September 10th is a day to celebrate the tireless contributions of Community Health Aides (CHAs), but their work within remote Village communities doesn’t stop at clinical care. CHAs are a vital lifeline in bridging the gap between medical care and those who would otherwise have limited or no access to it. Job duties for a CHA include but are not limited to diagnostics, treatment, and monitoring of various health conditions; emergency services; arranging patient travel to and from Fairbanks and Anchorage for medical appointments, arranging med-evac services, and more. CHAs are not simply medical professionals, they are trusted members of the community.
In 2023, advocates for Health Aides across the state were able to pass House Bill 78, officially designating September 10th as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day. This landmark legislation stands as a testament to the essential role CHAs play in safeguarding the health and well-being of remote and underserved communities across the state. Despite the Community Health Aide Program being a nation-wide system, Alaska is the first state to enact Health Aide Appreciation Day, which honors Health Aides for the hard work they perform in their communities.
Take a moment to thank Health Aides this week!
Mahsi’ Choo to all of our amazing Community Health Aides!