Community Health Aide program Executive Proclamation by Governor Sarah Palin, Dated April 3, 2007
The Community Health Aide Program was born during the tuberculosis epidemic of the 1950s. Village volunteers known as “Chemotherapy Aides” monitored the administration of TB medications in a village-based treatment program. These volunteers, predecessors to the Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners, helped to bring tuberculosis under control in rural Alaska. The role of these aides expanded during the ensuing years.
The Community Health Aide Program was formally established by the Indian Health Service in 1968. It has grown to be a vital component of the rural health care system now managed by the tribal organizations throughout Alaska.
Rural Alaskans living in isolated communities depend on Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners for primary health care. Dental Health Aides are now included as part of the primary care team and Behavioral Health Aides will be added soon. The delivery of health care to these remote sites is a challenge of unparalleled dimensions.
This unique system of health care is not found anywhere else in the United States. Other countries have modeled their rural health care after this program. It is the devotion and professionalism of the many individual Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners that have contributed to the overwhelming success of the health care model.
Community Health Aides, Community Health Practitioners and Dental Health Aides make a significant contribution to improving the health of village residents. They provide quality care for patients under very difficult and stressful working conditions. Their efforts are an inspiration to all Alaskans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 23-27, 2007 as:
Community Health Aide/Community Health
The Community Health Aide Program was born during the tuberculosis epidemic of the 1950s. Village volunteers known as “Chemotherapy Aides” monitored the administration of TB medications in a village-based treatment program. These volunteers, predecessors to the Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners, helped to bring tuberculosis under control in rural Alaska. The role of these aides expanded during the ensuing years.
The Community Health Aide Program was formally established by the Indian Health Service in 1968. It has grown to be a vital component of the rural health care system now managed by the tribal organizations throughout Alaska.
Rural Alaskans living in isolated communities depend on Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners for primary health care. Dental Health Aides are now included as part of the primary care team and Behavioral Health Aides will be added soon. The delivery of health care to these remote sites is a challenge of unparalleled dimensions.
This unique system of health care is not found anywhere else in the United States. Other countries have modeled their rural health care after this program. It is the devotion and professionalism of the many individual Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners that have contributed to the overwhelming success of the health care model.
Community Health Aides, Community Health Practitioners and Dental Health Aides make a significant contribution to improving the health of village residents. They provide quality care for patients under very difficult and stressful working conditions. Their efforts are an inspiration to all Alaskans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 23-27, 2007 as:
Community Health Aide/Community Health
Practitioner/Dental Health Aide Week
in Alaska and encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing the valuable contributions of Community Health Aides, Community Health Practitioners, and Dental Health Aides, and thank them for their dedication and service to the people of Alaska.
Archive Proclamation - CHAP
Governor Murkowski proclaims April 24 through 28, 2006 - Community Health Practitioner/Dental Health Aide Week
Now, Therefore, I, Frank Murkowski, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim April 24-28, 2006 as Community Health Aide/Community Health Practitioner/Dental Health Aide Week in Alaska, and encourage all citizens to join me in recognizing the valuable contributions of Community Health Aides, Community Health Practitioners and Dental Health Aides, and thank them for their dedication and service to the people of Alaska.