News & Updates

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) is proud to announce Michelle Tenhengel-deVille as the facility’s new Administrator. With an impressive background in nursing leadership and executive healthcare management, Michelle brings a wealth of experience, vision, and compassion to this vital role in our community.   Michelle stepped into the role of Administrator in April 2025 after … Continued

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, bringing attention to one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting adults in the United States. For many, arthritis can make everyday activities—like getting dressed, cooking, or even holding a cup—more difficult and sometimes painful. While there is no cure, there are ways to manage symptoms and maintain … Continued

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 (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

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

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

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