YKHC prepares for Gathering next month

Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
YKHC prepares for Gathering next month
Participants at last year’s Tribal Gathering work on setting priorities for the communities in their election district. (photo by Michael Faubion)
Set for April 5–7 in Bethel, this will be the 12th Tribal Unity and Traditional Medicine Gathering
T
he coming together of people from throughout the region
to discuss health care priorities and celebrate Native healing traditions has itself become a tradition for YKHCʼs
customers, directors, leaders and employees.
This is Gathering XII, and promises to be just as instrumental as
Gatherings past in presenting an opportunity for YKHCʼs leadership to listen and learn what is most important to the people who
live in our vast region.
Over the years, YKHC has responded to the peoplesʼ concerns by
reorganizing the ambulatory clinics at the hospital, building subregional clinics in Aniak, St. Maryʼs, Emmonak and Toksook Bay to
bring health care closer to home for most people, creating an inhalant abuse treatment facility, improving water and sewer systems,
and a great many other improvements addressing our healthcare
needs.
The theme this year acknowledges the power and promise of
YKHCʼs new mission statement: “Working Together to Achieve
Excellent Health.”
INSIDE: CHR Intro, p. 4 • PT Terms, p. 6 • Health Fair, p. 8-9 • Operators, p. 14
2
YKHC Board of Directors
Unit 1
Joe Mike
P.O. Box 20269
Kotlik, Alaska 99620
907-899-4756
Aaron S. Kameroff
P.O. Box 37
Alakanuk, Alaska 99554
907-238-3125
Unit 2
Ray Alstrom
P.O. Box 8
Marshall, Alaska 99585
907-679-6320
James C. Landlord
P.O. Box 32168
Mt. Village, AK 99632
907-591-2119
Unit 3
Billy Morgan
P.O. Box 72
Aniak, Alaska 99557
907-675-4457
Angela Morgan
P.O. Box 243
Aniak, Alaska 99557
907-675-4413
Unit 4
Fritz George
P.O. Box 62
Akiachak, Alaska 99551
907-825-4626
Moses Peter
P.O. Box 57
Tuluksak, Alaska 99679
907- 695-6420
Unit 5
Bill Kristovich
P.O. Box 1037
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-4151/2212
Henry Hunter, Sr.
P.O. Box 632
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-5130
Gloria Simeon
P.O. Box 308
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-5676
Joseph C. Bavilla
P.O. Box 6011
Napaskiak, Alaska 99559
907-737-7062
Unit 6
Chuck Chaliak
P.O. Box 169
Nunapitchuk, Alaska
907- 527-5045
Unit 7
Robert Enoch
P.O. Box 8054
Tuntutuliak, Alaska 99680
907-256-2798
Unit 8
James R. Charlie, Sr.
P.O. Box 37012
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907-427-7114
James Sipary
P.O. Box 37134
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907- 427-7816
Unit 9
Reuben Hill
P.O. Box 210
Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604
H: 907-558-4096 - W: 558-4711
Moses J. Tulim
P.O. Box 130
Chevak, Alaska 99563
907-858-7366
Unit 10
Sam W. Alexie
P.O. Box 57
Eek, Alaska 99578
907-536-5428
Unit 11
Kathy W. Chase
P.O. Box 41
Holy Cross, Alaska 99602
H: 907-476-7162
Honorary Board Member
Paul John
P.O. Box 37067
Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637
907-427-74l4
Numbers to Call
YKHC......................................................................... 543-6000
Public Relations Dept. ................................................ 543-6030
Media Services ............................................................ 543-6038
Office of Environmental Health & Engineering ......... 543-6420
Technology Help Desk ................................................ 543-6070
Human Resources ....................................................... 543-6060
Job Line ................................................................... 543-6443
Learning Center .......................................................... 543-6980
Administration ............................................................ 543-6020
Hospital ....................................................................... 543-6300
Emergency Room........................................................ 543-6395
Hospital Community Relations ................................... 543-6350
Social Services ............................................................ 543-6225
Clinic Appointments ................................................. 543-6442
1-800-478-3321
Dental Appointments ................................................ 543-6229
Optometry Appointments......................................... 543-6336
Audiology Appointments .......................................... 543-6466
Subregional Clinic Appointments
Aniak ....................................................................... 675-4556
Emmonak ................................................................ 949-3500
St. Maryʼs ................................................................ 438-3500
Public Health Nurses....................................................543-2110
Pharmacy..................................................................... 543-6382
Travel Management Center ......................................... 543-6360
WIC Program .............................................................. 543-6459
Health Services .......................................................... 543-6024
Village Operations ...................................................... 543-6160
CHAP ...................................................................... 543-6160
Injury Prevention/EMS ........................................... 543-6080
Community Health & Wellness ............................... 543-6190
Behavioral Health Services ...................................... 543-6100
Phillips Ayagnirvik .................................................. 543-6700
Village Services ....................................................... 543-6740
Home Care Services .................................................... 543-6170
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
3
YKHC Board
& Committee Meetings
2005
April Kameroff,
Medical Laboratory
Assistant
March 22
Finance Committee
March 23-24
Governing Body
April 19
Finance Committee
April 5 –7
Tribal Unity & Traditional
Medicine Gathering
April 7–8
Semi-Annual Full Board Meeting
May 17
Finance Committee
May 18
Governing Body
June 21
Finance Committee
June 22–23
Executive Board
July 19
Finance Committee
July 20
Governing Body
August 16
Finance Committee
The Messenger is a monthly publication produced by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation as a
report to Tribal Members. For questions, comments, submission of articles, or subscription information, write to
Messenger Editor, Media Services, Yukon-Kuskokwim
Health Corporation, P.O. Box 528, Bethel, Alaska 99559. Email: [email protected]. Deadline is the last day
of the month preceding publication. Publication is on the
15th of every month. Anchorage Office: 4700 Business Park
Blvd. Suite E25, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. 907-677-2232.
Please ask permission to reprint articles or pictures. ©
2005, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
A
pril Kameroff is the daughter of Joe Kameroff, Sr. and the late Sarah Ciletti of
Aniak. April is quiet, outgoing, happy, and a very hard worker. She was raised
in Aniak until she relocated to Seward during her high school years.
