Cherokee Health Systems becomes Dementia Friends USA Sublicensee for Tennessee
February 17, 2022

KNOXVILLE - 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. According to Dementia Friends USA, there are more than 108,000 Dementia Friends across the U.S. Tennessee currently has only 200 Dementia Friends in the state. Cherokee aims to increase this number with a coordinated promotional campaign, which includes encouraging partners and people across the state to engage with the Dementia Friends program.

“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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5.8 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Approximately 120,000 individuals in Tennessee are living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Improving awareness about the dementias, through the Dementia Friends USA program, is just one of many ways that Cherokee is working to decrease stigma and offer a continuum of excellent healthcare services to older adults and their caregivers.

“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’s Jennifer Craig, RN, Director of Nursing.

To learn more about Cherokee and its services, please visit www.cherokeehealth.com. For more information about the Dementia Friends program, please email dementiafriendstn@cherokeehealth.com or visit dementiafriendsusa.org.