2011 Community Health Aide Program Shining Star Awards

1. 2011Community Health Aide Program Shining Star Awards

2. Rising Star Nominations Henrietta Adams of Kivalina Natasha Cannon of Point Hope Johanna Coghill-Kukes of Nenana Carol Field of Noorvik Brianne Golgergen of Savoonga Cheryl Goodell of Koliganek Sam Kenoyer of Larsen Bay Charlemagne McMullen of Nanwalek Danielle Reynolds of Savoonga

3. Charlemagne McMullen CHP • Charlemagne began her work with Chugachmiut as an EMT-I and became a CHA I in July 2007. She became credentialed as a CHP in January 2011.  Her commitment to continued education and professional growth is evident. She provides excellent services to the beneficiaries in the Chugach region and is quickly becoming a leader as a CHP. Her quick adaptation to our Electronic Health Record resulted in her being designated a “super user”.   She balances being a spouse, mother and clinician very well and is a valued member of the Chugachmiut Health Services Division. Cheri Hample, MSW , Chugachmiut

4. Shining Star Nominations Isabelle Booth of Kivalina Lena Bell Joe of Hooper Bay Andy McLaughlin of Chenega Bay Florence Mitchell of Maniilaq Susan Shoemaker of Sand Point Sheri Thomas of Naknek

5. Sheri Thomas, CHP of Naknek • Sheri has been a health aide for 23 years. She once said that being a health aide is a calling, not a job and does not end with the clinic is closed. She has oriented, trained and mentored many health aides with clinic organizational skills. She assists other clinics with organization as needed and when one new clinic opened, she volunteered to go and move the clinic and organize it as there were no health aides in the village at the time. Cindy Fyfe Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation

6. Outstanding AccomplishmentHealth Aides of the year Sophia Ahmaogak, CHP of Wainwright Stella Anasogak, CHP of Wainwright Danese Davenport of Glennallen Dianne George, CHP of Stevens Village

7. Sophia Ahmaogak, CHP, Stella Anasogak, CHP Dianne George, CHP • These three health aides working in Wainwright took exceptional care of a recent pediatric patient who had a very serious injury and their effort undoubtedly saved this patient’s life and protected the patient from more severe disability. The medical team at ANMC remarked on the excellent pre-hospital care given by these three women. Dr. Matt Hirschfeld Inpatient Pediatrics Alaska Native Medical Center Stella Anasogak Sophia Ahmoagak Dianne George

8. In Memoriam Julie Jones, CHA Kathleen Mark, CHP Adela Okitkun, CHA Ella Willie, CHA Mattie Yatchmeneff, CHP

9. Kathleen Titus Mark, CHP of TetlinAugust 26, 1938- March 16, 2011 • Kathleen worked in Tetlin Village as a community health aide for 35 years before retiring from Tanana Chiefs Conference. She served her community by not only providing health care but by being a stable influence. She had an innate ability to understand what was going on with individuals and encouraged them to take are of themselves and their families. She always told family and friends "take care of yourself and your health." Kathy always had a smile on her face and she was a inspiration to all who knew her. Dr. Donna Galbreath, MD Southcentral Foundation

10. Julie Jones CHA of KoyukukOctober 14, 1967 to July 5, 1992 • Julie touched a lot of lives in her short career as a CHA.  She inspired many in her village to live healthier lives and was a support to many who suffered from their addictions.  Her sense of humor and adventurous outlook on life left you smiling for days.  I believe it was her mission to carry on what her mother and great grandmother did for their village, to provide excellent health care.  Her family would like to remind us all that village health aides are the first responders to a vast array of medical and mental health emergencies. The toll can build up and in Julie’s memory, we pray for young mothers and mental health providers. Jackie Suckling, CHP Nenana

11. Adela Okitkun, CHA of KotlikDeceased: December 2008 • A health aide for over 28 years, Adela never complained about how tired she was or how burned out she was from work. She would take on-call when everyone else wouldn’t and be there to help even when she was on leave. Adela’s smile brightened her patients and she had the trust of the community. She had a kindness and gentleness that had no end. Bill Schreiner, CHAP Director YKHC

12. Ella Willie, CHA of NapakiakMarch 19,1933- February 22, 1992 • Ella was a health aide from Napakiak who dedicated her life to help others in need until her own health took her life. One of my memories of her as a health aide is that she was always smiling and that there was never any mean talking, negative attitude or signs of stress. To me she was the best health aide I have ever known. The Napakiak, Alaska clinic is named after Ella. Norma Evan, CHA III, Kipnuk

13. Mattie “Margie” Yatchmeneff, CHAof False Pass • Dec. 6, 1942 – October 10, 2010 Born in False Pass, Alaska Margie was educated at Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka She enjoyed bingo, music and playing her accordion She was a health aide in the village she loved for many years