House Bill 78, which designates September 10th as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day, has been signed into law by Governor Mike Dunleavy. The bill received unanimous support in the House and the Senate, further highlighting the recognition and appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by community health aides in providing essential healthcare services to Alaska’s rural and remote communities.
Introduced by Representative CJ McCormick (D – Bethel), HB 78 aims to acknowledge the exceptional dedication and hard work demonstrated by community health aides, who often serve as the first point of contact for medical assistance in Alaska’s rural areas. These highly trained professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring that remote communities have access to vital healthcare services, including first aid, health education, and preventive care.
In a heartfelt statement, Rep. McCormick expressed gratitude and recognition for the often-overlooked efforts of community health aides, stating, “I wanted to express my gratitude for the hard work and dedication shown by community health aides and acknowledge that their contributions are critical to the health and well-being of Alaska’s communities. I’m proud to move forward the efforts started by my predecessor and carry this bill across the finish line for rural Alaska. And I am grateful to my colleagues in the House Majority who helped support my first piece of legislation.”
By establishing September 10th as Alaska Community Health Aide Appreciation Day, the state officially recognizes the significant contributions made by these healthcare professionals. It serves as an opportunity to express gratitude for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to keeping Alaska’s communities healthy and thriving.
The Alaska House Majority hopes that the signing of HB 78 into law will inspire others to support and celebrate the vital role played by community health aides in Alaska’s healthcare system. This legislation stands as a testament to the importance of their work and the positive impact they have on the well-being of the state’s rural residents.
