATION.

SERGEANT MAJOR MICHAEL BARRETT, WHO WAS AN AMERICAN LEGION MEMBER.

40 YEARS IN THE MARINES, SO HE'S DONE A FEW THINGS AND SEEN A FEW THINGS.

DR. DAVID BELCHER, HE'S A RETIRED MAJOR, AND VETERAN HIMSELF.

AND WE HAVE CAPTAIN AARON ASHWORTH WITH THE OKLAHOMA NATIONAL GUARD, CHAPLAIN, LIFE PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR AND WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS, WHAT A PANEL AND LINEUP TO DISCUSS THIS IMPORTANT TOPIC, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU, GOOD MORNING.

>>> I WANT TO START WITH YOU, OKLAHOMA HAS A HIGHER VETERAN SUICIDE RATE THAN THE NATION.

HOW MUCH HIGHER AND WHY?

>> THE REPORTS THAT WE RECEIVE, OKLAHOMA HAS A MEAN AVERAGE OF 112 SUICIDE DEATHS A YEAR.

THE REASONING BEHIND THAT VARIES.

WHAT ARE WE DOING TO PROMOTE LIFE PROTECTIVE FACTORS.

THE SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES OUT OF DC DID A POPULATION GAP ANALYSIS OF OKLAHOMA AND MULTIPLE OTHER STATES AND OFFERED OUR MAYORS AND GOVERNOR AN OPPORTUNITIES TO LOOK AT THROUGH PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH.

WHAT THE ISSUES ARE AND WHAT'S CAUSING SUCH A HIGH RATES IN OKLAHOMA.

WHAT CAN WE DO, AND THE ACTION PLAN TO WORK OUT.

>> I WANT TO COME TO YOU NEXT, AND TALK ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH THE AMERICAN LEGION, TRYING TO BRING AWARENESS TO THE TRAGIC ISSUE AND YOUR OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH IT.

>> I'D LIKE TO TELL YOU THE AMERICAN LEGION JUST ANNOUNCED THIS PAST MEMORIAL DAY POPPY DAY TO BE EXACT, IT'S ACTIVATING THE WHOLE MIGHT OF THE LARGEST VETERAN ORGANIZATION TO END, TO END THE RACE OF VETERAN SUICIDE AND TO STEAL A MILITARY PHRASE, THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL ATTACK THIS ISSUE ON ALL FRONTS.

WE'RE CONTINUING TO FIGHT THE LEGISLATION THAT'LL BRING ABOUT REAL INTANGIBLE SOLUTIONS.

SECOND, LEVERAGE OUR VAST FOOTPRINT OVER THE 12,000 AMERICAN LEGION FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY TO ESTABLISH PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS.

AND WE KNOW THAT MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED.

SEND US WE'LL SHARE OUR FINDINGS TO MAKE IMPACTFUL CHANGES, AND TO DO THIS, CONTINUE TO RAISE AWARENESS ON THIS CRITICAL ISSUE.

RAISE MONEY NEEDED TO MAKE AN IMPACT AND TO RAISE THE STRENGTH OF THE AMERICAN LEGION.

ONE THING THAT WE'VE LEARNED IN THE MILITARY, BATTLES ARE WON WITH AN ARMY.

NOT A SINGLE SOLDIER, IT TAKES AN ARMY OF INFLUENCERS.

>> A PSYCHIATRIST THAT TREATS FOLKS BATTLING DEPRESSION.

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING, THE ISSUES THEY'RE STRUGGLING WITH.

>> THE MAIN THING IS TO UNDERSTAND BEFORE UNDERSTOOD.

LISTENING TO OTHERS WHEN THEY COME IN, ONE OF THE REASONS I DON'T LOOK LIKE A DOCTOR, I HAVE TATTOOS AND HAVE LONG HAIR SO PEOPLE FEEL COMFORTABLE, SOMEONE THAT'LL LISTEN TO THEM AND FEEL HEARD.

