Monday, May 19, 2025
5/19/2025
Cherokee Nation Connecting Underserved with Resources for Elimination (C.U.R.E.) Program - American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) individuals have health disparities related to HCV, HIV, and syphilis infections. In order to eliminate HCV and HIV and curb the syphilis epidemic in Cherokee Nation, there is a need to identify and screen hard to reach vulnerable populations and to improve engagement in care and treatment initiation among individuals diagnosed with these infectious diseases within the Cherokee Nation Health system. The Cherokee Nation Connecting Underserved with Resources for Elimination (C.U.R.E.) program aims to integrate community-based approaches with clinical services to screen, diagnose, treat, and prevent HCV/HIV/syphilis infections in Cherokee Nation. This program will collaborate with community coalitions to identify local community organizations that serve underserved AI/AN populations experiencing substance use disorders and housing insecurities. When individuals show up to these community organization, Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) will invite participants to be screened for HCV/HIV/syphilis using rapid testing kits. For AI/AN participants who screen positive for HCV/HIV/syphilis, a staff member will schedule the participant for a same day telehealth visit with a healthcare provider to discuss test results and next steps. Staff will also collect laboratory samples in order to conduct confirmation testing. Before the AI/AN participant leaves, staff will schedule a follow-up appointment for the individual to discuss results of the HCV confirmation test and to start treatment, as needed. Staff will provide the standard protocols of reaching out to patients by telephone and mail for appointment reminders and reschedules. Staff will also identify and attend community events to promote screening activities and to provide HIV at home testing kits to those interested. Further, CNHS will develop a community resource guide that detail local resources for community members that may help individuals reduce their risk of HCV/HIV/syphilis. As for the clinical services approach, CNHS will focus on increasing provider education and awareness in regards to HCV/HIV/syphilis screening and treatment recommendations. Further, CNHS will deploy patient navigators to help patients through the HCV/HIV/syphilis cascade of care. Finally, CNHS will use incentives through both the community and clinical approaches to improve patient engagement in screening and treatment of HCV/HIV/syphilis. Throughout this process, CNHS will evaluate program activities to inform program activities throughout the entire project period.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).