Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Receives National Healthcare Award from Health Industry Leaders
Healthcare Leadership Council Honors the Eastern Band with the Redefining American Healthcare Award
WASHINGTON – The Healthcare Leadership Council honored the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) with the Redefining American Healthcare Award at the Cherokee Indian Hospital in North Carolina on Friday, June 28.
EBCI has identified three health issues – diabetes, substance abuse, and depression – to prioritize within its services to the community. In order to make the most significant impact on these health challenges, millions of dollars have been invested in a new behavioral and substance abuse facility.
“Our citizens have been tremendously impacted by the opioid epidemic; by chronic substance abuse from heroine and other illicit drugs. As we move forward, we are taking the steps on a long journey to ensure the Cherokee nation confronts and beats this wicked curse and problem,” stated Chief Richard Sneed. “We know how drug addiction and mental health issues tears at the fabric of our society.”
“The Eastern Band’s commitment to meeting the needs of its people is commendable,” said Mary R. Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council. “We are recognizing this group because of the investment and initiative being taken to address serious health concerns. The priorities they have identified affect not just the local community but populations throughout the country, and I hope that other communities will witness the impact of the work being done here and be inspired to take similar steps.”
The Healthcare Leadership Council created the Redefining American Healthcare Award to recognize best practices and programs in communities and organizations across the nation that optimize care for high-need patients. Award recipients are organizations developing and activating cost-effective, measurable community programs promoting a patient-centered approach to care that considers outside social factors in order to achieve the best outcomes.