THEY'RE NOT ALONE.

IT TAKES AN ARMY, IT DOES.

BUILDING A RAPPORT WITH PATIENTS AND LISTENING, GETTING THEIR HISTORY OF WHETHER THEY'VE SEEN OTHER PROVIDERS, THEIR FAMILY LIFE.

MOST OF THE TIME, THEY DON'T COME IN UNLESS A FAMILY MEMBER HAS THEM COME IN.

THE WIFE OR ISSUES AT HOME WITH THE KIDS.

DIFFICULTY HOLDING DOWN JOBS AND THEN A LOT OF RESISTANCE TO MEDICATIONS.

AND A LOT OF THAT -- MEDICATIONS CAN HAVE SIDE EFFECTS.

I PERSONAL DO A LOT OF DNA TESTING.

THERE'S OPTIONS NOW FOR VETERANS AND OTHERS THAT ARE FRIENDS OR FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS THAT ARE HAVING ISSUES WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY.

THERE'S GUINEA PIG MEDICINE, THERE'S BIOLOGICAL CHANGE IF THE BODY OR THE BRAIN, THAT AFFECTS THE MEMBER WITNESS A FAMILY MEMBER PASS AWAY, MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY, GETTING ON PROPER MEDICATION WITH THERAPY IS HUGE.

PAIN INCREASE, HEART ATTACKS, STROKES, DIABETES, I DO A LOT OF EDUCATION, I LISTEN, BUILD RAPPORT, AND BUILD THERAPY OPTIONS AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT THAT SPECIFICALLY TAILORED TO THAT INDIVIDUAL.

>> HOW ARE YOU DRESSING THIS PROBLEM?

THE DOCTOR IS TALKING ABOUT DNA, HOW DO WE THE ONE ON ONE PERSONALIZED CARE AND PROVIDE WIDESPREAD ACCESS.

>> FROM THE STATE LEVEL WHAT WE'RE DOING IS THE PROGRAM CALLED THE OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR'S CHALLENGE AND TULSA, OKLAHOMA CITY AND LAWTON HAS THE MAYOR'S CHALLENGE.

WHAT THEY ARE IS PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACHES THROUGH BUILDING COMMUNITY COLLABORATION, TO LET SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEY FAMILY KNOW THE RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITIES.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST GAPS WE'VE FOUND IN THE STATE, AND DOING THE GAP ANALYSIS, I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO.

WE HAVE THE VA, BUT WE DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR OTHER SERVICES AND RESOURCES.

WE WERE PRONE ON DEVELOPING ONLINE MAPPING SYSTEM THAT SHOWS ALL THE DIFFERENT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS IN THE COMMUNITIES AND DOING THAT COMMUNITIES COLLABORATION, AND GETTING DIRECT MAILINGS OUT DIRECTLY TO THE SERVICE MEMBER AND THE FAMILIES.

TO TALK ABOUT BEST PRACTICES, TO SCHEDULE TRAINING, WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TO WORK WITH THE DA.

A COMMUNITY PROVIDER, YOU HAVE THAT CONNECTION AND KNOW HOW TO OPERATE IF THERE'S SOMETHING THEY NEED SPECIFICALLY TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE IT OR RESOURCE THE PERSON TO PROVIDE IT.

IT'S ABOUT BUILDING THE SAFETY NET.

HOW TO BUILD IT ACROSS THE STATE TO ALLOW US TO REDUCE THE NUMBERS.

>> AND COME TO YOU FOR THIS.

40 YEARS IN THE MARINES, YOU HAVE SEEN THIS FIRSTHAND.

ARE SOME VETERANS, NO MATTER WHAT ARE AVAILABLE, THEY DON'T WANT TO ACCESS IT, IS THAT A PROBLEM TO GET VETERANS TO ACCESS HEALTH CARE.