She attended high school in Seward, but moved back to Aniak in her senior year,
where she graduated from the Aniak High School. In May 10, 2004, April completed
the Clinical Assistant Certificate program through the University of Alaska Anchorage, (UAA) Medical Laboratory Technology Department. Currently she is pursuing
her Associates Degree through the University of Alaska Anchorage and continues to
take distance delivery classes.
“When I was a young girl, I had a hero and his name was Richard Ciletti. Richard
is my older brother and he was a Dragon Slayer for the Aniak Fire Department. I witnessed him save an elderly woman back then, and that inspired me to help my people
get well. As I got older, I joined the Dragon Slayers and since then, I am pursuing a
Medical Laboratory Technician degree through UAA. Today, Richard is attending
UAF in Fairbanks, and studying to be a
paramedic. Heʼs the reason why I am where
I am right now and thatʼs helping my people
Clinical Lab Assistant
in a hospital setting. My brother showed
• Demonstrates knowledge of
infection control and safety
me that I could be anything I wanted to be
practices.
when I grow up.
• Collects and prepares blood
“I enjoy helping people, and meeting new
and body fluid specimens.
faces that come through the Aniak Subre• Performs appropriate tests
gional Clinic Laboratory. Each day, I learn
at the clinical assistant level,
new things, techniques, different blood
according to standard operattypes and I am proud to say that I am doing
ing procedures.
something with my life. If you want to be
•
Follows established quality
successful in life, you have to go follow
control protocols.
your heart and your dreams. At the end, you
•
Starting salary
will have a career to count on.
Phlebotomist: $13.48/hr.
“As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, I
Clinical Lab Assistant:
start up and do quality control on all the
$19.92/hr.
instruments that will be used, collect the
specimens, draw blood, label the specimen tubes, run tests in the lab, enter the lab
results into the computer correctly, order lab supplies when needed and get lab specimens ready for transport.”
Call The YKHC Learning Center: 907-543-6758
4
A message from Community Health & Wellness
Diabetes and You
D
iabetes is on the increase in the YK Delta and somebody is responsible!
You might ask who is responsible and the answer you receive depends
on whom you ask. There is a profile of the responsible person. They may be
male or female, young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, working
or unemployed and have many other varied characteristics. Look around and
look in the mirror. Who are they?
They are all of us. We are responsible for our own healthcare and preventing diabetes. We should be proactive not reactive in our care. Proactive
means that the first responsibility lies in each of us. If we have health questions or problems, it is up to us to start our care. If we are sick, we should go
to the doctor/healer so we can find out what is wrong with us and how to treat
the problem. Reactive means to wait for someone else to do something first.
We should act first not only in our treatment, but also in being informed on
health issues and not wait on the health care provider. Health care providers
are responsible for helping you in treatment and care.
Diabetes is a disease that is preventable and treatable in most cases. The
health community knows many of the reasons that a person develops diabetes
but cannot predict exactly who will. We know that heredity/genetics, obesity,
lack of exercise, diet patterns/nutrition, and many other factors are involved
in developing diabetes. We canʼt change our heredity, but most other factors
related to diabetes are controlled by you.
It is the job of the health care providers to get good and useful information
out to the community. It is up to you to use that information in your care. Do
you smoke, chew or drink, eat a poor diet, exercise too little or not at all? Do
you help your loved ones to keep poor habits? If so, who is responsible for
developing diabetes? You are responsible.
YKHC has extensive preventive care resources available to the community,
including a Diabetes Prevention and Control section in Village Operations.
The health care community stands ready to assist you in taking care of your
health and preventing future problems. Take advantage of the services and
information available. You are responsible!
Call Diabetes Prevention & Control
543-6133 or 1-877-543-6133
Meet your CHR
W
aqaa. My name is Patrick
Pavila from the Native village
of Tuntutuliak. I work for YKHCʼs
Health Education Department as a
village-based Community Health
Representative (CHR). I am writing
to introduce myself and tell you a
Villages
little about the work that I do.
Served—
I have been assigned to your village
Tuntutuliak,
to deliver health related presentations
Oscarville,
at the school and community levels.
Napakiak,
As a CHR, I present material, data,
Napaskiak,
and other pertinent information on
Kwethluk,
health promotion in general and as it
Akiachak,
relates to your village specifically.
Akiak,
Upon request I will travel to your
Tuluksak,
village to deliver presentations on
Atmautluak,
certain topics: alcohol/drug abuse,
Kasigluk, and
tobacco cessation, human sexuality
Nunapitchuk
(e.g. puberty, teen pregnancy prevention, STDs, etc.) and other healthrelated topics. After receiving a presentation request and
the name of a contact person from a village in my service
area, a schedule is made to visit the village. Next, a date
is agreed upon on when I can go to the requesting school
and/or village and we go from there.
The Health Education Department (HE) can assist
a village if it wants to organize a health fair. This is a
long-term commitment so requests should be made several months before the planned health fair. This can be a
school or village-sponsored event, or both the school and
village can work together with HE to plan the health fair.
The department also assists villages with establishing a
Community Wellness Team. Community wellness teams
primarily prioritize, plan, and present health promotion and disease prevention activities in their respective
communities. If a village wants to start a wellness team,
the Health Education Dept. will be more than happy to
assist.
If you want more information or just want to
chat, please call me at (907) 256-2290 or email to
[email protected]. You can also relay a message by dialing 1-800-478-4471 ext. 6493.
I will be waiting to hear form you in the near future.
Piurci.
Respectfully,
Patrick Pavila, CHR, Tuntutuliak
I need to find out who this is at the Health Fair. See more about the Health Fair on
page 8 .
If you would like more information about
our services or the Community Health
Representative for your community, please
call toll-free 1-800-478-4471
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
Career Pathways releases new ‘Profiles of Success’
5
T
he Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Health Career Pathways Program is proud
to announce that sets of eight new “Profiles of Success” posters are being distributed to
schools and clinics within the YKHC service area.
The posters profile Alaska Native health professionals and para-professionals employed by
YKHC. The new set of posters includes profiles on Health Aides, Registered Nurse Deborah Samson, Physician Assistant Hazel Julius, Subregional Clinic Operations Manager Gail
Alstrom, Licensed Practical Nurse Clara George, Dental Assistant Abigail Samuelson, Dispensing Optician Grace David, and Eye Care Technician Willie Lake.
