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Community Health
Wellness
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With you in wellness.
ANTHC programs offer education, training, and preventative health services to elevate the health and wellness of Alaska Native communities.
Programs and Resources:
Food Sovereignty
Healthy eating and food security are essential building blocks of your wellness.
ANTHC promotes traditional foods and ways through various resources and programs, such as the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), regional symposiums on Alaskan plants as food and medicine, and the Store Outside Your Door project.
Contact
907-729-3634
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Having enough to eat is a basic human need we are passionate about. Whether you are a household seeking assistance or a Tribal partner looking to administer resources, we have the information and support you need.
ANTHC’s Food Distribution Program provides eligible households with a month’s supply of high-nutrient-value food. The exact contents of food packages vary but may include items like fresh produce, canned meats, poultry and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, and more!
Eligible households include:
– Alaska Native households in Tribal communities.
– American Indian and non-Indian households residing on a reservation.
– Households in an approved area that includes at least one member of a federally recognized Tribe
FDPIR food eligibility for households is determined by financial and non-financial standards set by the Federal government. Households must be recertified every 12 months and cannot participate in both SNAP and FDPIR at the same time. View the SNAP-and FDPIR income standards here.
To learn more about the program, call 907-729-2975, or to apply to FDPIR contact your local Tribe.
For Tribal partners:
All federally recognized Tribes in Alaska are eligible to administer FDPIR, provided they follow USDA regulations to guarantee food safety, protect client privacy, and meet on-time reporting requirements. Tribes interested in administering FDPIR can contact the ANTHC FDPIR Program and complete the ANTHC Tribal Information and Application Packet.
Food and Nutrition Services
We believe that food is medicine and that traditional foods serve as a huge asset to a patient’s recovery process. ANTHC Food and Nutrition Services provides a variety of traditional foods to inpatients at the hospital, offering a menu that consists of more than 67% traditional and Alaskan grown ingredients.
Alaska Plants as Food and Medicine
As the reliance upon imported foods has increased over recent generations and as educational dynamics have shifted, there is a widening gap in the knowledge, skills and practice related to Alaskan plants as food and medicine. We facilitate training and regional symposiums to promote traditional plant knowledge, ethical harvesting, and traditional ways of gathering and growing our own food.
If you have questions or if your region is interested in hosting a virtual or in-person plant symposium, please contact us!
Resources
FDPIR and Healthy Eating:
Store Outside Your Door: YouTube Playlist
ANTHC Digital Stories: YouTube Playlist
Publications
Traditional Food Guide: The Traditional Food Guide for Alaska Native People is a popular, easy-to-understand nutrition information book for anyone diagnosed with cancer or other chronic disease.
Eating Good in Alaska: A Nutrition and Traditional Food Activity Book was developed for third—and fourth-grade children to help them better understand traditional foods nutritional information and make healthy lifestyle choices.
View publication pricing list.
How to order:
Publications can be ordered directly from ANTHC’s Cancer Program with prepayment by check or by filling out an ANTHC credit card authorization form, which requires your signature to process payment for your order. Please scan or fax a completed credit card authorization form to cancer@anthc.org or (907) 729-2924 or mail checks to:
Cancer Program, C-DCHS
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
3900 Ambassador Drive, Suite 201
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Diabetes
Diabetes affects the health of Alaska Native people at a greater rate than the general population. We are working to confront that. Our experts work in partnership with the Alaska Tribal Health System as a premier resource for diabetes care, prevention and surveillance.
In addition to services in clinics and at the hospital, our providers deliver care at eight Tribal health partner clinics across the state, bringing care home to you. Contact your local clinic for more information. Our Diabetes Prevention team is available for community events and can provide tailored presentations, host workshops, and set up information tables.
Contact
907-729-1125
diabetesANTHC@anthc.org
Education, Training and Conferences
Alaska Native Diabetes Conference:
The annual Alaska Native Diabetes Conference each fall is an excellent opportunity for partners around the state and SDPI grantees to connect and share ideas. In addition to sharing updates on the latest information in diabetes prevention and treatment, the conference offers an average of 15 category-one AMA CMEs and nursing contact hours.
Diabetes Health Aide Community Workshops:
For regional hubs interested in a one-day or two-day diabetes health aide workshop at your location, please contact the Diabetes program team.