>> I'VE SEEN SOME OF THE STATISTICS OUTLINED FOR THE STRATEGY, AND IT'S LESS THAN 50% IS UTILIZING THE VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

TALK ABOUT MAKING A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM THE ARMED SERVICES TO CIVILIAN LIFE, EVERY SINGLE SERVICE MEMBER FROM EVERY BRANCH OF THE SERVICE IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND A TRANSITION SEMINAR.

AND THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE, THEY CALL IT GPS.

GOALS, PLAN, SUCCEED.

IN THE SEA SERVICES, WE CALL IT TRS.

TRANSITION READINESS SEMINARS.

IT'S AN OUTSTANDING PROGRAM, AND EVOLVED -- COVERS DOWN ON INDIVIDUAL TRANSITIONING PLANS, FINANCIAL PLANNING, THE DEPARTMENT OF VA, THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GETS INVOLVED WITH THEIR TRANSITIONING, YOU HAVE PATH WAY TRAINING.

YOU GO OUT AND GET A JOB, WILL YOU DO A -- THERE'S TRAINING THERE FOR YOU.

TRAINING WITH H VAC, THERE'S TRAINING JUST FOR THAT, OR JUST GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

YOU LEARN HOW TO WRITE RESUMES AND DRESS, WE PROVIDE EVERY RESOURCE YOU COULD POSSIBLY THINK OF.

SECOND, YOU NEED TO TAKE YOUR FINAL PHYSICAL AND YOUR VA HEALTH SCREENING SERIOUSLY.

FROM YOUR NOSE TO YOUR TOES, YOU NEED TO TELL THE DOCTORS EVERY SINGLE THING.

KEEP A COPY OF EVERY MEDICAL RECORD OF EVERYTHING THAT'S EVER HAPPENED TO YOU, SO THEY HAVE A WHOLE UNDERSTANDING OF YOU.

THIRD, STAY CONNECTED AND I CAN'T EMPHASIZE THIS MORE.

STAY CONNECTED.

JOIN A VETERAN'S ORGANIZATION.

EVERY BRANCH HAS A SIMILAR ORGANIZATION.

STAY CONNECTED, BECAUSE JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE TAKEN OFF THE UNIFORM, IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO STOP SERVING, AND LASTLY, AS SOON AS YOU GET TO WHERE IT IS YOU END UP AND BUILD YOUR HOME, MEET WITH YOUR COUNTY VETERAN SERVICE OFFICER.

THEY'LL WALK YOU THROUGH ALL YOUR VETERAN BENEFITS, THEY'LL HELP YOU GET SIGNED UP.

THEY'RE AN INCREDIBLE RESOURCE, AND THEY'LL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THROUGH THE PROCESSES AND THE PROBLEMS THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE.

BUT BOTTOM LINE, STAY CONNECTED.

>> WE HEAR WHAT THE SERGEANT MAJOR SAID, WHEN SOMEONE COME TO YOU, PEOPLE BRING THEM, WHY TONIGHT THEY COME ON THEIR OWN?

>> IT'S A COMPLETE CHANGE OF ENVIRONMENT, THOSE AROUND YOU.

IN THE MILITARY, WE HAVE A PROCESS OF HOW WE DO THINGS AND HOW TO ACCOMPLISH THINGS.

IN THE CIVILIAN WORLD, IT'S SET UP COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.

IT'S A COMPLETE MIND SHIFT.

TO GET TO ONE ROOM TO THE NEXT IS -- AND HAVING -- THAT'S A NEW ENVIRONMENT TO ADAPT TO.

AND HOW DO I DO THAT, ESPECIALLY SOMEONE IS DEPLOYED AND WITNESSED ALL THIS TRAUMA AND I'M SUPPOSED TO COME BACK AND GO TO WORK AND ACT LIKE THERE'S NOT DANGER AROUND ME.

THAT PERCEPTION IS VERY -- CHANGE IN TRANSITION PERCEPTION OF ONE ENVIRONMENT TO THE NEXT IS VERY DIFFICULT.

