Indian Health Service Community Health Aide Program

The Indian Health Service (IHS) Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) consists of several funding programs designed to help Tribes and Tribal Organizations (T/TO) improve access to health care in their respective communities. The national CHAP provides a network of health aides training to support licensed health professionals while providing direct health care, health promotion, and disease prevention services. These providers work within a referral relationship under the supervision of licensed clinical providers that includes clinics, service units, and hospitals. The CHAP will increase access to direct health services, including inpatient and outpatient visits. The Tribal Assessment and Planning program is designed to support the assessment and planning of Tribes and Tribal Organizations is determining the feasibility of implementing the CHAP in their respective communities. The Tribal Planning and Implementation program is designed to support the final planning and implementation of Tribes and Tribal Organizations that are positioned to begin operating a CHAP.