TELEGRAPH The Voice of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Transcription

1 September/October 2004 Volume 7, Number 5 THE PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 630 ANCHORAGE, AK MUKLUK TELEGRAPH The Voice of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium ANMC to focus on essential services ANTHC Staff Report Tribal health leaders are giving the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) budget a close look after restoring certain patient services reduced due to budget shortfalls. We need to find ways to maintain our focus on quality while making the most of limited resources, said Don Kashevaroff, chairman and president of Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). On Aug. 31, the ANTHC board of directors adopted a budget that restores services that had been reduced earlier in the month due to a budget shortfall of about $3 million. We are reinstating these services as See Focus on Page 8 Some patient services suspended Effective Sept. 2 the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) Airport Shuttle will be unavailable until Oct. 1, when it will begin running again. Transportation between ANMC and the airport will be at the expense of the patient and/or family members. Options include taxis, which cost approximately $20-25, depending on traffic. Cab companies include Alaska Cab ( ), Checker Cab ( ) and Yellow Cab ( ). Shuttleman Airport Transportation is also available and costs $15. The phone number is Another option is Anchorage People Mover bus system, which costs $1.50 for adults and $0.35 for Medicare card holders, seniors and disabled. People Mover can be reached at or See Services on Page 8 DHHS secretary tours state a 3rd time ANTHC Staff Report In late July, US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Tommy Thompson visited Alaska for the third time, with stops in Anchorage, St. Paul, Kake and Juneau. In Anchorage on July 27, he met with tribal leaders to discuss priorities and needs. I would like to have tribal leaders tell me the top five things we should work on, in priority order, Thompson said. In my opinion, our top priority is to make sure that, over a period of time, we have potable water and sanitation facilities in every village in Alaska. Trudy Anderson, president and chief executive officer of the Alaska Native Health Board, told him that at ANHB, Alaska s lead tribal health advocacy organization, Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) reauthorization is very important. We have to get that passed this session, said Thompson. In Congressional testimony on IHCIA, Thompson supported reauthorization of the bill, with certain changes. He asked that all requirements for consultation with tribes be removed, along with provisions that would allow for increased access to federal health care dollars. IHCIA provides for health care delivery to more than two million American Indians and Alaska Natives. It covers the gamut of health care issues for tribes, including: Issues related to the delivery of health services. Requires tribal consultation for all facility issues. Gives permanent authority to small ambulatory facility construction. Seeks to maximize reimbursement from third parties, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson addresses tribal leaders July 27 in Anchorage. Photo by Michael Dinneen including Medicaid, Medicare, SCHIP and any federally funded health care program. Elevates the Indian Health Service (IHS) director to assistant secretary of DHHS. Integrates alcohol and substance abuse provisions with mental health and social service authorities. Proposes a study to create an entitlement commission. Tribal representatives and IHS officials have been meet- See Thompson on Page 8 INSIDE Vox: People share the life lessons they have learned that they would like to pass on to the next generation. Page 2 Nominate a nurse for the Alaska March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards. Page 2 Consortium board member, DEHE staff visit Selawik. Page 3 Statewide news notes: Health related news from around Alaska. Page 3 Summer internships offer valuable experience, life lessons. Plus a complete list of interns and scholarship recipients. Page 4-5 Health Resources and Services Administration officials visit Nikolai, McGrath and see service delivery firsthand. Page 6 Bristol Bay Area Health Corp. celebrates 90 years of health care. Page 6 Nurse officer receives prestigious PHS Meritorious Service Medal. Page 7 Televised play brings cancer prevention information to Alaska Natives. Page 7 Consortium publishes booklet on cancer among Alaska Natives. Page 7

