Case Study
Advancing
same-day treatment
through innovative
diagnostics.
For Cherokee Nation Health Services, eliminating Hepatitis C starts with reaching the most vulnerable — and compressing the time between diagnosis and treatment.
For this story, we brought a published research study to life, transforming clinical findings into a compelling case for community-based diagnostics in a tribal health setting. The result is an intimate portrait of how Cherokee Nation Health Services is advancing same-day HCV treatment, told by the dedicated team driving that work from within CNHS.
In collaboration with Cepheid's Marketing Communications team, we set out to tell the whole story — not just the clinical outcomes, but the leadership alignment and cross-departmental commitment that made implementation possible. Central to that story was the Behavioral Health Department, whose role as a key driver proved essential to connecting the most effective care to the most vulnerable population in the region.
Through video, the people behind the work, their passion and shared commitment, come to life.
The Story
The traditional pathway for Hepatitis C treatment begins with a critical vulnerability: preliminary screening followed by multiple follow-up visits before treatment can begin.
In rural communities like Tahlequah, Oklahoma, that gap becomes a barrier. Limited transportation, economic hardship, and the complex circumstances faced by high-risk individuals mean a significant number of patients who test positive for HCV never return for follow-up care. The cycle perpetuates itself — and elimination stays out of reach.
Cepheid's point-of-care PCR testing breaks that cycle.
Fast, accurate results enable same-day diagnosis and treatment, removing the window in which patients are lost to follow-up and delivering a meaningful improvement in care for Tahlequah's most vulnerable residents.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.