IDD/Enrichment Center Project Progress
IDD/Enrichment Center Project Progress
IDD/Enrichment Center Project Progress
This page provides ongoing information, milestones, and public updates related to the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority’s IDD/Enrichment Center Project. As the project continues to develop, this page will be updated with important announcements, planning progress, service information, and additional resources for the community.
Project Resources
Explore additional information and resources related to the IDD/Enrichment Center Project.
Project Focus
The IDD/Enrichment Center Project represents a significant and forward-looking investment in the health, independence, and quality of life for members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. It is designed to address long-standing gaps in services, including limited access to care, long wait times, lack of residential options, and insufficient day programming and support systems.
At its core, the project is about building a tribally driven system of care—one that reflects the values, culture, and unique needs of the community. This includes developing infrastructure, workforce capacity, and partnerships to ensure services are not only available, but sustainable and culturally appropriate.
According to the project presentation shared publicly by CIHA staff, the work includes building tribal infrastructure for an IDD/Autism program, creating a family resource center, improving access to assessments and supports, expanding meaningful day and residential options, and developing a strong tribal workforce to help manage and sustain these services.
Why This Project Matters
- Long wait times for assessments and services have been identified as a major barrier.
- Community needs include respite, specialized therapies, transportation, and better coordination of supports.
- There is a need for more meaningful day options, including recreation, habilitation, and employment supports.
- Residential options are needed as individuals transition into adulthood and aging.
- The project is intended to strengthen tribal ownership, oversight, and long-term sustainability of IDD services.
What the Enrichment Center Is Designed to Support
- Family resource and support services
- Assessments and consultative services
- Meaningful day activities and family meeting space
- Respite services
- Care management support through Tribal Option
- Administrative and program leadership functions
Project Timeline
FFY 2026 Project Timeline
This timeline outlines key work planned throughout FFY 2026, including regulatory requirements, workforce development, community education, and phased implementation of services.
Current Project Progress
Completed work includes provider visits across the state, a funded FFY 2026 budget, graded job descriptions, updates to the steering committee charter, preferred provider selection, and person-centered thinking/planning training.
In-progress work includes hiring leadership and staff, finalizing the enrichment center schematic, refining assessment workflows, implementing services with external providers, advancing tribal code and regulatory work, educating the community about IDD care management, and operational planning for the facility.
Services do not have to wait until the Enrichment Center is fully opened, meaning some supports can begin through partnerships and phased implementation before the physical center is complete.
July 2026 Update: $1 Million Donation
On July 29, 2026, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos and Caesars Entertainment presented a $1 million donation to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in support of the IDD/Autism Enrichment Resource Center.
Read the Full ArticleAugust 2026 Update: Enrichment Center Groundbreaking
On August 26, 2026, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians celebrated the groundbreaking of the IDD Enrichment Center at the former DaVita Dialysis Center in Cherokee. This milestone represents an important step toward expanding resources, services, and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Read the Full ArticleMeet your EBCI Tribal Option IDD/TBI/LTSS Care Management Team
Meet the dedicated Care Management team at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, committed to supporting individuals and families every step of the way. Each spotlight shares the people behind the care and the difference they make in our community every day.
Key Project Facts
