Investing in people is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen the future of healthcare in our community.
The Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation is proud to support the current cohort of CNA students by providing custom embroidered scrubs and new wrist watches—removing a financial barrier and helping students focus on their training and success.
CIHA’s in-house CNA training program was created to address workforce shortages in healthcare while opening doors for individuals in our community. The program is offered at no cost to participants. Students earn $15 per hour while attending class and completing clinical rotations, and all textbooks and workbooks are provided. Upon completion, students take the state CNA certification exam at no cost, and those who pass are considered for employment with Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.
While the program itself is free, students were still responsible for purchasing scrubs and a wrist watch required for training. Through funding from the Carmaleta Monteith Education Endowment, the Foundation was able to eliminate that burden—not only for the current cohort, but for all students completing the program in 2026.
The Foundation, with supports from funding raised during the annual Gala, established the endowment in honor of EBCI Beloved Woman Dr. Carmaleta Monteith, whose leadership and dedication have shaped the Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation since its beginning. Created to support hospital employees pursuing growth in the medical profession, the endowment provides scholarships and funding for continuing education and professional development.
Supporting these students is an investment in the future of care for our community.