ANTHC adds emergency services patient liaison position
February 15, 2023
In an effort to improve the patient experience, ANTHC recently added a new emergency services patient liaison position for our people and their families visiting the Alaska Native Medical Center Emergency Department (ED).
This position provides support for our patients and their family members or escorts, by listening to and assessing patient needs, and taking the steps necessary to resolve any concerns or requests. The emergency services patient liaison helps facilitate interaction and communication between our patients and their family members or escorts and ANMC health care staff and providers.
Longtime ANTHC employee and former Security supervisor, Jimmie Freeman, was hired as the new emergency services patient liaison. Freeman, who is Aleut from Dillingham and a decorated combat veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, is known for his hands-on leadership and cultural sensitivity in building relationships with the Alaska Native and American Indian people we serve.
Freeman was an integral member in the creation of ANMC’s Security Department and supervised Security operations for more than 20 years. He’s a familiar face to many ANMC patients and he is really excited to serve our people in his new role.
“We understand that when you or a member of your family seeks emergency care or are admitted to ANMC via the ED, it can be a very scary and stressful time,” Freeman said. “I am here to help provide support and be a resource and advocate for our patients and their families during this difficult time.”
Freeman will frequently round in the ANMC ED, so patients and their loved ones are aware that he is a resource to assist and support them. He will also assist with communicating ED process and expectations to patients and their families.
Freeman is available at ANMC from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. You can reach him by email at JDFreeman@anthc.org or by calling the ANMC ED at (907) 729-1729 and asking to be connected to Jimmie Freeman.