Indian Health Service Receives Gift Membership to Expand Training for Serious Illness Care

The Indian Health Service (IHS) has received a two-year membership to the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) through a grant-funded initiative, expanding access to training and resources that support care for patients with serious illness.

Through this gifted membership, targeted IHS workforce development participants, including Models of Care initiatives and clinical training programs, will gain access to CAPC's comprehensive library of web-based courses, tools, webinars, and expert support. These resources are designed to strengthen clinical skills and support the use of palliative care approaches in everyday care settings.

"We are excited about this opportunity to strengthen our workforce and expand access to training that supports the care of patients with serious illness," said Jolie Crowder, PhD, MSN, RN, CCM, IHS National Elder Care Consultant.

"CAPC is committed to improving care for people living with serious illness, including American Indian and Alaska Native communities," said Brynn Bowman, MPA, Chief Executive Officer of CAPC. "We are honored to partner with the Indian Health Service to support their efforts to expand access to training and strengthen care delivery."

CAPC is a national organization whose mission is to improve care for people living with serious illness. This collaboration supports IHS efforts to enhance care quality and improve health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native elders, including people living with Alzheimer's or dementia.

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What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized care for people living with serious illness. It focuses on improving quality of life by relieving pain and other symptoms, and by supporting emotional, cultural, and spiritual needs. Palliative care takes a whole-person approach and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage of illness.

Learn more about palliative care from the Center to Advance Palliative Care here.