At the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) Community Health Aide Program Forum last week, several YKHC employees received awards in recognition of their indispensable work.

At the award ceremony, YKHC President & CEO Dan Winkleman provided the keynote address and made remarks about the over two decades that his Grandma Rose served as a community health aide stating, “I remember the tremendous sense of accomplishment and reward she had from helping her patients. That’s where she wanted to be.” He ended his speech with encouragement and gratitude, “remember to keep that smile because we all really got into this business as health care providers because of the ‘thank you’s!’ So, let me be the first to thank each of our awardees… Thank you!”

Jerilyn Glenn, Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) from Emmonak received the Rising Star award, which recognizes a Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), Behavioral Health Aide (BHA), or Dental Health Aide (DHA) who has been employed less than five years, who demonstrates excellence in their role by continuously delivering exceptional patient care, has somehow improved the healthcare delivery system and enhanced the level of care in their community, and has demonstrated balance between work and personal life.

An excerpt from her nomination letter describes Jerilyn as, “exemplifies YKHC’s mission, vision, and values through her clinical practice and leadership. Jerilyn’s colleagues say that she regularly goes above and beyond what is expected, and she know excellence matters.”

Renee Cheemuk, DHAT in St. Mary’s sub-regional clinic, received the Shining Star award, which recognizes a CHAP, BHA or DHA that has worked for five or more years and demonstrates excellence in their role by continuously delivering exceptional client care, has somehow improved the healthcare delivery system in their community, and demonstrates the balance between work and personal life.

An excerpt from her nomination letter reads, “Renee’s actions consistently demonstrate a commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and improving the healthcare delivery in her region. She exceeds the expectations and responsibilities required of a DHAT and has gone above and beyond on many occasions.”

Kipnuk Community Health Aides Norma Evan, CHP, Danielle Paul CHAIII, Chalena Paul CHA Trainee, and Daisy Ayaprun, CHA Trainee received the Outstanding Accomplishment award which recognizes “an outstanding accomplishment in an event that made a substantial impact in the community and/or directly related to extraordinary patient care. A successful candidate will have demonstrated exceptional service that has somehow impacted the health outcomes for an individual or the overall community.”

Their nomination describes the team as displaying extraordinary dedication and skill in their work. “Their collective efforts are nothing short of heroic in the face of adversity. Their unwavering composure and professionalism, remarkable teamwork and resilience is a testament to their commitment to saving lives and their ability to remain composed under pressure reflect the very essence of heroism in healthcare.”

Hope Kiunya, CHP in Quinhagak received the Noth Star award which recognizes a CHAP who has demonstrated leadership in their position. They demonstrate excellence in their role by continuously delivering exceptional service to their patients, organization and community.

Her nomination reads, “Hope is not just a health aide; she is a beacon of light and positivity in her community, staying true to her name. Notably, she took the initiative to visit the school and educate teenagers about the perils of drug use and the sensitive topic of suicide. Her proactive efforts to engage with the community demonstrate her unwavering commitment to its well-being.”

Beverly M. Heckman (Tinker), former CHP in Pilot Station was honored with the Setting Star award, presented in memoriam to CHA/P that have provided a vital community service and have passed away during the past year.

The tribute to Beverly read, “Her position as a health aide gave her many responsibilities and she handled them very calmly, and very generously. Patients and her former coworkers always remember her hard work…”

Quyana, Dogidinh, Thank you to all our community health workers for all of the work that you do and the person that you are.