U.S. HHS Top Official Tommy
Thompson Tours Alaska
Alaska's health care system has certainly caught the attention of high-ranking national policy makers this year. In August, Alaska had the fortune of host-ing U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and key staff as they toured rural health clinics, hospitals, alcohol treatment facilities and
the University of Alaska. Secretary Thompson's tour was preceded by an April visit by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) officials. Both these visits were opportuni-ties for Washington D.C. to get
an up-close look at the discrepancy between the concept of "rural health" in the lower 48 and the extremity of isolation in Alaska. In both visits, the official itinerary was disrupted when groups were prevented from traveling due to inclement weather. These inconvenienc-es serendipitously demonstrated the unique
health care and human services delivery chal-lenges our communities face on a daily basis.
Secretary Thompson announced over $30 million in federal grants on his tour through-out Alaska. He consistently stated that he wanted to form a partnership with Alaska and Alaska's Congressional delegation and use his Department's expertise and resources to address our distinct health care needs. He,
along with top staff, promised to visit Alaska each year as long as he serves as Secretary.
"Secretary Thompson's visit marks the first time in over a decade that Alaska has hosted the top federal health and human serv-ices official. While other Secretaries have visited Alaska in the past, it is likely the first time ever that so many top officials in the Department visited the state in a single visit," says Karen Perdue, UA Associate Vice President.
(Cont. next page)
“...it is likely the first time ever that so many top officials
in the Department visited the state in a
single visit.” 3211 Providence Dr. Diplomacy Building #530 Anchorage, Alaska 99508 (907)786-6575 fax: (907)786-6576 anms1@uaa.alaska.edu
UAA introduces Master of
Public Health: A Positive
Step for Rural Alaska
The Master of Public Health (MPH) program was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents in June 2002. Public health is a multi-disciplinary field that strives to protect the community as a whole rather than focusing on individual patients. The emphasis in public health is typically on prevention rather than treatment after the fact.
This degree program is a positive step for Rural Alaska in two major ways. First, the degree program will help meet the state's urgent need for professionals in all public health-related fields, including village water systems safety, epidemiology, environmental health and safety, occupational safety and health, health education, and injury prevention for children. This in-state program will offer curricula relevant to public health issues facing Alaska.
(Cont. p. 4) Alaska Center for
Rural Health
Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies
Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies Secretary Thompson and UAA President Mark Hamilton
Alaska Rural Health Notes
Volume 4, Number 3; Fall 2002 http://ichs.uaa.alaska.edu/acrh
Secretary Thompson came to Alaska at the invitation of Senator Ted Stevens to get a first hand look at delivery challenges and to learn about innovations underway to meet the needs of frontier Alaska. He and his staff were pre-sented with rural health care delivery issues, the need for rural sanitation and clinic proj-ects, substance abuse and mental health treat-ment programs, and health professions train-ing concerns and telemedicine.
Secretary Thompson began his trip in Fairbanks with a visit to the University of Alaska, hosted by President Mark Hamilton, where he was briefed on health education efforts and health research. The Secretary was then hosted by Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Tanana Chiefs Conference for a visit to the com-munity hospital, long term care facility, and the Chief Andrew Isaac Clinic. Secretary
Thompson visited the
Fairbanks Native Association's Lifegiver's program, a treat-ment program for adolescent girls. In the afternoon, he and his staff flew to Galena to tour the combined Galena Health Center and Mental Health Center, recently con-structed partly with Denali Commission funds.
The Yukon-Kuskowim Health Corporation hosted Secretary Thompson's daylong
visit to Bethel and the village of Kwethluk where he and his staff focused on the Y-K's innovative programs and their challenges in delivering health care.
In Anchorage, Secretary Thompson met with tribal health leaders, and toured the Alaska Native Medical Center and
Southcentral Foundation's primary care facility, among other stops. The Secretary also visited Dillingham, where he and Senator Ted Stevens dedicated a Headstart facility. Senator Frank Murkowski and his wife Nancy also hosted the Secretary at events in Alaska.
Senior Department heads also made inde-pendent visits to health and human services programs and facilities in Fairbanks and Anchorage, and spoke with State officials and the Denali Commission staff.
This article provides a brief overview of Secretary Thompson's visit but does not describe all aspects of his trip. For more information, contact Jennifer Bowers of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, 907-474-6281.
