As flu season begins, it is important to know the health benefits of getting an annual flu shot versus myths about the vaccine. Myth: I am healthy, so there is no need for me to get a flu vaccine. Fact: It is true that the flu vaccination is routinely recommended for people who have a chronic illness. But anyone – even healthy people – can benefit from being vaccinated. Current guidelines suggest that children ages 6 months to 19 years ...

ANTHC’s programs are constantly collaborating and partnering with local organizations in improving the wellness of Alaskans statewide. Recently, ANTHC Diabetes Program Community Educator and Dietician Luz Smeenk partnered with Camp Fire Alaska’s Rural Program to develop a wellness curriculum for Alaska’s rural youth. Over the last several years, Camp Fire worked to develop a wellness curriculum that is holistic, youth centered, and culturally relevant for Alaska’s rural communities. Through a close partnership, Smeenk and Camp Fire took great strides to ...

The first phase of construction to replace the flooring in the ANMC front entrance and gathering area is complete and the front entrance is now open for regular use. The Information Desk and Central Registration have also moved back to their original locations near the front entrance. Construction work will continue in front of the craft shop and a detour will be necessary to access the main elevators. This project removes the uneven slate tile flooring and replaces it with ...

Smoking negatively impacts our Native communities throughout Alaska, but few know it as well as our people living in the North Slope region. Cancer is the leading cause of death in the North Slope; one in four diagnosed cancers is lung cancer. To combat the repercussions of smoking, North Slope Borough has partnered with ANTHC and the Alaska Quit Line to let our Native community know that resources to quit are available. Titled “I Never Thought It Could Happen to ...

Earlier this month, advocates for Tribal diabetes prevention and treatment programs met with federal lawmakers and their staff to share the value of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI), a vital program helping improve the health of our people. The meetings were arranged by the National Indian Health Board to advocate for continued congressional funding of the program. The 19 Tribal health organizations receiving SDPI funding are represented at the national level by ANTHC Board Vice-Chair Lincoln Bean, Sr. ...

Thanks to a new visual history installation, visitors to the Alaska Native Medical Center can take a stroll through the history of our health and medical achievement at the ANMC hospital. A timeline chronicling important events in Alaska Native health and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium now hangs in the north side, first-floor hospital hallway, just before the sky bridge to Patient Housing at ANMC. The seven-panel installation includes historical photos of the progress of our people in the ...