By Sonya Wachacha
Cherokee NC - The first time I provided for patients was when I volunteered for a summer program when I was 13 years old. This is where my introduction to healthcare as a work profession began.
I have been employed as a Registered Nurse at Cherokee Indian Hospital in Cherokee, NC since 2002.
One of the benefits of sovereignty and self-governance is the ability to improve the healthcare provided to enrolled members and their descendants.
Our Governing Board, which provides oversight for the Cherokee Indian Hospital, is at a point where most of the members are citizens of our nation.
We have made many improvements in the Primary Care Clinic and the Emergency Services we provide. Being able to make changes and invest resources quickly has served us well.
Personally, it’s re-assuring to know that our executive leadership and Governing Board leadership are truly invested in the success of the Cherokee Indian Hospital. Our family, friends, and community members use the hospital. To be able to make changes locally to improve the health of this community is extremely important.
We have seen patient satisfaction scores exceed the national standards.
We are now building a new hospital with the help of the EBCI Tribal Leadership. It is wonderful to be a part of such a great health system and a Native Tribe who wants to see healthy people for the next 7 generations to come.
For more about community and health, watch The Derby Girl.