Each poster also includes education and training requirements for the profession, starting
salary and a short description of duties, along with personal education and work experiences for
each individual.
YKHCʼs Health Career Pathways Program is funded in part by a grant from the Administration for Native Americans, a department of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Career Pathways Program is part of the Learning Center at YKHC and provides health career information to public school students and to adults, and provides assistance
to tribal members entering health professional training.
YKHC is working with the school districts in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, the University of Alaska statewide system, and other organizations to provide awareness activities,
exploration of health careers, preparation activities, and training options for student and adult
learners. “Growing our own” health professionals will help to improve the local economy by
ensuring that salaries remain in the region, and health professionals who are tribal members
have a better understanding of how to serve tribal members.
The Profiles of Success column has run in “The Messenger,” YKHCʼs newsletter, for the last Hazel Julius, a certified physician assistant
is one of eight employees featured in the
year, and new profiles are still being developed and published monthly.
“Profiles of Success” poster series.
For more information about job openings at YKHC, health services and scholarships, please log on
to our website at www.ykhc.org, or contact the Health Career Pathways office at 543-6758.
YKHC’s Chief Operating Officer resigns
O
n Thursday, February 17, Craig
Ambrosiani, YKHCʼs Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Finance,
tendered his resignation to YKHC.
Ambrosiani had been with YKHC since
2000.
“As Finance Vice President, Ambrosianiʼs responsibility was to the financial
health of the company, which amounts to
some $120 million annually,” said Gene
Peltola, YKHCʼs President and CEO.
Craig Ambrosiani
As COO, Ambrosiani oversaw the
operations of the company, including
administrative oversight of Aeromed International, YKHCʼs medevac service, which is based in Anchorage.
Another of Ambrosianiʼs duties was to facilitate the new Napartet
Goal Team (NGT) which was formed in late 2004 and tasked to
oversee accomplishment of the companyʼs 2005 goals.
During this period of transition, Sam Deakin, YKHCʼs acting
Controller, was appointed acting Chief Financial Officer by Peltola.
“And the job of administrative oversight of our medevac company
has been assigned to Hugh Short, YKHCʼs Vice President of Support
Services,” he said.
Peltola also appointed Jeff Murchison, YKHCʼs Performance
Improvement Director and a member of the Senior Leadership, to
lead the Napartet Goal Team. “YKHC looks forward to working
with Mr. Short, Mr. Murchision and Mr. Deakin in keeping the company focused on our present financial and operational goals,” said
Peltola.
“I also want to reassure our employees and clients that YKHC,
through the control of its Administration and Board of Directors, is
stable and doing fine organizationally,” Peltola added.
Peltola said the position of Vice President of Finance is already
being advertised nationally and that he expects to review applications within the next couple of months.
“I enjoyed working with Mr. Ambrosiani during his tenure here at
YKHC and we will certainly miss him. On behalf of the company,
Iʼd like to wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Peltola
said.
6
Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Clinic
Basic Anatomy Terms
by Anne Kosacheff
T
his month we will cover basic anatomy terms. Keep this column
handy, as it will be referred to frequently over the next several
months.
Bones (timemta enri) and vertebrae (uyaqinrat)
Bones make up the skeleton (timemta enri), and provide the supporting structure for our body. Everyone has the same basic bony
structure. There are common skeletal variants we see in the medical
field, but for the most part, we are all put together the same way.
There are more than 200 bones in the body. Each one is held in place
by ligaments, tendons and muscles. Common problems associated
with the bones of the body are fractures, bruises and osteopenia/
osteoporosis.
Vertebrae (uyaqinrat) are specialized bones of the spine. They are
only found in the back and neck. There are 33 vertebrae in the spine,
each specialized for a specific function. We will cover each specific
area of the back in future columns.
Cartilage (qiaryimtaaq or tatangquk), menisci and
discs (uivat)
Ligaments, tendons and muscles (yualuq)
These three tissues all perform the same function (support of the
bony skeleton), but do so in different ways.
Ligaments connect bone to bone. Generally they support joints
directly, by connecting close to the moving part of the joint. Ligaments are relatively stiff, and provide more stability than tendons
and muscles. Once stretched or torn, ligaments do not generally
repair themselves. Scar tissue may form, but the ligament will never
regain its initial strength and function. Common problems associated with ligaments include sprain and tears.
Tendons connect muscles to bone. Tendons provide stability,
but can stretch more than ligaments. They allow for mobility in
the joint, but are not contractile: they do not get longer and shorter
actively, like muscles do. After most injuries, tendons can repair
themselves. Common problems associated with tendons include
strains, tears and ruptures.
Nerves (temem elpeksuutai)
Nerves (temem elpeksuutai) are the communication pathways
between your skin, muscles and internal organs and your brain. As a
general rule, each nerve has two-way traffic traveling up and down.
The nerves themselves travel next to your bones; can go under, over
or through a muscle; and run past every joint in your body. Problems with any of these structures can affect your nerves. Common
problems associated with the nervous system include entrapment,
impingement, overstretching and tearing.
Next month will begin our exploration of the musculoskeletal
system. We will cover basic neck anatomy, and touch on common
problems found in the neck.
Cartilage (qiaryimtaaq or tatangquk) is found on all joint surfaces. It cushions the bony surfaces and allows the bones to move
against one another without being worn down. In the knee, the
cartilage is called a meniscus. There are two menisci in each knee.
The menisci are thicker cartilage than that found in other joints. The
menisci provide some stability in the knee, unlike the cartilage in
other joints of the body, which only provide cushioning, and some
protection from wear and tear.
The cartilage found between each pair of vertebrae in the spine
is called a disc (uivat). The disc not only cushions and protects the
vertebral body, but also supports the space between the vertebrae
where the nerves exit the spinal cord to innervate your muscles
Physical Therapy Report to Tribal Gathering XII
and skin. Common problems associated with any cartilage tissue
The Physical Therapy Department expanded in 2004 to include four
are generally due to degeneration (wearing away of the tissue),
full time Physical Therapists and one part-time Massage Therapist.
or a tear in the cartilage itself. We will discuss specific problems
Our outreach programs expanded to include coordinated care with
associated with each area of the body in future columns.
the Family Infant Toddler Program, Home Care, the McCann Inhalant Treatment Center, PATC and the sub-regional clinics in Aniak,
Emmonak and St. Maryʼs.
