Cooperative Agreement H1H8IHS0031

The Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service awarded Kenaitze Indian Tribe a $200,000 cooperative agreement under the Indian Health Service Health Management Development Program (CFDA 93.228) on September 1, 2026, to enhance sustainable models of dementia care for tribal and Alaska Native elders and their caregivers in the central Kenai Peninsula.

Kenaitze will deliver comprehensive, culturally relevant, evidence-based dementia care services through its existing infrastructure, including the Dena'ina Wellness Center—operated in partnership with the Indian Health Service and offering primary care, dental, optometry, behavioral health, chemical dependency, wellness, physical therapy, pharmacy support, and traditional healing—and the Tyotkas Elder Center, which serves tribal and Alaska Native residents ages 55 and older with nutrition services, transportation, home visits, light housekeeping, traditional craft activities, and elder advocacy. The project addresses diagnostic and treatment gaps in dementia care within the elder community through early identification and comprehensive service coordination. Kenaitze's four elder advocates and one advocacy supervisor will work directly with community members to connect them to available services.

The award period runs through August 31, 2028, with place of performance in Kenai, Alaska. The program supports development and enhancement of tribal management infrastructure to assume or expand Indian Health Service programs and functions.