The Community Health Aide (CHA) Program was developed in the 1950s in response to a number of health concerns including the tuberculosis epidemic, high infant mortality, and high rate of injuries in rural Alaska. In 1968, the CHA Program received formal recognition and congressional funding. The long history of cooperation and coordination between the federal and state governments and the Native tribal health organizations has facilitated improved health status in rural Alaska.

The CHA Program now consists of a network of approximately 550 Community Health Aides/Practitioners (CHA/Ps) in over 170 rural Alaska villages. CHA/Ps work within the guidelines of the 2006 Alaska Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, which outlines assessment and treatment protocols. There is an established referral relationship, which includes mid-level providers, physicians, regional hospitals, and the Alaska Native Medical Center. In addition, providers such as public health nurses, physicians, and dentists make visits to villages to see clients in collaboration with the CHA/Ps.

The Alaska Area Native Health Service has the responsibility for provision of medical and health related services to Indian Health Service beneficiaries residing in Alaska. These services are provided by tribal organizations within the Alaska Native Health Care System. The village based CHA/Ps are a vital link in the delivery system.

Community Health Aides are selected by their communities to receive training. Training centers are located in Anchorage, Bethel, Nome, and Sitka. There are four sessions of CHA training; each lasts three to four weeks. Between sessions, the CHAs work in their clinics completing a skills list and practicum. Completion of the four session training curriculum and successful completion of a clinical skills preceptorship and examination, qualify the CHA as a Community Health Practitioner (CHP). CHA/Ps at any level of training may obtain certification by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board.

The Community Health Aide Program model is currently being used as a template to develop programs in the areas of dental care, behavioral health, and elder care.

For more information on the Community Health Aide Program, please contact
Victorie Heart
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
4000 Ambassador Drive, Room 419
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Phone (907) 729-3642
Fax (907) 729-3629
e-mail: vheart@anmc.org