Diabetes Surveillance and Registry
ANTHC has maintained a diabetes registry that tracks the prevalence, incidence, and complications of diabetes among Alaska Native people since 1985. It also tracks those at a higher risk for developing diabetes. The registry helps inform prevention treatment, planning, and programming.
Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI)
The ANTHC Diabetes Program conducts online meetings for regional SDPI diabetes program coordinators on a range of topics.
We also hold biannual, in-person meetings for SDPI diabetes program coordinators, offering networking and CME opportunities.
Regional Diabetes Audits
The annual diabetes audit is a yearly review of Diabetes Standards of Care and Outcomes at 14 Alaska Tribal health facilities. The audit helps monitor care and effectiveness and helps partners identify areas for improvement. The audit results are used for regional diabetes programming, advocacy, and a mandatory portion of the federal Special Diabetes Program for Indians grant application.
Cancer Program
Cancer is personal, and your patient care should be as well. This belief guides ANTHC’s Cancer Program, which collaborates with Alaska Tribal Health System partners to provide culturally relevant education, training, funding, detection, and support.
We share the necessary resources to promote our top priority: reducing cancer and mortality rates in Alaska Native people.
Contact
F: 907-729-2924
cancer@anthc.org
Outreach and Education
Nolan the Giant Colon is an engaging colorectal cancer education tool available upon request. It is an inflatable, interactive walk-through colon display that is 25 feet long, 10 feet high, and 12 feet wide! Nolan is part of the ANTHC Cancer program’s work to normalize colorectal cancer and screening. Nolan is available for health fairs and events where a message of colorectal cancer screening can be shared. Nolan Jr., a smaller inflatable walk-through colon display, is also available.
Booklets:
Diagnosing and Treating Cancer is a 16-page booklet that provides newly diagnosed patients and their families with general information about cancer, how cancer is diagnosed, and treatment options.
Life After Cancer Treatment is a 16-page booklet that provides information on the physical and emotional effects of cancer and adjusting to life after cancer treatment, as well as quotes from Alaska Native cancer survivors.
How to order: Resources and publications can be ordered directly from ANTHC’s Cancer program with prepayment by check or by filling out an ANTHC credit card authorization form, which requires your signature to process payment for your order.
Please scan or fax a completed credit card authorization form to cancer@anthc.org or 907-729-2924 or mail checks to:
- Cancer Program, C-DCHS
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
3900 Ambassador Drive, Suite 201
Anchorage, AK 99508
Colorectal Cancer
Additional Information
Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency (CSID)
CSID is a condition that makes digesting sugar and starch difficult. ANTHC’s CSID Program developed educational resources for patients and their families to support them in managing the diagnosis.
Contact
907-729-3628
csid@anthc.org
Managing Symptoms of CSID
Symptoms of CSID can be managed by limiting foods that contain sucrose and starch. Some people with CSID may be able to tolerate starchy foods better than foods with sucrose.
A traditional Alaska Native diet is excellent for managing symptoms of CSID. Traditional foods are naturally low in sucrose and starch, and are usually well tolerated by someone with CSID.
CSID symptoms can also be partially managed with a medication called Sucraid®. This medication contains a digestive enzyme that helps break down sucrose. It does not help break down starch. Sucraid®, in combination with diet modifications, can help control symptoms of CSID.
FAQs
What are the Symptoms of CSID?
When the body cannot break down sucrose and starch, symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and an upset stomach can occur. Symptoms can happen every time a food with sucrose and/or starch is eaten. Some people with CSID may have more severe symptoms than others. In infants, symptoms often begin when table foods are introduced around 4-6 months of age.
What Foods Contain Sucrose and Starch?
This list is not all-inclusive. There are many other foods that contain sucrose and starch. See Food Guides in Resources tab.
Common foods that contain sucrose include:
Baked goods, candy, jams/jellies, ice cream, flavored yogurt, sweetened beverages, some fruits, some vegetables
Common sources of starch include:
Bananas, bread, cereal, corn, crackers, oats, pasta, potatoes, rice
How Common is CSID?
The number of Alaska Native people who have CSID is not fully known. Healthcare providers have not been able to identify CSID in Alaska Native people for very long. It is estimated that 3-10 percent may have CSID.
How is CSID Diagnosed?
