Linda and Shara Davis of Mekoryuk have joined the panel for the CHA/P Emergency Fund. Panel members screen applications and help oversee the emergency fund, which has given out 180 awards to health aides with various emergencies over the last five years. Linda and Shara will share one position and alternate duty times. 

Other Panel members include long-time members: Joseph Okitkun, Marsha Smith, Carla Suskuk, and Katherine Evon. “Shara and Linda are competent, seasoned healthcare professionals who demonstrate the strong willingness to help. Their kindness and proactive assistance make them valuable additions to the Panel. Of the CHPs we have, I feel they provide the highest level of stability,” emphasizes Joseph Okitkun, Field Supervision Coordinator.

Linda and Shara have both been serving the Mekoryuk as Community Health Aide Practitioners for over 14 years. Recently, they were both honored at the AFN Annual Convention in Anchorage and by the State of Alaska Legislature for their outstanding work in immunizing and protecting their community against COVID.

“I worked with both Linda and Shara in session training, and I think they are excellent candidates for the panel,” states Chester Mark, former CHAP instructor and fund founder. “They have demonstrated the highest level of care and concern for their patients and fellow health aides!”

To be eligible, health aides must have an emergency situation and have had at least two years of health aide work history. The fund is a private program operated through the Bethel Community Services Foundation. Applications are available at the Bethel Community Services Foundation web site  http://www.bcsfoundation.org.