The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Foundation (CIHAF) was launched in 2006 with the aim of enhancing the health and well-being of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This non-profit organization raises funds to invest in state-of-the-art medical equipment, upgrade and expand facilities, and develop community wellness programs to support the Cherokee community. Through its efforts, the CIHAF seeks to provide access to high-quality healthcare services, improve the overall health of the community, and promote a healthier lifestyle.
The CIHAF has set an ambitious goal to create a healthier future for the Cherokee community. The Foundation aims to support the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority in its mission to provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community. This includes supporting the hospital in upgrading its medical equipment and facilities, investing in new technologies, and implementing programs that promote wellness and community benefit.
As a non-profit organization, the CIHAF relies on the support of donors to fund its activities. The Foundation has established partnerships with local businesses and individuals who share its vision of improving the health of the Cherokee community. Since its inception, the CIHAF has been successful in securing funding through donations, sponsorships, and fundraising events.
One of the most significant fundraising events for the CIHAF is the annual Gala, which was inaugurated in 2009. This event has become the primary source of funding for the Foundation, providing critical resources to support its activities. The Gala features live music, entertainment, auctions, and fine dining, making it an enjoyable event for the community to come together and support a good cause. Over the years, the Gala has grown in size and popularity, with many local businesses and individuals contributing to its success. This year’s Gala is scheduled for July 15 at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Resort.
The CIHAF has been successful in its efforts to raise funds for the Cherokee community. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested funded in healthcare facilities, equipment, and programs. In the Foundation’s first year, funds were raised to support the purchase of digital mammography equipment to fill the community need of expanding access to critical, life-saving technology. Aligning with the Cherokee Indian Hospital’s mission of treating the whole person, the Foundation aims to provide assistance in many areas of healthcare in the Cherokee Community such as providing funding for new ophthalmology equipment for the makeover of the Eye Clinic at the hospital, to funding for behavioral health programs for woman. The Foundation has provided funding for playground equipment at the women’s home, toys for the hospital ER for the hospital’s youngest patients, a transportation vehicle for the men’s recovery home, and furniture and office needs for the hospital’s satellite clinic in Cherokee County. These are just some of the investments the Foundation has been able to make to help improve the quality of healthcare services offered to the community through providing access to advanced technologies and treatments.
In addition to its fundraising activities, the CIHAF also plays an active role in promoting community wellness. The Foundation sponsors health and fitness programs that encourage physical activity and healthy living and has sponsored classes for the community such as CPR classes at the Snowbird Clinic. It also supports education initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles, such as smoking cessation programs and nutrition education.
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Foundation is an essential organization that supports the well-being of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Foundation’s dedication to improving the health of the Cherokee community is a testament to its mission and the positive impact it has on the lives of those it serves.