Plans are underway to provide services in the Tooksok Bay subregional clinic beginning in the spring of 2005. More than 200 patients
Employment Opportunities
received PT services in subregional clinics in 2004.
As part of the corporate Patient Centered Excellence Napartut goal,
Latest News
the Physical Therapy department has set a goal to visit 100 percent
Upcoming Events
of the home-bound elders to provide a home safety assessment in the
2005 fiscal year.
Messenger Back Issues
www.ykhc.org
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
7
Don’t Break the Cold Chain!
by Chris Desnoyers, YKHC Vaccine Distribution Technician
W
hat is the cold chain? It is the stable temperature kept during the long voyage of a vaccine
shipment.
It begins with vaccine production at the manufacturer. It ends at the village
clinic or hospital when the Community Health Aide or Nurse gives the shot
to the baby, child, or adult.
We all know that vaccines protect us from getting many diseases. But
did you know that they are very fragile? The shots are temperature sensitive and have to stay between 35° and 46° Fahrenheit (or 2° to 8° Celsius).
That temperature is cold but not too cold. Many vaccines donʼt work as
well if they are frozen.
There are also medicines that are temperature sensitive. These need to
stay in the Cold Chain, too.
At the manufacturer, the vaccines are put into a box with a mixture
of cold packs and ice packs. They are sent to Anchorage, to the Vaccine
Depot. There the vaccines wait for our order. The hospital or village clinic
or subregional clinic count their vaccines each
month and send in an order. The Vaccine DistriSome people
bution Center sends the order each month to the
think that
State. After the state sends the order to YKHC,
the vaccines are sent to the village clinics, subhealth aides
regional clinics and also to the hospital.
and health
Manufacturer—to—Anchorage (State
Depot)—to—Bethel (Vaccine Distribution)—
practitioners
to—Village Clinics/Subregional Clinics/Hosonly see
pital Pharmacy and Clinics—to—Babyʼs leg or
somebodyʼs arm.
patients.
Some people think that health aides and health
That is simply
practitioners only see patients. That is simply
not true. They are also very busy trying to keep
not true.
vaccines within the cold chain. When the shipment comes in by plane, either the agent picks
up the vaccines to take to the clinic or the clinic staff must go and get
the vaccines. Once the box arrives, the health aide takes out the vaccines
and puts them into a refrigerator. This special refrigerator (not for food or
drink) is checked two times a day to make sure the temperature is between
35° and 46° Fahrenheit (2° and 8° Celsius).
Besides taking care of patients, the health aides take care of medicines
and vaccines. This is an important job. They make sure the vaccines you
get are the best available. The next time you get a shot, think about all the
people and all the time it took to get you the safe effective vaccine.
Next month check out the information about the links in the cold
chain—airports, agents, and aides, oh my!
YKHC Immunization: 907-543-6649
Pharmacy Care Quiz
Part One
5=Always – 4=Most of the time – 3=Sometimes – 2=Rarely – 1=Never
When receiving your prescriptions, how often do you…
Take your medications exactly as instructed by your doctor
and pharmacist? 5 4 3 2 1
Understand the written information you with your medication? 5 4 3 2 1
Learn the name of any prescription medications you take?
5 4 3 2 1
Know why the prescription medications you take have been
prescribed for you? 5 4 3 2 1
Have your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy?
5 4 3 2 1
Check to see if a refill of your prescription is the same as
your last one? 5 4 3 2 1
Read the written information about your medication when
you receive the prescription medication? 5 4 3 2 1
Ask what to do if you experience side effects when taking
your prescriptions? 5 4 3 2 1
Ask your pharmacist any questions you may have about your
prescription medications? 5 4 3 2 1
Ask your pharmacist if it is safe to take a non-prescription
medicine, herbal remedy, or nutritional supplement with
your prescription medicines? 5 4 3 2 1
Ask your pharmacist or doctor about any precautions you
should be aware of when taking prescriptions? 5 4 3 2 1
Part Two
5=Very aware..4..3..2..1=Not at all aware
How aware of you of each of the following…
Pharmacists need to know your complete medication history
when filling a prescription for you? 5 4 3 2 1
Pharmacists check your prescription for potentially harmful
interactions? 5 4 3 2 1
Pharmacists check for possible allergies you may have to
medication before filling your prescription? 5 4 3 2 1
Pharmacists check your prescription to see if it will affect
any of your known medical conditions? 5 4 3 2 1
Pharmacists are available to answer your questions and
advise you on taking your medication? 5 4 3 2 1
Congratulations! You have completed the Quiz. Now
total your score and turn to page 10 to understand what
your score means.
8
fair day
for Health
a
Drawing for door prizes!
Nearly 300 people came to the Bethel
Health Fair Feb. 19 to take part in the
activities and visit information displays.
WIC Nutrition Educator Ardene Constantine
stands by the Women, Infants & Children
Program display, ready with samples of
good food.
Alma Kanrilak and Debi Olick of YKHC’s Health Education Dept.
have plenty to say about how much sugar is in soda pop.
Photos by Chris Ho
Julia Brown, also with Health Education, was there to help people identify
traditional Native foods and learn about its nutritional value.
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
9
Children gather round REbecca Lupie, a volunteer with the VFW Ladies Auxiliary who was helping out at the Injury Prevention booth.
T
he day began with a session that offered comprehensive blood
tests, thyroid blood test screenings, and prostate blood test
screenings. These began with registration, followed by blood
pressure and height and weight measurements, and concluded
with a one-on-one consultation with a health provider. Juice and snacks
were provided to these participants to replenish basic energy after they prepared for the
tests with a 12-hour fast.
For those who preferred morning activity to
early morning tests, there was a 3K Fun Run/
Walk with prizes for the top finishers.
In the afternoon, 25 booths provided information, materials, visual aids and hands-on
displays covering various health topics.
Vision screenings and blood sugar readings
were offered as well.
Traditional dancers from the local immersion school entertained fairgoers while children enjoyed games and other fun activities.
Door prizes—from gift certificates to safety
gear and much more—were given away
throughout the afternoon. Two lucky winners
received round trip airline tickets.
Lea Anne Abernathy, a nurse preactioner
It was a fun and informative event for the
at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional
entire community.
Hospital, explains things to a health fair
visitor.
