The flu and winter cold problems sweeping the nation are hitting Oklahoma and Kansas hospitals, too. Dr. Phil Self mentioned before the start of the Alva Hospital Authority meeting that he was having to make numerous phone calls to find space in order to place seriously ill patients into larger hospitals.

Share Medical Center (SMC) has not yet reached that status yet, but their urgent care service is swamped. Kevin O'Brien said it was a good thing they expanded the hours of urgent care at the first of January.

CEO Kandice Allen was not present, nor was St. Anthony's Bridget Cosby. Both were at...