Author: Brittney Lofthouse

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority celebrates National Student Nurse Day with Spring class of WCU students course completion

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Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) recently celebrated another group of Western Carolina University (WCU) nursing students who completed their 12-week clinical rotation at the hospital as part of their NUR 321 coursework.   Each semester, CIHA welcomes 20 WCU second-semester nursing students, divided into two groups, to complete a robust rotation through several departments. During … Continued

CIHA’s Strategic Priorities Focal Point of Partnership with MAHEC

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This week, providers at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) were treated to special luncheon hosted by the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) in appreciation of their role as preceptors for MAHEC’s medical residents. These providers dedicate time, knowledge, and mentorship to shaping the next generation of doctors—many of whom go on to serve in … Continued

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Donates $85,000 in Medical Equipment to Local CTE Programs

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Following the transition from the old Tsali Care Center to its new, state-of-the-art facility last fall, the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) seized the opportunity to invest in the future of healthcare education. Rather than selling off surplus equipment, CIHA Project Manager Christina Panther facilitated the donation of $85,000 worth of medical equipment to area … Continued

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Leadership Participates in White Coat Day Advocacy Event in Raleigh

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  Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) proudly participated in the 2025 White Coat Day, hosted by the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), one of the state’s largest annual healthcare advocacy events. Representing CIHA and the interests of patients across western North Carolina, Dr. Richard Bunio, CIHA’s Director of Medical Services, joined 65 physicians, physician assistants, … Continued

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Provides April Update on Cherokee County Clinic Project

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The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is excited to share the latest progress on the Cherokee County Clinic project. This week, CIHA Executive Director of Engineering Damon Lambert visited the site for the monthly project meeting with construction leads, architects, and the building crew to review key milestones and upcoming phases of work.   Significant … Continued

Tara Reed-Cooper Launches New Role as Associate Director of Career Development at CIHA, Begins Community Club Tour

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The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is proud to announce that Tara Reed-Cooper has officially transitioned into her new role as Associate Director of Career Development within the Human Resources Department—a role she began shaping earlier this year. Since January, Tara has been working diligently behind the scenes to build a strategic framework designed to … Continued

Gwynneth Wildcatt appointed to represent CIHA on state Medicaid Advisory Council

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The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority is proud to share that Gwynneth Wildcatt, Director of Accessibility, Resources, and Member Services, has been appointed to the North Carolina Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC).   The BAC is a newly established advisory group comprised exclusively of individuals with lived experience as Medicaid beneficiaries, family members, or caregivers. Its … Continued

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority to Host Drug Take Back Event Ahead of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

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CHEROKEE, N.C. — The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is taking action to help the community safely dispose of unused, expired, or unwanted medications with a Drug Take Back Event scheduled for Wednesday, April 23 through Friday, April 25. Held in recognition of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, this initiative promotes responsible medication disposal … Continued

More Than 500 Flu Deaths in North Carolina

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Highest count since 2009, highlighting the urgent need to protect and invest in public health RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. This is the highest number of statewide flu deaths recorded since broad reporting began in 2009. … Continued

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