Circle of Care Program Case Manager Carl
Evans had information about the HIV Quick Test.
10
Raven’s Quest Summer Institute seeks UA students
by Janice Troyer, University of Alaska
A
re you having trouble deciding what you would like to major
in at college? Do you have an interest in the “helping” professions? Do you like the idea of getting paid to go to school and earning college credits at the same time? Then Ravenʼs Quest Summer
Institute might be just the place for you!
For the past two summers, University of Alaska students from
across the state have come together to learn more about career
opportunities in behavioral health, cultural diversity, and the behavioral health degree programs offered within the University of Alaska
system. Students also work on building academic skills to help them
succeed in future college courses.
Participants in the 8-week Ravenʼs Quest Summer Institute take
part in a variety of activities including class discussions, guest
speakers, special workshops and 75 hours of job shadowing. Students shadow staff at Southcentral Foundation, Cook Inlet Tribal
Council, Southcentral Counseling, Alaska Childrenʼs Services, and
Homeward Bound. Students also meet and talk to many professionals about their jobs and experiences in the field. Many of these
speakers either live and/or work in rural Alaska.
Social events are an important part of the Ravenʼs Quest Summer
Institute. Besides the classroom and job shadowing experiences,
Ravenʼs Quest participants enjoy getting together for potlucks, gift
exchanges, movies, neon bowling, hiking and special events like
UAA ice cream socials and an Eklutna Powwow. Many friendships
are made during the course of the eight weeks.
Alice Kiunya, originally from Kongiganak, attended the 2004
Ravenʼs Quest Summer Institute. Alice comments that Ravenʼs
Quest helped her understand the classes she is currently taking and
gave her a very good overview of the behavioral health field. She
especially enjoyed the job shadowing experiences. Alice is currently
in Sitka finishing up a Human Services degree.
Pamela Notti, who has spent many summers in Bethel, also
attended the 2004 Ravenʼs Quest Summer Institute. Pam comments,
“Ravenʼs Quest was the most rewarding experience Iʼve had at
UAA. The speakers that came in from the Social Work, Psychology and Human Services programs, as well as the countless others
who spoke about the helping professions, gave me the motivation to
Pharmacy Quiz, from page 7
Here’s what your score means
Above 78—Chances are youʼre a health-conscious consumer. Keep
up the good work and youʼre likely to avoid unnecessary complications from your medicines.
62-78—Though you may not always chat with the pharmacist,
youʼre comfortable asking questions when you donʼt understand
about your medicine. Take some extra time to tell the pharmacist
all the over the counter products youʼre taking, you can be sure that
youʼre doing all you can to safely take your medication.
41-61—In todayʼs hectic world, it sometimes seem like thereʼs no
“time-out” for illness that requires medical treatment and prescription drug therapy. Get to know your pharmacist. Doing so could
Pamela Notti, Crystal Swetzof, Carlyn Green, Bruce Ervin, Peer Mentor
Jess Ruck, and Alice Kiunya during a weekend hike at Raven’s Quest
Summer Institute.
continue on my quest to obtain a degree in Social Work. The class,
classmates, bonding, friendships, internships and the whole experience was a goldmine of knowledge and experience.”
If you are currently enrolled as a University of Alaska student
with an undeclared major then you may be eligible to apply for
Ravenʼs Quest Summer Institute. Preference is given to students
from rural Alaska. Selected students receive a $480/week stipend to
help cover the costs of room and board. Additional travel funds are
available for students who need assistance traveling into Anchorage. All students have the opportunity to earn up to six college credits during the summer.
If you would like more information about this great opportunity
or to find out whether you are eligible to apply, call Program Manager Janice Troyer at (907) 786-6592 or email her at anjkt1@uaa.
alaska.edu . You might also try visiting the Ravenʼs Quest Summer
Institute website (www.ichs.uaa.alaska.edu/acrh/ravensquest) which
has answers to frequently asked questions, applications and photos
from the 2003 and 2004 Summer Institutes.
help to take your medicine as prescribed and make you healthier in
the long run.
40 and below—This is an opportunity to remind you that todayʼs
pharmacist does a lot more than just “count pills.” Pharmacists are
specially trained in understanding todayʼs complex drugs and educating patients about their medicines. Take advantage of the trusted
resource of your pharmacist.
ASK, LISTEN AND LEARN
For questions, please call YKHC Pharmacy
Department: 907-543-6382
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
11
A message from our Grant Writers...
Civil
Defense
Community Plans, Community
Plans, Community Plans!
Does your village have a comprehensive community plan yet? if it doesnʼt, YKHC can help.
I
t isnʼt enough to want-or need-a project in your community. Now,
funding agencies want to know how you know you want it or need it.
And, they want to know that your community has thought through all the
details including how your project will be supported for years into the
future.
Whether it is a new clinic funded by the Denali Commission, or a new
airport, school or water system, your community needs a community
plan. And it isnʼt just here on the YK Delta. Communities statewide must
meet this new requirement.
The YKHC Grant Development Department is working with AVCP,
Inc. and the AVCP Regional Housing Authority to assist Tribal Councils
and Municipal Governments in the preparation of community comprehensive plans. We can provide a variety of services, including technical
assistance in the planning process as well as identifying funding sources
to carry out community comprehensive planning.
Grant Writer Jerry Pflugh will be making a presentation on the community planning process during the 2005 Tribal Gathering starting April
5 in Bethel.
If you or your community has questions, or would like assistance,
please feel free to call Norman Ayagalria or Angie Whitman at the Grant
Development Department. You can call toll free at 1-800-478-3321,
extension 6041 (543-6041) for Norman, or 6612 (543-6612) or contact
Norman by e-mail: [email protected] or Angie: angie_
[email protected].
New clinic in Mekoryuk. Funding for community projects require community
planning. Contact YKHC’s Grantwriting Dept. for information: 907-543-6041.
by John Dickens
“And let none say it can not happen here…”
T
he ancient Greek dramatist Sophocles words at the fall
of Troy ring true even today. The recent earthquake and
tsunami in south Asia is a grim reminder of how delicate and
fragile our time on this planet can be.
The U.S. Geological Survey says “one out of every ten earthquakes in the world occur in Alaska.” There have been dozens
of tsunamis recorded in Alaska since 1788. A massive array of
geologic, anthropologic and archeological evidence points to
frequent, catastrophic events in Alaska that changed everything
overnight.
