Cherokee Health Systems is a Dementia Friends USA sublicense for Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (February 15, 2022) – Cherokee Health Systems is officially the Dementia Friends USA sublicensee for Tennessee.
Dementia Friends USA is a global movement that’s changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Individuals who participate in online training or attend information sessions (virtual or in-person) and commit to taking action to support the movement are recognized as Dementia Friends.
“Being a Dementia Friend is our way of connecting with our community to ensure that those impacted by dementia are not alone,” said Cherokee’s Jennifer L. Martin, MHA, FNP-BC, GS-C.
Tennessee currently has only 200 Dementia Friends across the state, while there are more than 108,000 Dementia Friends across the U.S., according to Dementia Friends USA. Cherokee aims to increase this number in Tennessee with a coordinated promotional campaign, which includes encouraging partners and people across the state to engage with the Dementia Friends program.
Improving awareness about dementias, through the Dementia Friends USA program, is just one of many ways Cherokee is working to decrease stigma and offer a continuum of excellent healthcare services to older adults and their caregivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports about 5.8 million people in the United States to have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Approximately 120,000 individuals in Tennessee are living with Alzheimer’s Disease.
“Cherokee Health Systems promotes a safe and supportive age-friendly environment. Please ask us how we are making a difference in our patients’ lives,” said Cherokee Director of Nursing Jennifer Craig, RN.
To learn more about Cherokee and its services, please visit www.cherokeehealth.com. For more information about the Dementia Friends program, email dementiafriendstn@cherokeehealth.com; or visit https://dementiafriendsusa.org/.
ABOUT CHEROKEE HEALTH SYSTEMS
Since 1960, CHS has been committed to ensuring Tennesseans get access to effective, high-quality care. CHS is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves 75,000 people annually. We offer a wide array of comprehensive health services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy. All of our services are available to children, adults, and seniors on an ability to pay basis. CHS is a TennCare (Medicaid) and Medicare provider. In addition, CHS accepts commercial insurance for payment. Click on this link for a location near you. The CHS corporate office is at 2018 Western Ave., in the Knoxville Center-city location in the Mechanicsville community. To learn more about Cherokee Health Systems, Inc., or to find the next COVID-19 pop-up vaccination site, visit Cherokeehealth.com; or call (865) 934-6734.