April 15, 2008
Martha Yohak,CHP, Chefornak, examines young patient. Photo by Janet Erik, CHP.
Health Aide Appreciation Week April 21–25
Health Aides deserve your appreciation
by Carl Evans, CHAP Support CounselorAlaska is unique among our country’s 50 states in the way it provides health care to its citizens living in rural areas. The heart and soul of the program that provides quality health care to the 26,000 people spread over 75,000 square miles and the 56 communities of the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta is the Community Health Aide/Practitioner.
Community Health Aides go through a rigorous training process, attending a pre-session and four full sessions. Each session lasts 3–4 weeks and requires that the Health Aides be away from their families and community for extended times. Upon completion of each session, CHA/Ps must practice a minimum of 200 hours before attending the next session. Once they pass Session 4, CHA/Ps are eligible to complete a preceptorship to become a Certified Community Health Practitioner or CHP. This process can take up to two years. All CHA/Ps must have current Emergency Medical Training (EMT) since they typically are the first responders in a village emergency. Health Aides have the responsibility of being the eyes, ears and hands for the doctors and other providers who may be hundreds of miles away.
The job of a Health Aide can be very stressful. I’ve heard them talk about feeling that they are not supported or feeling that they are unfairly criticized. It is very difficult for them when they have to respond to non-urgent after-hours call-outs. When asked, “What is the best part of your job?” in a recent survey of Health Aides, the most common answer was, “Helping someone and being thanked.”
We would like to encourage you, as individuals and as a community to express your appreciation for your Health Aides not only during Health Aide Appreciation Week April 21–25, but any and every day.
You can contact Carl Evans at 907-543-6163or toll free: 1-800-478-3321 ext 6163