Are you and your village ready? Where will you go when the
big wave comes? When the great floods of yesteryear return?
How are you going to feed your family? Keep warm? Stay
alive? Care for the wounded? Rescue the stranded? Keep it
together till help arrives?
Have you thought about it? You had better start!
Geologists point to possibly two huge 9.0 or bigger earthquakes that are long overdue. The Shumagin gap and the
Yakutat gap. These geologic time bombs have got all the earth
scientists sweating.
In many ways we are probably one of the least prepared
regions in the whole state. Other areas, even ones poorer and
more remote than ours have Borough governments preparing
and planning for these upcoming events. What are we doing?
From what I can tell, not very much.
If Anchorage was hit by a 1964 style 9.2 earthquake, do
you really think that they could help us quickly enough? If the
“Big One” occurred tomorrow do you think your town is really
ready to stand on its own for a few days? If you knew that a
tsunami was coming where would you go? The time to start
thinking about these issues is right now!
I am calling on all the people of this great Delta of ours
to start thinking about this. Start preparing now. Consult the
Elders, meet with your family, your tribe, your town. There are
tremendous resources available for those who will look. Do it
now.
12
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines
Fruits and Vegetables: Chronic Disease Fighters
Chronic diseases, like heart disease, cancer, stroke and type 2 diabetes account for 7 out of every 10 deaths in the U.S.
Compared to people who consume a diet with only small amounts
of fruits and vegetables, people who eat a healthful diet with generous amounts of fruits and vegetables are likely to have reduced risk
of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and cancer in certain sites (oral cavity
and pharynx, larynx, lung, esophagus, stomach, and colon-rectum).
Fiber Fights Heart Disease
Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as fruits and vegetables
and whole grains, have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects, including decreased risk of coronary heart disease and
improvement in laxation. There is also interest in the potential relationship between diets containing fiber-rich foods and lower risk of
type-2 diabetes.
• Key recommendation: Choose fiber rich fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains often.
• The recommended dietary fiber intake is 14 grams per 1000 calories consumed.
• The majority of servings from the fruit group should come from
whole fruit rather than juice. Increasing the proportion of fruit
eaten whole is desirable to increase fiber intake.
• Legumes (dry beans and peas) are especially rich in fiber and
should be consumed several times per week.
How does fiber work?
1. Fiber lowers blood triglyceride levels. High triglycerides can
damage arteries and increase risk for heart disease.
2. Fiber slows down the absorption of food in the gut resulting in
better blood sugar control which may help prevent diminished
sugar control and type-2 diabetes.
Bring Down High Blood Pressure with Potassium-Rich
Fruits and Vegetables
Diets rich in potassium can lower blood pressure and help blunt
the effects of salt on blood pressure. Health authorities recommend
increasing intake of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium to lower
high blood pressure or keep blood pressure in normal range.
Many American adults will develop hypertension (high blood
pressure) during their lifetime.
Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the onset of high blood
pressure. These changes include reducing salt intake, increasing
potassium intake, losing excess body weight, increasing physical
activity, and eating an overall healthful diet.
Great sources of potassium are sweet potatoes, white potatoes,
white beans, winter squash, bananas, spinach, melons (cantaloupe,
honeydew), and tomato sauce.
On average, the higher an individualʼs salt (sodium chloride)
intake, the higher an individualʼs blood pressure. Nearly all Americans consume substantially more salt than they need. Americans
may be consuming more sodium than they think because 75 percent
of sodium is added to processed foods by manufacturers whereas
only 5 to 10 percent comes from salt added while cooking or at the
table, and 10 percent comes from natural salt content of foods.
The potassium in fruits and vegetables is more readily available
for absorption than that from meat, milk, and cereal products.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans is a report issued by law
every five years from the secretaries of Health and Human Services
and Agriculture that “shall contain nutritional and dietary information and guidelines for the general public.” For more information
about the food groups and nutrition values, or to pick up some new
ideas on physical activity, go to www.healthierus.gov/dietary guide-
Murkowski proclaims March as Alaska Nutrition Month
R
esearch shows that good
nutrition lowers peopleʼs
risk for obesity, many chronic
diseases, and some types of
cancer
from the Governor’s Press Office
(Juneau) – Governor Frank H. Murkowski
on March 2 proclaimed March 2005 as
Alaska Nutrition Month.
Cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke are
among the leading causes of death in Alaska,
and almost a third of all heart disease and
cancer deaths can be attributed to what
people eat. Current research shows that good
nutrition lowers peopleʼs risk for obesity and
many other chronic conditions, including
heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis
and some types of cancer.
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for all Americans, published in January 2005 by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS), encourages individuals to eat a diet
rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
low fat dairy products and lean protein
foods. Fruits and vegetables are an important
component of the guidelines, which recommend consuming two cups of fruit and 2 1/2
cups of vegetables per day for a reference
2,000-calorie diet.
“In many rural village stores in Alaska,
fresh fruits and vegetables are often in short
supply, are of poor quality due to long shipping times, or are too expensive to purchase
on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are
other ways to get your five cups of fruits and
vegetables. Frozen, canned and dried fruits
and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh.
Most canned and frozen fruits and vegetables have the same amount of nutrients
as fresh, serving per serving,” said DHSS
Public Health Director Richard Mandsager,
M.D.
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
13
Nicotine Control to open Cessation Clinic in March
N
icotine Control and Research is proud to announce that they
will soon be taking appointments and scheduling patients
for Nicotine Cessation. This means a patient can call the clinic,
schedule an appointment which fits into their schedule, and be
seen accordingly.
Thus, a patient who only needs Cessation and Nicotine
Replacement Therapy or any other tobacco-related service, can
be screened and triaged in the Nicotine Cessation Clinic WITHOUT having to first be seen in one of the other ambulatory clinics at the hospital.
Additionally, Nicotine Control and Research will handle walkins on a first come, first serve basis. They will not have to be processed through the ambulatory clinics if they are only requiring
nicotine cessation treatment.
“To better serve our customers, who are our patients, this
seemed a no-brainer,” said Alexandria Modigh-Hicks, Director of
the Program. As YKHC strives to achieve excellence in patient
Work begins on remodeling the Nicotine Control offices in a Nicotine Cescare, innovative ideas about how to make this happen are welsation clinic.
comed by corporate leadership.
