Cherokees Honored By Cancer Organization

NewsOn6.com

TAHLEQUAH, OK -- The Cherokee Nation has been honored for its work in cancer awareness.

The tribe has been named the 2008 Exemplary Tribal Organization for Comprehensive Cancer Control Implementation by C-Change, a national cancer organization.

"This is a great honor for the Cherokee Nation and our Health Services team," said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. "For many years we have been working in several areas of cancer control, including prevention, treatment and advocacy. This program is a good example of ga du gi, working together to help those in need."

In 2008, the tribe implemented a tobacco free policy on the grounds of all Cherokee Nation facilities and began an anti-tobacco campaign through video and print. As part of this effort, the Nation offers smoking cessation classes and works with schools in the area by developing Students Working Against Tobacco teams.

"Cherokee Nation Health Services is committed to reducing cancer rates in the Cherokee Nation," said Dr. Gloria Grim, Medical Director for the Cherokee Nation. "The Cherokee Nation Comprehensive Cancer Coalition is one of the first tribal programs to complete a cancer prevention plan and begin implementation of the plan. This comprehensive document was developed by an exceptional group of people who are experts in their field including surgeons, oncologists, environmental experts, public health experts, and many others."

The award will be presented in November at the C-Change Annual Meeting in College Station, Texas.