On June 14, family and friends gathered in Anchorage to celebrate ten new Dental Health Aide Therapists (DHAT), the largest graduating class from the Alaska Dental Therapy Education Program (ADTEP) to date. “As we begin the celebration of 15 years of DHAT practice in Alaska, it is fitting that this is our largest class, with 10 graduates,” said Dr. Mary Williard, who helped create ADTEP. “The success of our DHAT education program has been documented, showing that the work of ...

The Garden of Roses-Camp for Girls offers a healing space through traditional values for Alaska Native girls ages 8 to 17 who are survivors of sexual abuse. Over three days in August, camp attendees participated in healing circles and connected with their Alaska Native culture through safe, positive activities. The Garden of Roses-Camp for Girls is sponsored by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative. This year’s camp is scheduled for August 2-4 in Fairbanks, Alaska and ...

As the summer days grow longer, our Alaska Native people will spend more time on the water – whether it’s on boats or shores, fishing or for recreation. However, every year, water related accidents and fatalities affect our Native community. On average, 17 Alaska Native people drown each year. About half of Alaska Native drowning victims are ages 30 and under. Our Alaska Native men are six times as likely to drown than our Native women. These numbers can be ...

At the Alaska Native Medical Center, nurses and medical staff work to ensure the safety and care for patients as they heal and address their health needs. One way that staff is dedicated to patient care is by supporting breastfeeding women and their families. A group of ANMC volunteers are working together to make reusable breast pads for mothers who live in rural areas where disposable breast pads are either hard to find or expensive to purchase. Nurses in the ...

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recognizes May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Spring is a peak season for people affected by asthma and allergies. ANTHC’s Air and Health Homes Program wants Alaska Native people to recognize potential in-home irritants that can trigger asthma and allergies. Download a PDF with tips on asthma irritants to avoid here. Asthma is a chronic disease that causes irritation and swelling of the airways, impacting the lungs and breathing. Asthma can ...

This story appeared in the April – June 2019 edition of the Mukluk Telegraph. Read more stories from the latest issue here. This May, the 12th annual Youth Environmental Summit (YES) will convene in Kluti-Kaah, Alaska. YES is a day camp held in the Copper River region for youth in kindergarten to eighth grade, where participants learn about climate change, the environmental history of the area, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Gakona Village Council started the Summit in 2008 ...