Chandra Wilson
Project Manager – Bold NW Tribal Elder Project – Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB)
I started my work in AI/AN public health services over two decades ago without knowing or having any understanding of the healthcare delivery systems.
My interests and work are committed to developing programs and policies that will support tribal communities and address the persistent health disparities that tribal communities experience. I was born into a reservation community that views life through a Native lens which is a particular way of living; my vision has remained the same, to live out the ways I was raised by my grandparents, and that is to live in the footsteps of our ancestors, and to be guided by purpose and a good life. To me, this looks like to nurture, teach, protect, promote, provide, and advocate for the well-being of tribal communities, families, youth, and elders. This includes promoting traditional wellness, for long, healthy lives for our people. I want to help our tribal communities, our tribal programs, and families learn about dementia by understanding more about Alzheimer’s and how to recognize the early signs of memory loss.
I am interested in serving on the national brain health advisory group for several reasons. I care about people. I care about elders, I care about the health of our brain. I care about traditional-wellness practices.
I didn’t think twice about taking care of my brain until I experienced a traumatic brain injury. During my time serving on the advisory group, I hope to, build connections and expertise in dementia and brain health – bringing my knowledge, energy, and experience to the table and building relationships with other folks who care about people, elders, and brain health.
Chandra Wilson serves as the program manager for BOLD and the NW Tribal Elder’s Project at the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board located in Portland, Oregon. In her role as the program manager, she manages and is responsible for supporting the goals and objectives for the BOLD grant and oversees and manages the overall work for the BOLD and NTEP projects and is responsible for assisting the member tribes of Idaho, Oregon and Washington with capacity building to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
