This June, Tanana Chiefs Conference recognized three new Community Health Aides who have completed the Basic Training requirements of the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), marking an important milestone in strengthening health care throughout Interior Alaska.
Loren Thomas will return to serve her home community of Tetlin, Chance Shank will work in his home community of Dot Lake, and Karissa McCarty will provide care in an itinerant role throughout the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments (CATG) region. Their graduation reflects months of rigorous training and a commitment to delivering quality care in rural communities where Community Health Aides are often the first point of contact for patients.
The graduation ceremony was led by Terri Cadzow, Executive Assistant of Health Services, and included remarks from Dr. Michael Brumage, Senior Medical Director, and Dr. Gabe Schuldt, CHAP Training Center Manager. Dr. Alisa Alexander also shared her appreciation for the Community Health Aide Program, reflecting on the invaluable lessons she learned from Community Health Aides while training to become a physician.
Family, friends, colleagues, and mentors gathered to celebrate Loren, Chance and Karissa’s accomplishments, sharing stories of their dedication, perseverance, and compassion throughout the program.
Congratulations to the graduates on this achievement and on the vital role they will play in providing trusted, community-centered care across Interior Alaska.