Your health care provider may ask you to give a blood sample to determine if you have CSID. The blood sample will be sent to an out of state lab to be analyzed. It may take 4 weeks until your provider gets the results. The blood test can be used to test children and adults.
There is also a breath test available that can be used to test people 18 years of age or older. The test requires drinking a sucrose solution and breathing into several tubes over two hours. These tubes will be sent to an out of state lab to be analyzed. It may take a week or longer for your health care provider to receive the results.
iknowmine: STI/HIV Risk Reduction Services
Together, we can reduce the number of Alaska Native people impacted by HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). We can create physically and emotionally healthy relationships.
If you need resources, the HIV/STD Prevention Program provides prevention resources and materials through www.iknowmine.org for everything from unplanned pregnancy to STDs. You can also get free at-home testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Visit iwantthekit.org to order yours today.
Elder and Youth Outreach Program
The Elder and Youth Outreach Program (EYOP) works in partnership with long-term care administrators and Tribal health organizations to focus on resiliency, identify and access Elders resources needed to remain at or near their home, and coordinates traditional foods donations.
The program also works to develop opportunities for youth to connect and honor Elders as an Alaska Native traditional value, and for youth to learn the skills to transfer knowledge and stewardship of traditional ways of life.
Contact
Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program
Our mission: to improve the health of Alaska Native people who have or are at risk of getting viral hepatitis or other liver diseases.
How? We offer Adult and Pediatric Hepatitis clinics that travel around the state. We also provide clinical assessment tools, guidelines, and recommendations backed by our research to ensure the care you receive is cutting-edge.
Hepatitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the liver which can cause swelling, tenderness and scarring. The resources below will help you to understand your specific type of hepatitis and how to manage or curb your symptoms.
(For Providers) Liver Disease Guidance Book
Contact
Adult Clinic:
907- 729-1500
Internal Medicine Clinic
Healthy Communities Building, 3rd Floor
Resources for Patients
General Resources
Hepatitis B Resources
Hepatitis C Resources
- Hepatitis C – What You Need to Know (video)
- CDC Hep C Overview
- ALF Hep C Info Center
- Patient Guide – Managing HCV Treatment
- HCV Patient Education Sheet
Liver Disease Resources
- ALF – Autoimmune Hepatitis
- ALF – Cirrhosis
- ALF – Primary Bilary Cholangitis (PBC)
- ALF – Alcohol Related Liver Disease
- ALF – Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
- Fatty Liver Education Sheet
View more related resources here.
Resources for Providers
Hepatitis B Resources
- Hep B Screening Guidelines
- CDC Hep B Vaccine Recommendations
- Interpretation of Hepatitis B Serologic Test Results
- Risk of Reactivation in Immunosuppressed Patients Algorithm
- Hepatitis B Labs-Definitions
- Immune Status Prior to Vaccination
- CDC Hepatitis B Information
Hepatitis C Resources
- CDC Screening Brochure
- Hepatitis C Screening Algorithm
- Confirmed Hepatitis C Algorithm
- CDC Hepatitis C Information
Liver Disease Resources
- Liver Disease Guidance Book
- FibroScan and MRE Interpretation
- Alcohol Associated Hepatitis Algorithm
- Elevated LFTs Algorithm
- Severe ALT-AST Elevation Considerations
- Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase Algorithm
- MASLD Workup Algorithm
- Liver Disease Patients General Follow-Up Guidance for PCPs
- AASLD Practice Guidelines
- CDC Hepatitis A Information
How to Follow Patients with Liver Disease
View more related resources here.
Training: Ending the Syndemic (CE’s are no-longer available)
HCV Treatment (For providers)
Find forms, decision trees, and prescribing information for treatment.
LiverConnect ECHO
View the LiverConnect ECHO page
Newsletters, News and Publications
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Publications
- LDHP Fall Newsletter 2026
- LDHP Spring Newsletter 2026
- July 28 World Hepatitis Day – WorldHepatitisAlliance.org
- Liver Disease/Hepatitis News – Medical News Today
- Nov 5, 2014 – FDA Approves Olysio (simeprevir) in Combination with Sofosbuvir for Genotype 1 Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
- H.R. 3723 (113th): Viral Hepatitis Testing Act of 2013 – Govtrack.us
View more related newsletters and resources here.
FAQs
What does “hepatitis” mean?