2 Page 2 September/October 2004 VOX The Voice of the People Selma Oskolkoff-Simon Administrative Assistant What life lesson have you learned that you would like to pass on to the next generation? Get your education, further your education past high school. We need strong Native leaders for the future, as well as Native nurses and doctors. Lulu Nickolia (Tanana) Lucy Ione (White Mountain) Take care of patients and the sick like they were your mother, father, grandparents, children, husband or grandchildren. Denali KidCare helps grandparents Covering medical expenses can be difficult for those raising grandchildren By Tami Eller Network Coordinator, Grandfamilies Project, Volunteers of America, Alaska The fastest growing family structure in the United States is grandparents raising grandchildren without the biological parents present. In many cases, unless the grandparents have adopted the grandchildren, they cannot place the grandchildren on their own medical insurance. Thankfully, grandparents can access Denali KidCare (DKC) to insure their grandchildren. This has a large impact in Alaska where roughly 5,500 grandparents are raising more than 8,000 grandchildren without parents present. Many of these children come from homes where they experienced physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and parental substance abuse. The grandparents often need to take these children to the doctor to overcome the years of medical neglect, and get them mental health treatment to help them overcome the emotional scars and adjust to living with their grandparents. I hear stories every day about how beneficial DKC is to the grandparents and grandchildren. One little boy s mother kept him quiet with a bottle. By the time his grandparents took him home at 2 years of age, he was crying, often in agony due to severe bottle rot of his top teeth. The dentist told them to apply for DKC. The toddler no longer has his top four baby teeth, but he will grow healthy adult teeth, and he no longer suffers in pain. Another toddler, in a different family, has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. DKC paid to send her and a grandparent out of state to see a specialist. The grandchild not only walks now, she runs everywhere as if to make up for lost time. A grandparent who raised two grandchildren on a fixed income talks about a time before DKC when she was fortunate enough to find a doctor who allowed her to pay what she could because the grandchildren she was raising were uninsured. She is thankful that nothing serious ever happened to the children and that other grandparents can now use DKC. Grandparents advanced years often increase their health care expenses. They may be torn between paying for their own health care or their grandchildren s. Not only do the grandchildren benefit from DKC, it frees the grandparents to use their limited incomes to pay for their own health care. This allows them to remain healthy and continue providing safe, stable, and loving homes to their grandchildren. To find out more about support services for grandparents raising a grandchild, or to refer a grandparent raising grandchildren for support services, please feel free to contact Tami Eller. She can be reached at or grands@voaak.org if you would like to refer a grandparent raising a grandchild for support services. Denali KidCare is a free health insurance program for working and non-working families with children. You may be eligible! The best way to find out is to apply. For more information about Denali KidCare, please call this toll-free number: or KIDS-NOW. Nominate a nurse today! Remember what you have learned from your Elders. Never forget them. I want my 40 grandchildren to remember how I taught them to be good people, and never to forget me. Theresa Gump (Hooper Bay) Alaska March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards The Alaska March of Dimes Nurse of the Year Awards Program recognizes nurses in 17 categories. The recipient in each category will be an RN or LPN whose leadership and contributions have made a significant impact in their community and to the profession of nursing. Patients, friends, co-workers, businesses and organizations may nominate nurses. Applications available at or by calling or Jerry Charlie (Tuluksak) While growing up, listen to your Elders, they are very wise. Respect them no matter what. And don t forget to respect one another. Nominations are due Friday, September 24, 2004 FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT: Kayce Arthun at , karthun@marchofdimes.com or Debbie Golden at , dgolden@marchofdimes.com Awards Dinner and Celebration will be Friday, November 19, 2004, at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel Editorial Staff Joaqlin Estus Public Communications Director Selma Oskolkoff-Simon Administrative Assistant Marianne Gilmore Executive Administrative Assistant Karen M. Mitchell Executive Administrative Assistant MUKLUK THE TELEGRAPH The Voice of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium The Mukluk Telegraph is the official newsletter of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. It is published bi-monthly and distributed to patients, employees and associates of ANTHC statewide Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, Attention: Mukluk Telegraph FAX: PHONE: soskolkoff-simon@anmc.org. Letters to the Editor All readers of the Mukluk Telegraph are welcome to comment on subjects covered in the newsletter. Your opinions may be shared with other readers in the following issues of the Mukluk. Responses will be edited for length and good taste. We will attempt to publish all opinions. If you have questions about sending in letters, please don t hesitate to call Selma Oskolkoff-Simon at