Accompanying Secretary Thompson to his Alaska visit were: Robert Wood, Chief of Staff, U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services; Matt Bluhm, Special Assistant to the Secretary, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Andy Knapp, Counselor to Secretary Thompson, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Ruben King-Shaw Jr., Deputy Administrator & CEO, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS); Wade Horn, Assistant Secretary, Administration for Children & Families, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Charles Curie, Administrator, SAMHSA; Michel Lincoln, Acting Director, Indian Health Service; Chris Mandregan, Alaska Area Director, Indian Health Service; Janet Hale, Asst. Secretary for
Budget, Tech., & Finance, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Marcia Brand, Office of Rural Health Policy, Health Resources & Services Administration; Andy Bush, Director, Office of Family Assistance, ACF, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services; Frank Murkowski, U.S. State Senator, Alaska; Liz Connell, Legislative Assistant for Health Care, Senator Ted Stevens' office; Joel Gilbertson, Legislative Director, Senator Frank Murkowski's office; Jeff Staser, Federal Co-Chair, Denali Commission; Buddy Brown, President, Tanana Chiefs Conference; Jay Livey, Commissioner, AK Health & Social Services; Karen Perdue, Associate Vice President for Health, University of Alaska.
En route to Galena: Marcia Brand, Josephine Huntington, Ruth Burnett, Karen Perdue, Joel Gilbertson, Janet Hale, Liz Connell, and Chris Mandregon. Thompson, Hamilton, and
Kelly Drew share a laugh
Photos of Thompson and Hamilton by Adela Batin Jackson, Statewide Office of Public Affairs. Other Thompson tour photos provided by Karen Perdue, Associate Vice President for Health, University of Alaska.
Janice Troyer manages the Alaska Behavioral Health Careers Program.
Strengthening the
Behav-ioral Health Workforce:
ACRH Receives HCOP
Grant
Given Alaska's critical need for more profes-sionals in behavioral health, the Alaska Center for Rural Health (ACRH) is pleased to
announce the establishment of the "Alaska Behavioral Health Careers Program," which will be dedicated to increasing and improving the size and quality of Alaska's rural/frontier behavioral health workforce by encouraging University of Alaska students to enter behav-ioral health fields of study and employment. A 2001 statewide allied health
assessment showed several behavioral health fields have some of the highest turnover rates, and are the most difficult positions to recruit. These fields include human service workers, substance abuse workers, men-tal health counselors, licensed
professional counselors, and social workers. Moreover, demand for these professionals is projected to increase in the future (Alaska's Allied Health Workforce: A Statewide
Assessment, March 2001). According to Beth Landon, Director of ACRH, "This problem is exacerbated in rural and frontier areas where many clients are Alaska Native, yet most behavioral health professionals are not."
Working in partnership with University of Alaska behavioral health academic programs, rural high schools and community-based organizations, ACRH will support and encour-age disadvantencour-aged students to pursue behav-ioral health degrees and careers. The three major components of the project include: (1) an 8-week Behavioral Health Summer Institute (Raven's Quest Summer Institute) targeting disadvantaged college students with
undeclared majors; (2) a peer men-toring program to support Summer Institute graduates and other stu-dents in their academic pursuit of behavioral health degrees; and (3) a program to recruit economically and/or educationally disadvantaged
high school students into the behavioral field.
The "Alaska Behavioral Health Careers Program" is funded by the Bureau of
Health Profession's Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) grant. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announced on August 3, 2002 that $264,452 would be award-ed for this program in Year One of the three year grant.
To learn more about this new program, please contact Janice Troyer at the ACRH: anjkt1@uaa.alaska.edu.
"This problem is exac-erbated in rural and frontier areas where
many clients are Alaska Native, yet most behavioral health professionals are not."
Secretary Thompson with Jim Kohler of Chief Andrew Isaac; Josephine Huntington of TCC; Buddy Brown, President of TCC; and Mike Powers, CEO, Fairbanks Memorial.
Janell Smith of ICHS and Alisa Jenny of UAF discuss CANHR issues.
PPaaggee 44
Study of Body Weight,
Nutrition, and Health in
Alaska Natives
The National Institute of Health has granted a five-year study to investigate body weight, nutrition, and health in Alaska Native
popula-tions. Specifically, this study will examine the three areas of research: nutrition, cultural understandings of health, and the genetics of obesity and diabetes in Native peoples. As one aspect of this larger project, Dr. Kari Hamrick
and Janell Smith of the Institute for
Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) are cur-rently assessing the use of traditional and store-bought foods.
The University of Alaska has established the Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR) to guide this complex, yet impor-tant, research study. The Yukon-Kuskokwim
Health Corporation, with their proactive approach and dedication to the health needs of the Native peoples of Southwest Alaska, has made a commitment to be a community partner to CANHR. They will support stud-ies with a focus on body weight and its rela-tion to health. CANHR hopes to work close-ly with coastal and river communities in this endeavor.
"Many scientific studies have been con-ducted regarding the cold climate adaptations of birds, sea mammals, ground squirrels and other animals, but there isn't a wealth of information out there about historic human adaptation to cold climates," says Janell Smith.
