ANTHC welcomes Haida, Inupiaq and Tsimshian woman as Director of Patient Housing
December 2, 2024
Hazel Graham will bring years of patient experience service to the forefront of her new role as Director of Patient Housing. Graham has worked at ANTHC since 2005, where she started as a Medical Clerk on ANMC’s 5 East unit. Prior to her new position, Graham was the Patient Relations Manager for the Patient Experience department at ANMC. In her role as Patient Housing Director, Graham oversees operations at Patient Housing, Quyana House and SpringHill Suites University Lake.
“In my role as Director of Patient Housing, I am particularly passionate about ensuring that our facilities not only provide safe and comfortable accommodations for patients, but also reflect the values of our people,” Graham said. “I see my role as an opportunity to help bridge the gap between health care access and cultural understanding, ensuring that our services meet the unique needs of our Alaska Native population.”
Graham is a member of the Haida Tribe from the Yaklanaas Clan and is also Inupiaq and Tsimshian. Her family comes from Hydaburg, Metlakatla, and a community near Teller, Alaska.
Graham completed her Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) training at the Career Academy. She has also pursued hospitality courses through Cook Inlet Tribal Council and the State of Alaska, and earned a certificate in Patient Experience Leadership from the Beryl Institute. While working at ANTHC, Graham has participated in several leadership development programs, including ANTHC’s Pathways to Leadership and Leadership Excellence Through Advancement and Determination (LEAD) Track 1. She is currently enrolled in LEAD Track 2 and will graduate in May 2025. Graham’s goal is to complete all ANTHC Leadership and Development programs.
“As a Tribal member, working at ANTHC is both an honor and a privilege. It allows me to contribute to the well-being of my community and provide care to those who share my heritage,” Graham said. “What I love most about working at ANTHC is the sense of purpose and connection to my community. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do directly impacts the health and well-being of Alaska Native people.”
In her new position, Graham is excited about the opportunity to make meaningful improvements in patient accommodations, ensuring that ANTHC not only meets the basic needs of patients, but to also create a welcoming, culturally sensitive environment.
Graham is deeply passionate about traditional arts, spending quality time with Elders, her children, grandchildren and extended family. She finds great joy in traditional singing and dancing, as these are important ways to stay connected to her culture and community. Graham also enjoys spending time in nature, whether it’s fishing, berry picking, or simply being outdoors, as it helps her stay grounded and connected to her roots. She is passionate about sharing cultural resources, such as traditional foods, with those who may not have access to them.
“It’s important to help preserve and pass down these traditions,” Graham said.