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. There are three major types of viral (infectious) hepatitis and there are non-infectious liver diseases, like autoimmune hepatitis, alcohol hepatitis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Why do I need an ultrasound of my liver?
An ultrasound is a non-invasive way to screen for liver cancer and it shows the shape and size of your liver, the ducts surrounding the liver, the blood vessels to/from your liver, and it can show if there is fluid (ascites) around the liver.
What is a Fibroscan®?
Most liver clinic patients have a FibroScan® at least once. It is different from an ultrasound of your liver. FibroScan® is a non-invasive way to measure the amount of scarring and fat in the liver. The test takes about 15 minutes. A probe is placed against the skin in the right upper abdominal area and a wave of energy passes from the probe through the skin to measure liver density. You will need to fast (no food or water) for three hours before the test.
What is a liver biopsy?
A liver biopsy is a medical procedure to remove a very small piece of your liver to find out more about the health of your liver. You will have a liver clinic appointment with a blood draw a day or two before a liver biopsy. You will be at the hospital for about three to four hours on the day of your liver biopsy. You will need an escort to be with you when you leave the hospital after a liver biopsy.
Why is it recommended to abstain from alcohol use when I have liver disease?
Heavy alcohol consumption can damage a person’s liver cells, which can lead to scarring of the liver. When you have liver disease, abstaining from alcohol use may help repair the liver.
If I have fatty liver, what can I expect to happen when I am seen?
Your provider will check you for other causes of liver disease and if you have fatty liver, you will undergo a FibroScan® to measure how much fat and scarring is in your liver. If you have a lot of scarring and fat, your liver clinic provider will discuss with you the benefits and risks of having a liver biopsy.
Do I need treatment if I have hepatitis B?
Most people with chronic hepatitis B infection do not need treatment unless their liver blood tests show a high level of virus in their blood. Anyone with hepatitis B should have a blood draw for liver tests and liver cancer screening every six months. If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, you will be sent a reminder letter every six months to have your blood tested.
Can I give my baby hepatitis B or hepatitis C while breastfeeding?
There is no risk of transmitting hepatitis B or C while breastfeeding unless your nipples are cracked and bleeding. All newborns should be vaccinated against hepatitis B starting at birth.
Why should I receive treatment for hepatitis C if I don’t have any symptoms?
Most people with hepatitis C do not have any symptoms, but the virus can still be spread to others. Also, if hepatitis C is left untreated, you can develop chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer over time.
How old should my child be before I have them tested for hepatitis C?
If you are a mother with hepatitis C, your child should be tested once after 12-18 months of age. A viral load can be drawn as early as 2 months of age if needed.
Why do I need blood draws during my appointments while on hepatitis C treatment?
Monthly blood draws help to safely monitor you and determine if the treatment is working. Some patients may need more frequent monitoring due to the medications they are on or if they have advanced liver disease.
When am I considered cured of chronic hepatitis C?
You no longer have hepatitis C if the viral load is not detected 4 weeks after treatment completion.
Can I get hepatitis C again?
You are not immune to hepatitis C after treatment. You can get hepatitis C again if exposed to the virus.
How do I prevent getting hepatitis C again?
Avoid risk factors for hepatitis C: Do not share needles or drugs, razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers and cover all cuts. Only obtain tattoos from licensed tattoo artists. Practice safe sex.
If I have autoimmune hepatitis or primary biliary cholangitis, are there treatments available and how long do I have to take them?
Yes, there are very effective treatments available and you will likely have to take these daily for the rest of your life. Also, you should have your liver blood tests monitored every three to six months. If diagnosed with one of these autoimmune liver diseases, you will be sent a reminder letter every six months to have your blood tested.
Immunization Program
Vaccine-preventable disease should be just that: preventable. Our program ensures that Alaska Native people are just as protected as anyone else.
We work statewide with our Tribal health partners to coordinate vaccine programs and offer educational opportunities. We have resources and promotional materials to help you get the word out on everything from immunization schedule recommendations to vaccine information.
Contact
General Resources
For Healthcare Providers and Staff
Supporting healthy, thriving communities.
A healthy diet is an essential part of wellness for people of all ages, yet food scarcity is a harsh reality for many Alaska Native people. ANTHC seeks to support communities through food distribution programs, symposiums, and educational resources.
