March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among Alaska Native people. This story can also be found in the current issue of the Mukluk Telegraph. We are tackling colorectal cancer (CRC) through research. Alaska Native people have the highest reported rates of CRC in the world. ANTHC is working to find out why. Below are descriptions of CRC studies at ANTHC and their findings and/or what they hope to learn. Measuring ...

What guides research at ANTHC?Research at ANTHC addresses the health and well-being of Alaska Native people. The goal of ANTHC research is to provide information that will lead to healthier Alaska Native communities. Our researchers study trends and develop solutions for priority health problems. This is done in partnership with Tribal health organizations and communities. ANTHC researchers also study factors that influence the health of Alaska Native families, such as the importance of clean water access in reducing communicable disease, ...

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has awarded a new five-year cooperative agreement to increase the capacity of Tribal Epidemiology Centers to deliver public health functions to, and with, the Tribes/villages in their Indian Health Service (IHS) Area. A total of approximately $8.5 million was awarded in fiscal year 2018 to the 12 Tribal Epidemiology Centers and to one National Coordinating Center. In addition, the ANTHC Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, one of the 12 Tribal Epidemiology ...

In order to create positive health outcomes, we first must be well informed about the overall health of our people. The Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, also known as the EpiCenter, recently published the second edition of the Alaska Native Health Status Report, which covers a range of health indicators and provides data for Alaska Native people. The report provides a statewide overview of the health status of Alaska Native people living in Alaska. The data can help demonstrate significant health ...

Chew on this: A new study released by the University of Washington shows that children in our Alaska Native communities who are served frequently by Dental Health Aide Therapists (ADTEPs) had lower rates of tooth extractions and more preventative care than residents in communities not receiving ADTEP services. ADTEPs provide culturally appropriate dental education and routine dental services in Alaska Native communities, usually their home village, within the scope of their training. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium introduced the first ...

ANTHC staff with the Alaska Native Epidemiology Center participated in and provided technical assistance at a multi-day gathering Jan. 17-19 in Bethel. This event was sponsored by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s Methamphetamine and Suicide Prevention Initiative project, Calricaraq. This homegrown program funded by the Indian Health Service aims to stimulate discussion and reflection on trauma, specifically substance abuse, suicide and violence. It draws on the wisdom of Elders, Yup’ik values, and stories of overcoming trauma from staff, Elders and other ...