Cherokee Nation to host Rare Disease Summit in Tahlequah Nov. 21

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Cherokee Nation is hosting a Rare Disease Summit on November 21 to address the unique challenges facing tribal citizens with rare medical conditions.

The event, organized by Cherokee Nation Health Services, will bring together specialty physicians, healthcare professionals and community members to discuss key topics and classified rare diseases impacting the reservation.

"Rare diseases are a significant challenge for tribal citizens and many of our friends and neighbors. This summit is an important step in raising awareness and enhancing support for those impacted directly or indirectly by rare diseases," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "By fostering open dialogue between experts and the community, we hope to empower our people and ensure they have access to the care and resources they need."

The daylong summit will feature a range of speakers including Chief Hoskin, First Lady January Hoskin, Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beth Harp, and several medical specialists across neurology, rheumatology, optometry, infectious disease, and pediatrics.

"Too often, those living with rare diseases feel isolated and under-served. This summit is about coming together as a community, sharing knowledge, and demonstrating that the Cherokee Nation stands with them," said First Lady Hoskin. "We are committed to being a partner in their journey towards better health and quality of life."

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts through a question-and-answer panel, fostering open discussions and deeper insights into rare disease management and treatment.

"Rare diseases may be uncommon, but their impact on individuals and families can be profound," said Dr. Harp. "This summit is about coming together as a community to amplify these voices, share resources, and work toward solutions that improve outcomes for our tribal citizens."

The Cherokee Nation Rare Disease Summit will be Nov. 21 at the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center in Tahlequah. The event is free and open to the public, with lunch provided and a resource fair running from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Registration is required by visiting the website at https://cherokee.org/rare-disease-summit/. More details on the schedule and agenda are also available on the website.

Rare diseases affect an estimated 1 in 10 Americans, including Cherokee citizens. These diseases are defined as any condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S., and there are currently more than 7,000 of known rare diseases. For many of them, there are no approved treatments.

Despite this, research and awareness of rare diseases is still in its infancy, and more needs to be done to ensure that those affected have access to the care and treatments they need.