Expanding Care-Delivery: A SWOT Analysis of the Community Health Aide Program in Three Oklahoma Tribes

Authors: Amanda J Llaneza, Kara A Stone, Kimberlee Burgess, Lancer D Stephens, Keri Eason, Annaliese Cothron, Julie Seward

This study examined the potential of expanding the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) in Tribal Nations in Oklahoma to improve access to healthcare. Participants identified more benefits than challenges, highlighting stronger connections between communities and health services, improved workforce capacity, better use of resources and technology, and more culturally appropriate care. The findings suggest that integrating CHAP into Tribal health systems could help increase access to medical, behavioral, and dental services, especially in underserved communities, while addressing workforce shortages and other barriers to care.