Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women — affecting one out of eight women in the U.S. Knowing how and when to get screened while following the recommended testing schedule is the best method to detect cancer in its earliest stages, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Medicaid eligibility renewals returned to the regular annual review process April 1. This impacts community members who qualified for Medicaid while federal provisions were in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. To limit gaps in health coverage, being prepared can give your family time to consider your options and take action. Medicaid renewal preparedness starts with making sure your contact information is current and by opening and responding to all mail from the Alaska Division of Public Assistance.
Southcentral Foundation is continually making improvements to better serve Elder customer-owners who visit the SCF Elder Program. Elder Program Manager Chris Klabunde recently announced a new service that provides on-site behavioral health services.
“Come home and give those kids a life.” These were the words from Family Wellness Warriors Director Bobbi Outten’s father that saved her. Outten had been married for 11 years when she left her husband for the seventh and final time. She ran with just a few personal belongings, her three young children, and one on the way. Outten shared she felt desperate and credits her parents, pastor, and a caring network of people for supporting her to find the strength to leave a home laced with addiction, chaos, control, and violence. Because she found a safe community, Outten never turned back.
Southcentral Foundation Learning and Development Clinical Advisor Carol East, of Aleut descent, found out about the Dental Assistant Training Program in 1999. At the time, East was seeking a career change.
Southcentral Foundation Executive Vice President Melissa Merrick accepted the Social Worker of the Year award at the biennial conference of the National Association of Social Workers Alaska Chapter on Sept. 22.
Six villages surround Iliamna Lake: Igiugig, Kokhanok, Iliamna, New Halen, Nondalton, and Pedro Bay. While each community has a small clinic with one or two health aides, there are limitations, especially regarding trauma and emergency response. In 1999, the villages enlisted the help of Southcentral Foundation to plan, develop, and build a facility to offer more comprehensive services to the Iliamna Lake Region, including Port Alsworth.
As Alaskans, we expect the snow to fall, sun to shine, and fish to run each year. Just as we expect these annual events, we can also anticipate the seasonal flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Fortunately, there are steps you can take during months with higher rates of respiratory illness to keep yourself, your family, and your community protected.
There was a time when this land was pristine and inhabited by multiple cultures living in reciprocity and respect alongside each other, the animals, and the elements. Thousands of years have passed, and many of these cultures Indigenous to Alaska are still thriving today.
With days that look like nights and skies lit by aurora borealis, Alaska can be a wintry wonder, reminding us of why we choose to live in this beautiful state. Here are some tips on how to stay safe and warm while enjoying and appreciating the splendors of the Alaskan winter season.