One unique aspect of this study is that a cadre of experienced researchers has been assembled specifically to support and oversee researchers conducting research in a village environment. This group, called the Knowledge, Application and Dissemination Unit (KAD Unit) is composed of Carl Hild, Donna Burgess, Mark Anaruk, and headed by Brian Saylor, director of ICHS.
UAA introduces Master of
Public Health Cont...
"The focus of this MPH program is on the public health problems of people who live in Alaska and other northern regions," says Professor Lawrence Weiss, UAA's MPH pro-gram coordinator. "That is what makes it bet-ter for our students than an MPH from Harvard or Yale."
Secondly, students, including those from Rural Alaska, will be able to enroll in the pro-gram without having to leave their communi-ties. Using a "distance delivery" format, prima-rily telecommunications and the internet, this educational opportunity will be accessible to
remote villages, so people will no longer have to disrupt their careers and leave their families.
"Considering the magnitude of the issues we deal with, the MPH will be extremely valu-able," says Tom Lefebvre, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium's planning and development director. "It will provide knowl-edgeable professionals and leaders, particularly Native people, who are able to address today's and tomorrow's needs throughout the state of Alaska."
For more information about the MPH program at UAA, contact Professor Lawrence Weiss: 786-6574; email: mph@uaa.alaska.edu; web site: http://health.uaa.alaska.edu/mph/
Secretary's Initiative on Rural Communities
On July 25, 2001, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson charged all HHS agencies and staff offices to examine ways to improve and enhance health care and human services for rural Americans. The Report from the Rural Task Force, titled, "One Department Serving Rural America: HHS Rural Task Force Report to the Secretary" was released on July 26, 2002. For more information on this report, visit: www.ruralhealth.hrsa.gov/initiative.htm.
Five presenters from across the country were invited to speak at the unveiling of Secretary Thompson's Rural Health Initiative in Colorado. One presenter was Alaska's own Valerie Davidson, Executive Vice
President of YKHC. She spoke about YKHC's health care delivery system and various programs, including the CHAP program and the unique train-ing challenges for the region.
UAA Researchers
Sharpen their Skills for
Research in Frontier
Alaska
In an effort to continue to advance research expertise, researchers from the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies and the Institute for Social and Economic Research met for a three-day work session on qualitative techniques. The sessions were lead by renowned researchers, Drs. Richard Krueger and Mary Ann Casey of the University of Minnesota, who conduct studies for non-profit and government organizations on topics related to health and social welfare. The session addressed issues relating to con-ducting research in frontier/rural communities,
and adapting traditional methodological proto-cols to accommodate the unique circum-stances of conducting research in the diverse cross-cultural settings of Alaska. Participants were coached on focus group moderation techniques, systematic analysis processes, and study design.
Louise Shavings and Gabe Garcia debate moderation techniques.
Dr Krueger leads a mock focus group with UAA researchers.
Secretary Thompson, Valerie Davidson, and Ruben King-Shaw Jr. (photo taken in Alaska).
Kathy Graves interviewing medical directors.
PPaaggee 66
Kathy Graves, Research
Associate
Kathy Graves, ABD, MSW, is a new part time Research Associate with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies. She has 20 years experience working as a social worker with Southcentral Foundation, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Abused Women's Aid In Crisis,
Valley Women's Resource Center, and other non-profit mental health and substance abuse programs in the Anchorage area. She is currently collaborating with Mariko Selle on the Rural Health Network and Referrals Assessment, as well as working with Dr. Donna Burgess, Chair of her Dissertation
Committee, on various research projects in conjunction with her dis-sertation process. Kathy was born in Seward and raised in Ninilchik, Quzinkie, and Kodiak. She feels most at home while in nature with her family and their dog, Heidi.
Dian Lo Dolce,
Administrative Assistant
Dian Lo Dolce recently became an
Administrative Assistant for the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies. She holds Associate Degrees in Office Administration and Psychology, and is currently pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. A resident of Alaska since 1959, her background includes nearly 12 years service with the University of Alaska educational system, where she was formerly the Program Development Specialist for UAA's Rural Education Department in St. Paul Island, Alaska. Her other experiences include founding HAVEN, a shelter for women and children in domestic crisis, employment with the Disabled Americans Veterans Service Office in Anchorage, and contract work with the Environmental Compliance Section of the FAA. Ms. Lo Dolce lives with her husband Thomas, their miniature husky, and two cats. She enjoys gardening, crafting, and Alaskan summers.
Spotlight on Alex Taylor:
She's GOING places
Congratulations to Alex Taylor, student assistant with the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, who received the Indian Health Service (IHS) scholarship. She was selected based on her academic perform-ance, professional recommendations, dedica-tion to career goals, and the relevancy of her career goals in helping meet the needs of Indian people. The IHS scholarship will fund entire school expenses for her last year of nursing school, as well as provide $1084 stipend per month for living
expenses.
