The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) 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 in assessing and referring members of their communities who seek medical care and consultation. Alaska CHA/Ps are the frontline of healthcare in their communities.
About the Alaska CHAP Program
The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) was developed in the 1960s in response to a number of health concerns, including: the tuberculosis epidemic, high infant mortality and high rates of injury in rural Alaska. In 1968, CHAP received formal recognition and congressional funding. The long history of cooperation and coordination between federal and state governments as well as Native tribal health organizations has facilitated improved health status in rural Alaska.
CHAP now consists of a network of approximately 550 Community Health Aides/Practitioners (CHA/Ps) in more than 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 midlevel 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 (AANHS) has the responsibility of providing 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.
CHAs 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 of which lasts three to four weeks. Between sessions, CHAs work in their clinics completing a skills list and practicum. After successfully completing the four-session training curriculum and a clinical skills preceptorship and examination, the CHA qualifies as a Community Health Practitioner (CHP). CHA/Ps at any level of training may obtain certification by the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board (CHAPCB).
The CHAP model is currently being to develop programs in the areas of dental care, behavioral health and elder care.
http://www.akchap.org/html/home-page.html
Thanks I looked at the website. You said they are developing programs for dental, behavioral health and elder care. Are you working as an NP and in what capacity?
ReplyDeleteI am the ER provider. As that, I am the point of contact for the CHAPs. I am working on a blog that describes my daily duties and how I work with them.
ReplyDeleteThe dental, behavioral, and elder programs are in place, they are fairly new and as always an evolving process.
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Thank you. I have been an RN for 9 years and did travel nursing and enjoyed it. As I finish my NP schooling I am looking for different areas to explore.
ReplyDelete