AND THE MENTALITY, I DON'T WANT TO SEEM WEAK.

THE OTHER PERSON WENT THROUGH WAY MORE TRAUMA THAN I DID, I DON'T NEED HELP, I'M FINE, I CAN GET THROUGH THIS.

THE RESILIENCE OF HELP, THAT'S A BIG STEP FOR SOMEONE TO SAY, I'M HAVING ISSUES IN MY LIFE.

THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IT'S HARD TR PEOPLE TO ACCEPT THEY HAVE AN ISSUE FOR MULTIPLE REASONS.

A LOT OF TIMES THE FAMILY MEMBER THAT BRINGS THEM, OR ONE REASON I CHOSE TO COME HERE TODAY, PATIENTS COME HERE AND THEN REFER THEM TO ME.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO GO TO THE VETERAN SERVICE OFFICE, THESE PEOPLE ARE OF COURSE.

THEY CAN EMPATHIZE WITH THE PERSON, THEY CAN -- THE PERSON DOESN'T FEEL ALONE AND THEY HAVE TO TAKE THIS ON THEMSELVES AND ONCE THEY OPEN UP ABOUT IT, THE BIG THAT I THINK THE AVOIDANCE.

IT TAKES THEM BACK TO THAT MIND SET AND THAT ERA.

WHEN THAT HAPPENS, IT'S FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE.

>> IS THAT WHAT YOU SEE?

>> THE SERVICE MEN AND VETERANS THAT ARE STILL SERVING, THEY'RE CONCERNED OF CAREER.

THEY'RE BEING PREFK OF THEIR CAREER -- PROTECTIVE OF THEIR CAREER, THERE'S RELUCTANCE TO SEEK HELP, WHAT SERVICE YOU'RE IN, THEY DON'T WANT THE MILITARY SERVICE TO FIND OUT.

THEY DON'T WANT IT TO IMPACT THEIR CAREER.

ONCE THEY HAVE TRANSITIONED TO CIVILIAN LIFE, THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS WE'VE LEARNED IN THE MILITARY THAT KEEP US, YOU WILL NOT SHOW WEAKNESS, YOU'RE TOUGH.

YOU'RE ABLE TO HANDLE THESE THINGS.

IF YOU'RE A COMBAT VETERAN HOW DO YOU STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

INTERNALLY WITH THESE STIGMAS AND I CAN'T BE CRAZY, I'M THE ONE WHO SERVED MY COUNTRY, I NEED TO HAVE A HIGHER PURPOSE, I NEED TO STAY CONNECT AND HAD HAVE MY FACULTIES ABOUT ME.

THERE'S A LOT OF EMOTION THAT PLAYS INTO IT.

AND A LOT OF TIMES THEY'RE USED TO BEING THE CAREGIVER, AND USED TO BEING THE GO TO PERSON IN THE FAMILY.

THEY DON'T WANT TO BE A BURDEN TO SOMEONE ELSE.

THAT WORD RIGHT THERE IS A KEYWORD.

THEY DON'T WANT TO FEEL LIKE A BURDEN TO OTHERS AND THEIR FAMILY OR FRIENDS.

>> WHAT CAN FOLKS DO TO HELP IN OKLAHOMA, TO HELP VETERANS AND HELP RAISE AWARENESS?

>> I WOULD SAY YOU CAN DO TWO THINGS.

ONE, SERGEANT MAJOR AND THE DOCTOR HIT IT ON THE HEAD, STAY CONNECTED.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU'RE OUT AND CONNECTED TO OTHERS.

AND THEN WHEN IT COMES TO ACTUALLY MAKING A CONNECTION, HAVE THE COURAGE TO CONNECT IF YOU NEED HELP.