“We are so excited to have this clinic. Our patients have
assistance in the scheduling and registration aspect.
always seemed frustrated at how they would have to go to Delta
“We will make a formal announcement when the Nicotine CesClinic first to have their blood pressure and vitals taken, and then
sation Clinic is officially open,” said Caroline Nevak, Outreach and
referred to Nicotine. This added a lot of wait time for these patients” Media Specialist for Nicotine.
said Carrie Enoch, Senior Counselor/Coordinator.
For the time being, patients will continue to be seen in the origiThe new process will take a lot of the burden off the other ambunal manner, but by mid March the program anticipates that the
latory clinics and reduce wait times for patients overall, since they
clinic will be open and actively treating patients.
are having to screen patients who have no medical complaint other
than nicotine cessation treatment.
For help in Quitting or more information
Many different departments in the corporation came together and
about the Nicotine Cessation Clinic or
assisted in making the transformation.
for any other tobacco related comments,
“I would like to especially thank Manny Konig, Peter Charles,
Olrick Nick and Robert Larson of the Maintenance Department,”
please call 1-800-478-3321.
said Ms. Modigh-Hicks. “They answered the call for the reconstruction of the office into a clinic in one day!”
Other departments include Nursing and the Emergency Room,
who are providing blood pressure and monitoring equipment; the
Well Child Program, directed by Anna Simon, with instruction by
Lynette Collins, who is teaching the staff how to take vitals and
record. Additionally, Registration and Scheduling, led by Karen
Sidell, has been extremely helpful and collaborative in lending
www.ykhc.org/
tobaccoprogram
Download
anti-tobacco
hand-outs to
post in your
community—
14
Village water plant operators meet for training in Bethel
“
The boiler is the heart of the water plant,” said
Jeff Severn, Environmental Health Officer and
O&M Training Coordinator from YKHC Office of
Environmental Health and Engineering (OEHE).
Jeff Severn, YKHC Operations and Maintenance Training Coordinator
looks on as Joseph Sallaffie from Tuluksak and James Aqwiak from
Emmonak troubleshoot a burner gun unit at the YKHC / ANTHC Boiler
Maintenance Training held in Bethel February 15–17.
“It is critical that the boiler is operational for the rest of the water
plant to function,” said Severn, as Water Plant Operators from the YK
Delta met in Bethel for a Boiler Maintenance Training workshop last
month.
The three-day workshop, jointly sponsored by Alaska Native Tribal
Health Consortium (ANTHC) and OEHE, covers a variety of topics
from boiler systems and maintenance to troubleshooting.
“Itʼs great to be able to get together with water plant operators from
different villages and troubleshoot different problems,” said Sam Burkett, lead water plant operator in Grayling.
Samʼs father, Dave Burkett, was the Grayling water plant operator
for more than 20 years before passing the torch to his son. “Being an
operator is a good profession to get into,” said the elder Burkett. “Itʼs
interesting because there is always something different to be done.”
Village water plant operators must receive detailed boiler training to
ensure that the water plant is heated and functional, and provide safe
drinking water for their communities.
“This is a skilled and dedicated group of men,” said Severn. “Their
jobs are crucial for the villages they serve, and their efforts often go
unnoticed until there is a problem.”
A letter from the State Immunization Program
March 3, 2005
Sometimes our lives seem to get too busy, and we put off doing something even
though itʼs very important. Such is the case as we write to offer a very belated
thank you to several wonderful YKHC employees.
The Alaska Immunization Program, Division of Public Health, has been working with a consultant group to consider whether we should develop a new
method for maintaining immunization information for Alaskaʼs children. To help
the consultants understand the needs of rural Alaska firsthand, we took a trip to
Bethel, Aniak and Crooked Creek last November.
The trip was wonderful and educational…and none of it would have been possible without the assistance of several YKHC employees. We want to thank them
publicly for sharing their valuable time with us and providing great insight into
the needs of their communities. So we offer a huge “thank you” to:
Deborah Burnard, RN, YK Immunization Coordinator
Jackie Wassilie, Certified Health Practitioner, Aniak Subregional Clinic
Kassi Keene, Certified Health Practitioner, Crooked Creek Clinic
These individuals are great ambassadors of the typical YK spirit of helpfulness.
We thank them for their time and for their daily efforts to assure all children are
protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Sincerely,
Laurel Wood
Immunization Program Manager
Gerri Yett
Deputy Immunization Program Manager
Operator of the Year Award
I
n 2003, OEHE introduced the annual Water Plant
Operator of the Year Award to recognize the
operatorʼs outstanding achievements. David Fitka
of Marshall won the award in 2003 for his superior work. The 2004 winner will be announced this
spring.
If anyone in any community throughout the Delta
feels that their operator should be nominated for this
award they can contact YKHC-OEHE at 1-800-4786599.
“Cauyaput Piniutekaput ~ Our Drum is Our Strength”
Cama-i Dance Festival
April 8th, 9th and 10th
Sponsored by the Bethel Council on the Arts
Bethel High School
To reser ve a craft table call Elsie 543-3838 evenings
To volunteer call: Joan 543-7231 days,
543-5885 evenings
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
15
Kusko and Yukon Family Medicine Clinics
Family Medicine Goal:
To provide the best care for our patients and to maximize continuity of care by
improving availability of services of Healthcare Providers.
Yukon Clinic Villages Served
Atmautluak
Chefornak
Eek
Kasigluk
Kipnuk
Kongiganak
Kwigillingok
Marshall
Mekoryuk
Mountain Village
Napakiak
Napaskiak
Newtok
Nightmute
Nunapitchuk
Oscarville
Pilot Station
Pitka’s Point
Quinhagak
St. Mary’s
Toksook Bay
Tuntutuliak
Tununak
Kusko Clinic Villages Served
Akiachak
Akiak
Alakanuk
Aniak
Anvik
Chevak
Chuathbaluk
Crooked Creek
Emmonak
Grayling
Holy Cross
Hooper Bay
Kotlik
Kwethluk
Lower Kalskag
Nunam Iqua
Red Devil
Russian Mission
Scammon Bay
Shageluk
Sleetmute
Stony River
Tuluksak
Upper Kalskag
Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday — 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
For an Appointment call: 543-6442 or 1-800-478-3321
Delta Walk-in Clinic
The Delta Walk-in Clinic is available for acute/urgent needs that require
same-day attention. The staff consists primarily of Certified Physicians
Assistants and Nurse Practitioners who emphasize quick encounters with
referrals to other clinics when necessary.
