Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation announces 2019 Luminary Award recipients
February 25, 2019
The Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation will host the 12th annual Raven’s Ball on Saturday, March 23 at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Regarded as one of Alaska’s most elegant black-tie celebrations and vibrant fundraising events, this year’s event continues the tradition of philanthropy to benefit the Foundation. The three key initiatives of the Foundation are: improving medical care, strengthening wellness and prevention efforts, and promoting healthy village environments.
An annual highlight of the event is the presentation of the Luminary Awards. Each year, individuals and groups are recognized for their dedication and outstanding contributions to the Alaska Tribal Health System and their communities. The Foundation Board is excited to announce the recipients of the 2019 Raven’s Ball Luminary Awards.
Legacy & Leadership Award: Linda Clement
Linda Clement is a lifelong leader and champion of health and wellness for Alaska Native people. The first in her family to graduate from college, Clement taught in Metlakatla for many years and has contributed significantly to the advancement of Tribal self-governance and Tribal health. In 2018, she retired after 14 years of service as a director with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Board. Clement’s focus on family and child development and the importance of education will leave an enduring impact on the health of Alaska Native people.
Outstanding Rural Health Champion: Old Minto Family Recovery Camp
The Old Minto Family Recovery Camp is a unique recovery program that works to provide clients with skills to help live substance-free and productive lives. Located at a historic village site, Old Minto opened in the 1980s and is an alternative resource to substance abuse treatment with a focus on Athabascan values and traditions as the foundation for recovery. Many Alaskans have completed the program arriving by boat, plane, or snow machine and spend at least 35 days at the camp in cabins with wood stoves for heat, kerosene lamps for light, no running water and no electricity.
Distinguished Provider: Dr. Matt Hirschfeld
Dr. Matt Hirschfeld has devoted his life to developing health systems to improve the lives of Alaska Native women and children. He is currently the medical director of Alaska Native Medical Center Maternal Child Health Services and also serves as pediatric specialist for Norton Sound Health Corporation. Dr. Hirschfeld’s dedication to health care has brought him to serve in many leadership roles across Alaska, including the All Alaska Pediatric Partnership and the Rasmuson Foundation Board of Directors.
For more information on the 2019 Raven’s Ball Luminary Awards, Raven’s Ball sponsorship and table information, or the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation, please call (907) 729-5652 or visit www.inspiringgoodhealth.org.
About the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation
The Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation works to raise awareness and funding to further the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s vision of Alaska Native people being the healthiest people in the world. Proceeds from the Foundation’s fundraising work supports three key initiatives: improvement of medical care, wellness and prevention, and healthy village environments. For more information about the Foundation, please visit inspiringgoodhealth.org.