About Cherokee Nation Public Health
Cherokee Nation Public Health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play. While a doctor treats people who are sick, Cherokee Nation Public Health programs work to try to prevent people from getting sick or injured in the first place. Public health programs also promote wellness by encouraging healthy behaviors.
Public health is often defined as promoting, protecting and improving the health of communities, and preventing disease through detection and response. Cherokee Nation believes good public health practice is one that includes a systems approach. The Cherokee Nation’s public health system encompasses many tribal, public, private and community organizations that work in partnership to assure conditions in which people can be healthy. Such conditions include, but are not limited to social, economic, education and environmental factors.
Another valued partner within our public health system is the Cherokee Nation health care delivery system, which includes hospitals, clinics, health care providers (such as physicians, nurses and dentists), urgent care services, community health centers, and pharmacies, among others. Since access to care is an important factor that affects the overall health of communities and individuals, the Cherokee Nation health care delivery system is a critical partner in improving health outcomes in Cherokee communities.