“Delta Walk-in Clinic Project”
Project Priority: Improve patient satisfaction by decreasing wait times.
The Delta Clinic opened in March, 2001, to allow patients to “walk-in” for acute/
urgent medical needs. The average number of patients seen is 70 per day, with an
average of 3-4 medical providers per day.
In an effort to decrease waiting time, a group of nursing staff attended an
extensive Quality Improvement workshop through Alaska Native Medical Center
and have brought back several ideas for improvement. We have developed
Nursing Protocols for the Delta walk-in clinic. The Clinic is also opening one
hour earlier to capture the early morning rush. So far we have already seen a
decreased wait time by 25 percent. We are excited to achieve and maintain a
continued decreased wait time.
Clinic Hours : Monday–Friday — 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
We treat patients of all ages,
from infants to elders, in many
areas such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Routine physical exams:
Pre-employment physicals
Women’s routine health care
Well child exams EPSDT and
immunizations
Prenatal care
Family planning
Cholesterol screening
Chronic medical conditions
Preventative services
Hypertension management
Lesion removal
Specialty Clinic referrals
Joint injections
Medication refills
Lab and Blood testing
Pediatric Clinic
The Pediatric Clinic is designed to provide care
for chronic sick children. This clinic offers local
primary care and specialty consultative care for
children. At the parents request an appointment
with a pediatrician can be scheduled.
Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday — 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
For an Appointment call 543-6297
Specialty Clinic
The Specialty Clinic provides services to patients
by referral only. Some examples: Gynecology,
Urology, Cardiology, Neurology, and
Dermatology. Please schedule an appointment
with your designated healthcare provider for
referrals.
Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday — 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
For an Appointment call 543-6442
or 1-800-478-3321
Protection Prevents STDs
Using condoms can protect your sexual health from sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STD/Is).
Protect yourself. Talk honestly to your sexual partner about the safety of sex to reduce the
risk of getting infected with STD/Is. Be honest with yourself and your partner.
Do you know if you have a sexually transmitted disease or infection? Many people do not know that
they are infected. Condoms can protect you from contracting or transmitting STD/Is.
Alcohol and drug abuse are often risk factors in transmission. Limiting, or eliminating altogether, alcohol intake can aid in
making better decisions to protect yourself. If you wish to quit using or abusing alcohol or drugs, resources are available.
If you want to learn more about STD/Is, please call
Public Health Nurses 907-543-2110
or 1-800-478-2456,
or Circle of Care 907-543-6941
Volume X No. 3 • March 15, 2005
Employees honored at February Recognition Luncheon
O
n Friday, Feb. 25, five YKHC employees were honored for
their years of service, and job and personal accomplishments,
with a luncheon and a special recognition at the Community Health
Services Buliding boardroom.
The five joined VP of Hospital Services Jack Crow and Native
Hire Coordinator Wally Richardson, who presented them with
awards and gifts.
The special guests in attendance were John Dickens, Senior EMT
trainer; Richard Hoffman, Behavioral Health Float Technician; Anne
Kosacheff, Senior Physical Therapist; Skidoo Pavil, LAN/WAN
Administrator; and Ed DeMoss, CHAP Field Supervisor.
John Dickens
John has worked as an EMS Instructor for YKHC for five years.
Since March, 2000, he has taught 1,474 students with a total of
2,074 classroom hours. Using his own funds, he became a Medevac
Escort Instructor, Emergency Medical Dispatcher and was appointed
in 2004 by Gov. Frank Murkowski to the Alaska Council of EMS.
John also invested his own funds to become a certifying officer
and is now capable of certifying others as EMTs. John is also a certified Hazmat Technician and a licensed Aircraft Dispatcher. He has
written a regular column, EMS Corner, for the YKHC Messenger
for the past four years.
Ed DeMoss
In September, Ed DeMoss joined Village Operations as the Director of Field Supervision. Prior to this, he served as a Behavioral
Health Clinician. Currently Edward manages the daily operations
of the village clinics, including eight Supervisor Instructors, two
Clinical Instructors, two Health Aide Support Coordinators, and 190
Health Aides. Additionally, Edward represents YKHC at the Statewide CHAP Directors meetings.
Richard Hoffman
Kendra, who is Richardʼs wife and works at optometry, said he
enjoys playing with his three boys and helping the 7-year-old with
his homework and school activities. He likes to help people any way
Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
P.O. Box 528
Bethel, Alaska 99559
907-543-6000
he can. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, snowmachining, and
weightlifting.
Richard is outgoing and enjoys the outdoors. His future goals
include studying accounting. He presently works as a behavioral
health sitter. Kendra works at optometry. He and his family live in
Bethel.
Anne Kosacheff
Anne is the Director of Physical Therapy Services at YKHC. The
department and a staff of five provide a range of physical therapy
interventions for inpatients and outpatients. They also travel to the
subregional clinics, to other programs in Bethel, and even make
home care visits.
Anneʼs contributions to our organization, the staff and the patients
throughout her 10 years here have been remarkable. The Physical
Therapy Departmentʼs equipment, layout, schedules and staffing
are the result of her hard work. There have been no customer complaints since the start of the Department.
Anne has achieved recognition for her nine years of volunteer
work with the Bethel Fire Department, including the Firefighter Of
The Year award in 2001, and in 2002, the Alaska EMS Provider of
the Year award.
Skidoo Pavil
Skidoo has been working for YKHCʼs Technology Dept. since
2000. He is an A+ certified network professional, and received
accomplished training in HEAT system administration, CCNA, and
Microsoft ISA Servers.
Skidooʼs accomplishments include work as a Help Desk support
staffer, customer service manager, Help Desk Support Supervisor.
He is presently one of the LAN/WAN Administrators.
Skidoo was in charge of overseeing the installation of new computers at the new locations such as Bethel Community Services,
KEYES, the Learning Resource Center, Inhalant Treatment Center,
and the new Toksook Bay Subregional Clinic. He trained his Help
Desk staff despite having numerous temporary and contracted
employees.
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