Health Aide Program History

Betty Guy. Photo by James H. Barker

The History of CHAP

The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) was established under the auspices of the Indian Health Service in 1968. This unique approach to health care utilizes local community members who are hired as Health Aides.

The Community Health Aide Program was modeled after a private working relationship between Betty Guy, community health volunteer from Kwethluk and Dr. Harriet Jackson, a private doctor in practice at Bethel. Dr. Jackson volunteered her consultation services to Betty Guy. In later years this would evolve to become what is called "Radio Medical Traffic," which referred to the use of short wave radios to report health care concerns of patients to medical providers. The use of radios compromised the privacy of patients. Today, telephones, computers, telemedicine and fax machines have replaced the radios.

In 1970, YKHC took over management of CHAP. In 1975 YKHC partnered with the Kuskokwim Community College to gain accreditation for the Community Health Aide Program. In 1984, a Statewide Training Curriculum was introduced and adopted. In 1985 State regulations for health aide training were drafted.

Health Aides now are able to obtain certification as Community Health Aide Practitioners by completing required training. The CHAP Program is considered the backbone of services in the villages.