AND REALIZE THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE, THAT ARE VERY PROTECTIVE OF YOU, AND YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND THE ISSUES THAT YOU'RE STRUGGLING WITH AND BE WILLING TO BREAK DOWN THE STIGMA AND TAKE THE STEP TO GET HELP.

IF YOU BREAK YOUR ARM, YOU'RE NOT AFRAID TO GO TO THE DOCTOR, IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON EMOTIONALLY AND MENTALLY, HAVE THE COURAGE TOIFYING A WAR -- FIGHT A WAR, HAVE THE COURAGE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

>> GOOD POINT.

>> DON'T BE AFRAID TO SEEK OUT HELP, SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER.

AND IT'S OKAY TO HAVE THE THOUGHTS, HOW WE FEEL AND THINK, IT'S OKAY TO HAVE THAT, ACTING ON THEM IS A DIFFERENT THING AND HOW THAT AFFECTS THE FAMILY AND OTHERS.

AND SO SHOWING COURAGE AND STEPPING OUT AND FIGURE AND SOAKING HELP, YOU'RE -- SEEKING HELP YOU'RE HELPING OTHERS.

MY HEART AND PRAYERS ABOUT TO OUT TO EVERYONE IN OKLAHOMA AND ACROSS THE NATION, ALL THE VETERANS AND IF I CAN BE OF SERVICE, I'M NOT PROMOTING MYSELF HERE, I'M ALWAYS AN OPEN EAR TO LISTEN.

HERE IN TAYLOR COUNTY.

YOUR VETERAN -- PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT, AND GOD BLESS YA'LL.

>> THANK YOU, AND SERGEANT MAJOR, FINALING WORDS FROM YOU.

>> HELP US SAVE THE LIVES OF VETERANS WHO ARE EITHER SUFFERING FROM THE EMOTIONAL SCARS OF COMBAT OR THE OVERWHELMING STRESSFUL LIFE EXPERIENCES AND THE VETERANS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO TALK WITH, OPEN THE DOOR.

JUST OPEN THE DOOR TO ONE OF THE 12,000 AMERICAN LEGION POSTS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.

WE'RE HERE, WE CARE, WE UNDERSTAND, LET US HELP, JUST LIKE THE DOCTOR AND THE CAPTAIN WERE SAYING.

>> WONDERFUL, GENTLEMEN, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND THANK YOU FOR CARING FOR THOSE VETERANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR US, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> THANK YOU SUVEN AND GUESTS.

>>> ACCESS TO TELEMEDICINE IN RURAL OKLAHOMA IS PRODUCING TO BE AN EFFECTIVE CARE.

SPEAKING WITH DOCTORS VIA COMPUTERS IS GETTING MORE POPULAR IN THE COUNTRY.

WE TRAVEL TO GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA ON HOW TELEMEDICINE IS WORKING TO SAVE LIVES IN THE PALMETTO STATE.

>> I LIKE TO SPEND TIME WITH MY FAMILY.

WHAT I LIKE TO DO WHEN I GROW UP, I WAS THINKING ABOUT PLAYING BASKETBALL, AND THEN GOING TO BE A GUITAR PLAYER THEN AN ARTIST.

I DIDN'T KNOW I HAD ASTHMA UNTIL I COULDN'T BREATHE.

>> I MET HER IN 2016, SHE WAS 6 YEARS OLD, AND STILL ADORABLE AS SHE WAS THEN.

SHE HAD HAD SEVERE PROBLEMS WITH ASTHMA, AND SHE'S BEEN SEEN IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FOR ASTHMA.

THIS PARTICULAR DAY SHE CAME DOWN WITH COLD SYMPTOMS, AND THE SCHOOL NURSE RECOGNIZED SHE WAS WHEEZING, AND SHE GOT CONSENT FORMS SIGNED, AND WE EVALUATED HER IN THE SCHOOL.

