Community Education
Why Community Education Matters
CHAP Community Education serves as the backbone of health care delivery in remote tribal communities. By training local individuals, CHAP builds a workforce that is grounded in evidence-based practices while also being deeply rooted in cultural education and community knowledge. The CHAP education system blends classroom instruction, clinical fieldwork, and continuous learning through telehealth support from licensed medical professionals. This integrated approach ensures that providers are equipped to deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care tailored to the unique needs of their communities.
Community Impact
Since its inception, CHAP has supported the development of a community-based workforce, enhancing access to care in tribal communities across Alaska and beyond. The program has reduced the burden of traveling long distances for care, improved health outcomes through timely interventions, and fostered a system of culturally competent care that is responsive to the unique needs of each community.
CHAP Training Overview
Behavioral Health Aide (BHA)
Provides culturally informed training for addressing mental health and substance use disorders through counseling, crisis intervention, and community wellness programs, with progression to advanced roles such as Behavioral Health Practitioners (BHP), supported by tele-behavioral health services. Learn More.
Community Health Aide (CHA)
Offers progressive training across four levels, equipping local community members with skills in primary care, emergency care, and preventive services. Health Aides provide basic medical care, health education, and telehealth-supported interventions in remote Tribal communities. Learn More
Dental Health Aide Training
Training programs are designed to increase the number of American Indian and Alaska Native oral health providers delivering the most needed oral health procedures, including: fluoride treatments, cleanings, simple extractions, and restorative procedures. They provide an accessible educational pathway for careers in oral health. Clinical competency and continual recertification are key components of the training. Learn More.
Transforming Access Through Local Workforce Development
CHAP's community-based education model is designed to close critical gaps in health care access by training local residents to serve as frontline providers. In rural and remote tribal communities, barriers such as geographic isolation, provider shortages, and limited transportation often prevent timely care. By preparing community members to deliver medical, dental, and behavioral health services where they live, CHAP not only increases access but also promotes workforce retention, continuity of care, and culturally grounded healing. These providers serve their own communities—strengthening trust, addressing Social Drivers of Health, and contributing to long-term community wellness.
