On April 18th, the Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall was filled with applause, pride, and joyful tears as two cohorts of graduates were honored during the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) graduation ceremony. Family members, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate the incredible achievements of the newest Session IV graduates—dedicated individuals on their academic and professional journey to becoming a Community Health Aide Practitioner.
Session IV is the second-to-last training in CHAP’s rigorous pathway, requiring months of academic study, hands-on clinical practice, and unwavering commitment. These graduates have not only advanced their medical training but have also deepened their commitment to serving the health needs of their communities.
The following Session IV graduates were celebrated at the ceremony:
- Heather Kangas – Itinerant
- Jordyn James – Dot Lake
- Katrina Dillard – Northway
- Amber Demit-Albert – Northway
- Kara Jonathan – Tanacross
- Myra Ambrose – Nulato
- Danielle Dayton – Huslia
- Tasha Demit – Northway
Health aides are the front line of health care in rural Alaska and represent a legend of resilience and ingenuity for the services they provide. Each of these graduates has completed a major milestone, not just in their training, but in their journey as vital members of their communities’ healthcare teams. Tanana Chiefs Conference extends a heartfelt congratulations to all of our community health aide graduates.