>> WHEN WE MET WITH THE PROVIDER, KELLY TALKS TO THEM OF WHAT THEY'RE FEELING, THE SYMPTOMS THEY'RE HAVING, JUST CATCHING UP BECAUSE WE'VE SEEN THE KIDS FOR SO MANY YEARS.

THERE'S A LITTLE CATCHING UP PERSONAL LEVEL TO IT, AND THEN WE'LL LISTEN TO THEIR HEART AND LUNGS.

>> EVERY TIME I COME TO SEE HER ON THE TELEHEALTH COMPUTER, WE DO MY LUNGS AND CHECK MY EARS, AND SEE IF I'M DOING GOOD AND STUFF.

WE ALWAYS GO OVER WITH MY INHALER.

>> BEGAN TO GET TO KNOW HER AND LENDERS OF HER HISTORY AND TALK TO THE FAMILY, I LEARNED SHE HAD BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH ASTHMA, MAKING UP AT NIGHT WITH WHEEZING, AND WHEN EXERTING HERSELF.

I WAS ABLE TO WORK WITH HER, AND ADD A DAILY CONTROL MEDICATION, AND WITH HER PROGRAM, WE CAN FOLLOW HER CLOSELY AND CONTINUE TO SINCE THAT TIME.

WHAT'S BEEN REALLY NEAT IS WE'VE BUILT A STRONG RELATIONSHIP THROUGH THE TELEHEALTH.

SHE'S NOT BEEN BACK TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM SINCE BEFORE WE STARTED FOLLOWING HER, THAT'S A HUGE WIN.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, SHE'S HEALTHY AND HAPPY AND INTERACTING AND DOING THE THINGS SHE LOVES TO DO.

>> IT'S EXCITING, EVERY TIME I SEE HER, I FEEL LIKE EXCITING ALL THE TIME.

THE AUDIO, I WAS REALLY EXCITED.

WHAT I LEARNED IS IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE MY ASTHMA PUMP EVERY MORNING.

SOMETIMES I PLAY WITH MY SISTER, AND RUN AROUND THE HOUSE, SOMETIMES I START RUNNING I CAN'T CATCH MY BREATH.

I COME BACK IN THE HOUSE, AND TAKE A PUMP OF MY INHALER.

>> I'VE BEEN IN PRACTICE FOR OVER 25 YEARS, I LOVE WHAT I DO.

THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING OF ALL OF MY POSITIONS OVER THE YEARS AND I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW SPECIAL IT IS TO HAVE A FAMILY SAY THINGS LIKE, YOU'VE CHANGED MY CHILD'S LIFE.

I NEVER KNEW THEY COULD BE THIS HEALTHY BEFORE.

WHEN WE SPEND TIME WITH THE FAMILIES, EDUCATE THEM, GET THE ASTHMA UNDER GOOD CONTROL, THERE'S NO REASON THEY COULDN'T DO ALL OF THE THINGS THEIR FRIENDS AND PEERS WERE DOING.

>> SOMETIMES I LIKE TO FIST PUMP THING, SHE TAUGHT ME, THE FIST PUMP THING FIRST, AND THEN THE -- IF I TELL HER SOMETHING, I SAY THANK YOU MISS KELLY FOR HELPING ME WITH MY INHALER AND MY ASTHMA.

>> ON THE NEXT ONE HOUR EDITION OF THE ONR, WE'LL TAKE YOU TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ARKANSAS RIVER, NOW HIGH AND DRY.

AND EXPLAIN WHY THIS BELOVED BRIDGE HAS GOT TO GO, BUT WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE WHAT'S GOING TO TAKE ITS PLACE.

>>> WE'LL LEAVE YOU WITH SUMMER'S ARRIVAL AT LAKE HEFNER FOR ALL OF ON THE OKLAHOMA NEWS REPORT, STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY, STAY COOL AND SEE YOU BACK ON OUR NEW NEWS SET NEXT WEEK IN OKLAHOMA CITY.

CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY CAPTION SOLUTIONS, LLC www.captionsolutions.com