Six years ago, Juliana Anelon had never imagined that she would become a Tribal doctor. At that time, she was working as a Community Health Aide/Practitioner in Iliamna, Alaska, and the surrounding area. As she says, “I’ve always had a yearning for my culture, our Yupik ways. A lot of the things that we do, the way that we live our life every day. It’s a part of traditional healing.” But it wasn’t until she saw a job opening for a Tribal doctor position at Southcentral Foundation that she realized it was something she could do.
Quyana Qenq’a: Reclaiming Land, Building for the Future
Top StoriesA significant step forward for the Alaska Native Community is underway with the transfer of federal land at the site of Quyana Qenq’a to Southcentral Foundation. Congress passed the Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act of 2025 on Sept. 29 that directs the Department of Health and Human Services to transfer approximately 3.4 acres of federal property in downtown Anchorage to SCF.
2026 Color the Kuskokwim: Growing a Tradition of Health, Fun, and Community
McGrathRain clouds and wet weather could not dampen the spirit of the 2026 Color the Kuskokwim Run in McGrath. Forty-five participants from McGrath and Nikolai came together for an afternoon filled with color, laughter, connection, and community pride.
Connecting Rural Youth to Healthcare Careers
McGrathAt Southcentral Foundation, caring for communities means investing in their future. Along with providing health and related services, SCF is assisting rural youth discover pathways to healthcare careers and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Preparing Before Disaster Strikes: McGrath Community Strengthens Emergency Response Through Mass Casualty Drill
McGrathWhen a simulated plane crash was reported near the runway in McGrath Aug. 17, clinic employees, emergency responders, youth volunteers, and community members immediately sprang into action. The crash was not real. The lessons learned were.
Building Safer Riders, Stronger Communities
Life HouseOn a beautiful September day, C’eyiits’ Hwnax Life House Community Health Center hosted six youth for an all-terrain vehicle safety training led by Southcentral Foundation safety instructors Jerry Brown and Leslie Perez-Six. The day included plenty of learning, practice, and fun, but the training served a deeper purpose: preventing injuries and saving lives.
Wonderfully Me: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
SCF NewsAyla is 17 years old and lives in Ts’estacilaexden (Sutton), Alaska. She is a Tribal citizen of the Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax (Chickaloon Native Village) Tribe, and is compassionate, caring, funny, a future rockstar, and passionate about reducing the stigma of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Rural Provider Highlight: Robert Stephan
Top StoriesRobert Stephan’s work as a helper goes all the way back to his childhood. He lives in the village of Tyonek, which is near Anchorage, but is only accessible by boat or by plane. Given Tyonek’s small population (150-200 people, though this number can double or triple in the summer during fishing season), many residents serve multiple roles in the community.
Julianna Anelon: Integrating Traditional Medicine in Modern Care
Top StoriesSix years ago, Juliana Anelon had never imagined that she would become a Tribal doctor. At that time, she was working as a Community Health Aide/Practitioner in Iliamna, Alaska, and the surrounding area. As she says, “I’ve always had a yearning for my culture, our Yupik ways. A lot of the things that we do, the way that we live our life every day. It’s a part of traditional healing.” But it wasn’t until she saw a job opening for a Tribal doctor position at Southcentral Foundation that she realized it was something she could do.
Color the Kuskokwim Brings Families Together in McGrath
Top StoriesUnder the late summer sun, more than 60 customer-owners gathered in McGrath for a new community event, the Color the Kuskokwim Fun Run and Cookout. Families from McGrath, Nikolai, and Takotna came together to celebrate the upcoming school year with a day full of color, laughter, and connection.
Diabetes Prevention: Lose to Win
Top StoriesAre you a customer-owner who has questions about diabetes prevention? SCF providers, specialists, and dietitians can guide and support you. One service available to customer-owners is The Lose to Win Program, an evidence-based diabetes prevention program that focuses on healthy lifestyle changes with accountability along the way.