Earlier this month, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) hosted the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) Forum 2024, bringing together dental, behavioral and community health aides from across the state, representing most tribal health organizations. This second annual integrated forum provides an opportunity for health aides from all disciplines to earn continuing medical education hours, network with providers and peers and build relationship to enhance healthcare delivery across Alaska.
A highlight of the CHAP forum was the presentation of awards honoring health aides who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and excellence in their roles. This year, we are proud to celebrate three individuals from YKHC’s CHAP and DHAT for their outstanding contributions.
Dental Health Aide North Star Award: Conan Murat, Bethel
Dental Health Aide Therapist Practitioner (DHATP) Conan Murat was recognized as the recipient of the state wide 2024 Dental Health Aide North Star Award. The North Star Award is given to a Dental Health Aide who has demonstrated leadership or outstanding supervision in their position. They have demonstrated service excellence in their role by continuously delivering exceptional service to their patients, organizations and community.
Conan has demonstrated excellence in his role as DHATP, providing dental care in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta for over 20 years!
Being one of the original Alaska DHAT, he faced and overcame many challenges, and paved the road to success for DHATs in Alaska. His efforts and contributions in the field have also guided the success and growth of YKHC’s DHAT program. He has traveled extensively throughout the region to provide dental care to communities in need, allowing for consistent dental care, without patients having to travel long distances. In addition to excelling in his clinical care as a DHATP, he also serves as a mentor to new dentists and DHATs at YKHC, sharing his vast knowledge and experience working in our region. His colleagues say he is a great person to have on the team. He is always helping out when needed and making the clinic a fun place to work. He has stuck through the hard times and has improved the oral health of the communities he serves. His actions consistently demonstrate a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and improving the healthcare delivery in our region. He is a North Star that deserves to be recognized for his many accomplishments.
North Star Award: Daniel Joekay, Bethel
Daniel Joekay was awarded the prestigious North Star Award, recognizing his exceptional leadership and commitment to guiding and mentoring health aides within the CHAP program. Daniel’s dedication to supporting new aides and delivering high-quality care has made a profound impact, making him a guiding light for his colleagues and a trusted leader within our region.
Shining Star Award: Darren Smith, Scammon Bay
Darren Smith received the Shining Star Award in recognition of his dedication and service. Known for his compassionate and culturally relevant approach to patient care, Darren has consistently demonstrated the values that CHAP upholds. His commitment to overcoming the unique challenges of healthcare in rural Alaska ensures that each patient receives respectful and effective care.
Congratulations to Conan, Daniel and Darren for their well-deserved awards!