SITKA, March 26, 2013 — In response to the Federal budget sequester, SEARHC has decided to suspend the Community Health Aide Training classes (CHAT) for the rest to the Fiscal Year. SEARHC operates a program that trains Community Health Aides throughout the State. Given the financial reality, our focus is on maintaining healthcare operations for our beneficiaries.

“There are a lot of rumors out there that the Community Health Aide (CHA) program is going away,” said Charles Clement, President/CEO of SEARHC, “but all we are doing is stopping the training program until the beginning of our new fiscal. The CHA’s and the CHAT are two entirely different programs. The CHA’s in the villages we serve are still very much a part of our service model and will continue to be.” Clement concluded.

In emergency situations, Community Health Aides are the village equivalent to military medics, stabilizing and preparing a patient for transfer to urban medical facilities. CHA’s have served on the front lines of health care in Alaska since the mid-1960’s.

SEARHC has become one of the leading training facilities for this very important service.