Community Health Aides
The Community Health Aide (CHA) is a health provider who delivers essential, community-based clinical and preventive health services. CHAs serve as trusted caregivers, educators, and advocates within their communities. They bridge the gap between clinical care and rural access by integrating their cultural knowledge with specialized training in primary, emergency, and preventive care. CHAs play a key role in improving health outcomes by offering accessible, culturally respectful, and patient-centered services directly in tribal communities.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Conduct health assessments and screenings
- Provide preventive care and health education
- Manage chronic diseases and coordinate care
- Administer first aid and emergency care
- Support maternal and child health initiatives
Training and Certification
Core Education
- Completion of a multi-tiered Community Health Aide Basic Training Curriculum (Sessions I–IV), combining classroom instruction with supervised clinical field training
- Emphasis on competency-based learning, integrating written, oral and hands-on skills assessment
- Incorporation of culturally relevant education that reflects community values, traditions and practices
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) consistent with American Heart Association standards
- Continuous learning through field-based mentorship and telehealth-supported case consultation
Core Training
- Introduction to community health
- Basic clinical skills and procedures
- Preventive health education
- Chronic disease management
Certification Requirements
- Complete accredited CHA training program
- Pass competency-based evaluations at each session level
- Get Recertification every two years with continuing education
Impact and Benefits
- Increased access to healthcare in remote areas
- Improved health literacy and prevention efforts
- Enhanced community trust and engagement in healthcare
- Reduced healthcare costs through preventive care
