Patient and Family Advisory Council - PFAC

11/14/2025

CIHA’s ‘A New Generation of Care’ campaign celebrating 10 year anniversary concludes with reflection on the facility’s original purpose November 14, 2025 By Brittney Lofthouse When CIHA’s Public Relations Department was preparing for the final Flashback Friday post to complete the “A New...

10/14/2025

A new week means new career opportunities at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority! Visit https://cherokeehospital.org/careers/ to see all openings and full job details!

10/06/2025

Congrats to PFAC Member Lavita Hill and the rest of Tribal Council on the swearing in this morning!

The 76th Dinilawigi (Tribal Council) of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was sworn into office on the morning of Monday, Oct. 6 at the Charles George Memorial Arena in Cherokee, N.C. The Dinilawigi representatives are shown outside of the Cherokee Tribal Council House after their first meeting following the inauguration. Shown, left to right, back row – Wayohi (Wolftown) Rep. Bo Crowe, Wayohi Rep. Mike Parker; fourth row – Aniwodihi (Painttown) Rep. Michael Stamper, Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi (Snowbird/Cherokee Co.) Rep. Michael Smoker; third row – Tsisqwohi (Birdtown) Rep. Jim Owle (who was selected as the Dinilawigi chairman), Tutiyi/Tsalagi Gadugi Rep. Adam Wachacha; second row – Elawodi (Yellowhill) Rep. Shennelle Feather, Tsisqwohi Rep. Boyd Owle, Elawodi Rep. David Wolfe (who was selected as the Dinilawigi vice chairman); front row – Kolanvyi (Big Cove) Rep. Lavita Hill, Kolanvyi Rep. Venita Wolfe, and Aniwodihi Rep. Shannon Swimmer. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photo)

09/17/2025

The Pharmacy Drive-Thru is back open 5 days a week!

09/17/2025

Great news for CIHA patients who have asked for this process to be streamlined to make things easier!

We updated our Patient Confidential Communication Form at Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority.

This form lets you:
-Tell us the best phone number and address to use
-Say if we can text or email you
-Say if we can leave a voicemail
-List the people we can talk to about your care

Why it matters:
-It helps keep your health information private
-It helps us reach you in the way you want

Without this form:
-We can only speak with you about your care (this includes parents for children after they turn 18 or spouses)
-We may not be able to leave detailed messages
-We will use the main phone number and address on file
-We will not share your health information with family or friends unless you say so in writing (except in emergencies or if the law requires it)

How to update:
-Fill out the form at Registration during your next visit, or stop by anytime
-You can change your choices at any time

Have questions? Call us and we’ll help you get set up

09/12/2025

Proud of our PFAC member, Sharon French! What incredible work!

THE GOOD STUFF:
Sharon French, an elder of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, won a first place ribbon for this ribbon skirt at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair in the sewn clothing category. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photo)

09/08/2025

UPDATE: As of 3:30pm, power has been restored and operations have resumed as normal.

09/02/2025

September is National Literacy Month!

Our pediatric, family medicine, and behavioral health teams are happy to share age-by-age tips, book ideas, and milestones during well-child visits, prenatal care, and parenting classes. If reading feels hard—because of time, stress, or learning differences—tell your care team. They can help you find practical strategies that fit your family’s schedule, attention spans, and interests.

Celebrating National Literacy Month at the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority September 2, 2025 By Brittney Lofthouse September is National Literacy Month and serves as a reminder that that literacy is an important foundation to overall health and well-being. Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority’s (...

08/12/2025

PFAC is holding their monthly meeting at CIHA today, reviewing monthly suggestions from the community and establishing plans of action.

Learn more about PFAC here: https://cherokeehospital.org/patients/patient-and-family-advisory-council/

07/28/2025

Call for Applications: Join the CIHA Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC)!

At Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, we believe the best way to improve care is to listen to those who’ve experienced it firsthand. That’s why we’re now accepting nominations for our Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC).

PFAC members serve as trusted advisors, offering insight, feedback, and lived experience to help shape services and improve care across CIHA.

What does PFAC do?
Advise – Share perspectives to improve patient-family centered care
Support – Be a sounding board for staff and leadership
Participate – Serve on committees related to safety, quality, education & more
Identify – Spotlight best practices and help expand them
Represent – Elevate the voice of patients and families
Educate – Help ensure patients and families can access the resources they need

Who should apply?
We’re looking for individuals who:
Have recent experience as a CIHA patient or family member
Can represent patient care experiences with compassion and respect
Are great listeners, open-minded collaborators, and solution-oriented
Can commit to a 2-year term and attend regular meetings

PFAC members are nominated by the community and take part in CIHA events and planning efforts. Final selections are approved by our Governing Board.

If you or someone you know would be a great fit, contact us today to learn more or submit a nomination.

07/21/2025