Category: Healthy People and Prevention

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among Alaska Native people. Alaska Native men and women are two times more likely to get diagnosed with colon cancer than non-Natives. But there is hope, it is also one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. An important step to preventing colon cancer is to be screened. It is recommended that Alaska Native people should start screening at age 40. If you have a family history of ...

Sarah Mattie, ANTHC RN, has been named as a 2024 Go Red for Women ambassador! She is one of eight Alaska women to be chosen as an ambassador. “As a heart failure survivor and congenital heart disease carrier, the Go Red for Women campaign is so important to me because it serves to educate women on the signs and symptoms and how to advocate for the proper treatment and care,” Mattie said. “It took nearly a year after my first ...

Dr. Ryan Wilson started at ANTHC in July 2023, working as a neurologist at the Alaska Native Medical Center. Dr. Wilson grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. His family is Iñupiat from White Mountain and Unalakleet.   “Returning home to Alaska to serve the Alaska Native people has been a lifelong dream, and the motivating factor to pursue medical education and become a neurologist,” Wilson said. At the core, Dr. Wilson sees his role as a provider is to be a teacher. ...

Please join ANTHC to Tell Your Heart Story in honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We recognize suicide affects everyone and that it can be challenging to talk about. Throughout September, ANTHC will host weekly activities to promote mental, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness. After completing the weekly activity, visit anthc.org/TYHS and complete a survey for a chance to win $100 in Amazon gift cards. Participation is open to all Alaska residents. Tell Your Heart Story activities will focus on self-care, ...

Be a hero. Carry naloxone. ANTHC encourages community members to join us for a naloxone drive-thru training and distribution event on Saturday, Sept. 16 from noon-3 p.m., at the Alaska Native Health Campus in the parking lot next to the pond, southwest of the ANMC hospital. All community members are welcome. Fentanyl has been fueling the opioid epidemic. Fentanyl-related deaths have dramatically increased in Alaska. Learn how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer naloxone, a ...

Leandra Beech, Siberian Yupik, is making a positive impact on the dental health of some of the smallest patients visiting the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) hospital.  Beech, a Dental Health Aide/Therapist (DHAT) Instructor/Practitioner, recently began screening patients and providing preventive services at ANMC Inpatient Pediatrics.  “As an Alaska Native provider, I am honored and proud to provide care to my people,” Beech said. “I strive to make an impact on their dental care and hope to serve as a ...