Alex, who was raised in Fairbanks, is an Inupiat Eskimo originally from Shishmaref. She is pursuing a BS in Nursing and anticipates becoming an RN this winter. She is currently working
with Dr. Kari Hamrick of ICHS on dietary studies. "She is outgoing, extremely moti-vated, and has an excellent understanding of public health issues in Alaska," said Dr. Hamrick. Way to go, Alex!
Sharilyn Mumaw, Data
Manager
Sharilyn Mumaw is the new Data Manager for the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies. She joins Carl Hild, Donna Burgess, and Sanna Doucette in making up the Analytic Unit of the Division of Health Sciences. Her work in the Unit will include data management for research projects and resolving computer problems. She has been in Alaska since 1973 and has a long history
with UAA. In addition to having two degrees from UAA, she is a former Student Regent, a past Research Assistant for both Dr. Bernard Segal
and the School of Justice, and a former adjunct instructor. Her daughter is currently a JPC major at UAA and works at KTVA-Channel 11 in news pro-duction.
Alex Taylor before (kinder-garten) and today.
Staff
Alaskan Events
Nov 13-16, 2002:The Emergency Medical Services Symposium, Eagan Convention Center. Anchorage, AK Contact: Karen Peterson; (907) 562-6449; kpeterson@sremsc.org;
www.chems.alaska.gov/ems_symposium.htm
Nov. 21-22, 2002:FAS Summit Conference. Hilton Hotel, Anchorage, Alaska. Contact: Heidi Brocious; 465-3003 or 1-877-393-2287; heidi_brocious@health.state.ak.us. FAS Summit 2002: Gathering Resources for Today and Tomorrow.
December 2-6, 2002:Rural Mental Health Conference. Location: Anchorage, AK. Contact: Randy; 800-770-1672 or 907-451-5045; www.hss.state.ak.us/dmhdd.
December 3-4, 2002:Alaska Public Health Association (ALPHA) Health Summit. Anchorage Sheraton Hotel. Contact: Dr. Larry Weiss; (907) 786-6574;
afldw@uaaalaska.edu
December 4-6, 2002:Annual Alaska Area Diabetes Conference. Location: Anchorage, AK. Topics will range from empowering your patients, to obesity, to medications. Contact: Carol Treat; ctreat@anmc.org.
National/International Events
November 9-13, 2002:Putting the Public Back Into Public Health, 130th APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition. Location: Philadelphia PA. Contact: American Public Health Association; (202) 777-APHA (2742); www.apha.org/meetings.
December 5-6, 2002:Race, Culture,
Technology: Impact on Rural Minority Health, The 8th Annual Rural Minority Health Conference. Location: San Diego, CA. Contact: Rosemary McKenzie, Minority Affairs Director; (816) 756-3140;
rmckenzie@NRHArural.org;
www.nal.usda.gov/ric/richs/conf.htm
HRSA Telehealth Grant
Announcement
Applications will be available for the Telehealth Grant Program (HRSA 03-049) on December 17, 2002; the Letter of Intent deadline is February 5, 2003; the application deadline is March 17, 2003, and the project-ed award date is September 1, 2003.
According to the announcement, funds will be used to support rural telehealth grant projects, including the funding of some smaller, more narrowly defined rural com-munity-based projects. The grants awarded will support health providers to improve access to health services, develop communi-ty-based clinical telemedicine, and set up distance-learning education projects for health professionals and patients and their families in rural communities. More infor-mation is available at the HRSA web site. Contact Amy Barkin, 301-443-0447 or abarkin@hrsa.gov.
Compilation of Funding
Sources Available
(Centers of Excellence
Study)
The Alaska Center for Rural Health (ACRH) has compiled a compendium of past and current federal health care research and development funding sources, now available online. This document was pro-duced as a part of the Centers of
Excellence study, funded by the Alaska Division of Public Health. This study was intended to help Alaskan institutions devel-op capacity for improving and strengthening primary care.
This document is time sensitive as grant opportunities change. However, the four volumes may serve as a guide to potential funding sources for your organization. It can be accessed on the ACRH web site at http://ichs.uaa.alaska.edu/acrh/current-projects/ces_report.htm
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Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies 3211 Providence Dr.
Diplomacy Building, Suite #530 Anchorage, Alaska 99508 (907) 786-6576
Alaska Rural Health Notes
The Alaska Center for Rural Health (ACRH) is a private, non-profit corporation housed within the Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Our mission is to improve access to a compre-hensive, culturally-relevant health care system for Rural and Frontier Alaska.
ACRH Staff:
Beth Landon, Director
Janice Troyer, Research Associate Mariko Selle, Research Associate
Jan Harris, Senior Health Systems Specialist
