Geriatric Nurse Fellowship Program Receives IHS Director’s Award
On March 27, 2026, the IHS Director’s Awards Ceremony was held in Rockville, Maryland. The Indian Health Service (IHS) Alzheimer’s Program’s Geriatric Nurse Fellowship (GNF) Program (2024–2025) was honored as an IHS Director’s Award recipient. This honor recognizes the team’s strong work to improve age-friendly care across the Indian Health Service, Tribal, and urban Indian (I/T/U) health systems.
The award was for “advancing IHS goals through the Geriatric Nurse Fellowship Program, improving access, quality, and management of geriatric care across IHS, Tribal, and urban systems.”
IHS shared that “this ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, dedication, and talent across the IHS.” More than 300 individuals and teams were honored for their work. This shows a shared commitment to excellence and deep respect for the communities we serve.
The GNF Program stands out as part of an effort to support American Indian and Alaska Native people. It helps nurses build skills they can use right away in their clinics and communities.
Nurse Fellows describe the program as both practical and meaningful. Alum Jinelle Goodwin shared, “working as a Public Health Nurse at Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation is really an incredible gift… the Geriatric Nurse Fellowship strengthened my practice in meaningful ways and helped me grow in providing dementia capable, age friendly care in our Tribal clinic.” Her experience shows the impact the fellowship has on skills and the quality of care delivered to elders and families.
We are grateful for the dedication and teamwork shown by every Nurse Fellow and faculty member. Your commitment helps ensure that elders receive the care, respect, and support they deserve. Your work matters and makes a real difference across American Indian and Alaska Native communities throughout the U.S.
Photo: Staff and officials gather on March 27 during the IHS Director’s Awards Ceremony.
New Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures Report Available
The Alzheimer’s Association has released the 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report. This yearly report shares national information on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and caregiving.
The report highlights trends across the country and continues to note that more data are needed to better understand how Alzheimer’s affects American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The report shares key updates on national initiatives and community-based progress, including continued work guided by the Healthy Brain Initiative Roadmap for American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples.
The annual report continues to be a helpful resource for understanding Alzheimer’s disease and ongoing efforts to support brain health. Read the full report shared on the Alzheimer’s Association website.
WEBINAR: Dementia Clinical Care ECHO on May 14
The Clinical Dementia ECHO provides information to support Indian Health Service, Tribal, and urban Indian clinicians to strengthen their knowledge and confidence to detect, diagnose, and manage care for American Indian and Alaska Native people living with dementia.
ECHO clinics focus on the diagnosis and management of individuals living with dementia, including care planning, care preferences, medication management, management of challenging behaviors, and treating patients with holistic, culturally responsive care.
Sign up for the May 14th webinar or an upcoming webinar on the Indian Health Service Alzheimer’s event calendar!
