Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) is improving care for tribal citizens living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. With funding from the Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s Program, CNHS has created a new role to help patients and their families more easily navigate the health care system and access important services.

Addison Carey, the new Dementia and Cognitive Health Patient Navigator, is key in helping patients and their caregivers navigate the complex health care system. Her role includes offering guidance, education, and hands-on assistance to ensure families are more supported and informed during difficult times. 

“Navigating a health care system for dementia and cognitively declining patients can be challenging,” said Carey. (Pictured Right) “But I am here to provide support and reassurance to ensure they feel confident with their care.” Addison works closely with patients and caregivers daily, corresponding in person, online, and by phone. Her role extends beyond patient communication. She also leads support groups, provides educational presentations, and participates in outreach events to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s, other types of dementia, and related health issues.

“CNHS is always expanding, and I hope we can add more patient navigators for this specific diagnosis to increase access and support for both the patients and the caregivers,” Carey said.

The IHS Alzheimer’s grant has helped the Cherokee Nation fund several other dementia care initiatives for patients, as well, including:

• Personalized consultations for patients and caregivers to identify and address needs

• Guidance through the diagnosis and referral processes

• Support groups for caregivers and community education programs

• Outreach events and media campaigns to spread awareness

• Home safety inspections to ensure patient well-being

• Financial support for home safety improvements and transportation to appointments 

For more information on CNHS, visit its website. 

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map Champions Program supports the implementation of public health strategies for brain health, caregiving, and dementia in local tribal and urban Indian communities.    Up to ten (10) tribally-led health programs and urban Indian organizations will receive direct funding, training, and technical assistance to advance community-focused population health approaches related to dementia. The HBI Road Map Champion will receive training and technical assistance that enables them to:

• Develop expertise in Alzheimer’s and dementia 

• Share dementia-related knowledge 

• Assess local needs and strengths related to dementia 

• Provide local leadership in prioritizing, implementing, and coordinating actions from the HBI Road Map for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples

You must designate an existing employee with public health knowledge to participate in the Road Map Champion Program for at least 20% of their time during the participation period.

• Application Instructions: See the Request for Applications

• Application Due: February 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET

• Participation Period: March through December 2025

• Support: $50,000 

• Contact: publichealth@alz.org

​​​The award is from the Alzheimer’s Association, and funding is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).