Dementia Models of Care Grantees
IHS received dedicated funding in fiscal year 2021 to address the dementia challenges facing tribal communities, people living with undiagnosed and diagnosed dementia, and their caregivers. In September 2022, IHS announced $662,176 in cooperative agreements for tribal and urban Indian health clinics and systems to develop models incorporating comprehensive approaches to care and service for people living with dementia, and their caregivers.
Program awardees will design and implement locally developed, innovative models of culturally competent screening, diagnosis, and management of people living with dementia.
The 2022 cooperative agreement awardees include:
Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, Inc. (Bemidji Area) will develop a culturally appropriate standardized diagnostic approach by hiring a program manager and an elder from the community to work with community health workers to raise awareness of dementia.
Indian Health Council, Inc. (California Area) will implement a multi-level, comprehensive approach to care and services for people living with dementia and their caregivers by supporting early detection of dementia. Their integrated case management system will ensure timely delivery of patient-centered care planning, monitoring, caregiver support, and access to specialized services.
Nez Perce Tribal Health Authority (Portland Area) through Nimiipuu Health, will educate tribal programs and clinical teams on how to recognize the signs of dementia and support elders and caregivers affected by dementia.
Northern Valley Indian Health, Inc. (California Area) will expand services by hiring a program coordinator to oversee their Stronger Together Dementia Awareness Program. They will also create an early detection tool and individualized health plans to empower individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