3 September/October 2004 Page 3 STATEWIDE News and notes Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments hires new leader The Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments (CATG) has selected Craig Fleener as its new chief administrative officer. I have always been proud to work for CATG, said Fleener. This organization has always offered new and unique challenges that most other jobs cannot offer. Fleener s background includes work as the CATG Natural Resources director, wildlife biologist and Environmental Program coordinator. To further the organization s goals of self-sufficiency, sovereignty and stability, Fleener is working on policy development, streamlining of services, and strategic planning. Maniilaq Health Facility Engineer Carl Remley conducts a tour of Maniilaq Health Center in Kotzebue in July. Photos by Kerry Anne Wilson Board member, DEHE staff visit Northwest By Kerry Anne Wilson Information Services, Division of Environmental Health & Engineering The northwest Alaska village of Selawik first caught the attention of Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) board member Lincoln Bean Sr. at a statewide health symposium last spring. There, City Magistrate Joe Ballott spoke about some of the concerns that he has with Selawik s new water and sewer system. Bean said he would be glad to visit the community to see and hear firsthand the concerns from community members. Bean chairs the board s two advisory committees on health facilities and water and sanitation facilities. ANTHC Division of Environmental Health and Engineering (DEHE) staff routinely use customer comments to help improve division products and services. It s our responsibility to sit and listen to you, said Bean to community members at a meeting held in the Selawik school cafeteria July 21. Bean and DEHE staff were able to offer information and assistance on operating and maintaining Selawik s new system. DEHE staff accompanying Bean were: Director of Regional Facilities Services Ralph Hogge, Northwest Regional Manager Darryl Alleman, and Project Manager for Selawik James Smith. The group toured Selawik and Maniilaq Association facilities in Kotzebue. Selawik s climate, economy and geography have long made it a good home for Inupiat people of the area, but present major engineering design challenges when determining suitable wastewater disposal methods. The weather conditions vary from 50 below zero in the winter months to 83 degrees in the summer. The community also spans three river banks, linked by bridges. Permafrost, poor soil and long winters prevent the construction of a conventional piped water and wastewater collection and disposal system; therefore, Selawik has an above-ground circulating water and vacuum sewer system. The last component of the system was installed three years ago and has sustained as many harsh winters. The group also visited Maniilaq Health Center where they met Health Facility Engineer Carl Remley and Health Facilities Engineer Paul Morrison for a tour of the facility. The center is a modern, top quality facility located in Kotzebue. It is a primary health care center that offers services for the residents of the Northwest Arctic Borough. The group toured the emergency room, complete with local and medevac support for accident/trauma victims, as well as an ambulatory care clinic, dental and eye care clinic, a specialty clinic, and an inpatient wing. ANTHC board member Lincoln Bean, left, chats with Selawik City Magistrate Joe Ballott July 21 prior to a community meeting in Selawik. Due to permafrost, the water and sewer system in Selawik courses through an above-ground utilidor, pictured above. Taken from an article in the Gwichyaa Gwich in Gwandak Deht lyaa, a newsletter of the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, published every two months and on the Internet at catg.org. TCC continues service to non-beneficiaries Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) announced in July that it will continue providing health care as it has always done including providing health care to non-beneficiaries of Indian Health Service (IHS). TCC operates its village clinics under complex interaction between state and federal requirements. The TCC health system is primarily funded by the IHS and controlled by federal law. That health system is designed to provide health services to beneficiaries as defined by Indian Health Service. Nonemergency services to non-ihs beneficiaries may only be provided in locations where there are no other reasonable alternatives and certain other conditions have been satisfied. TCC village clinics have always provided medical attention to anyone, beneficiary or non-beneficiary, who has a medical emergency or symptoms that need screening to rule out a medical emergency. They have also offered non-emergency medical services to the extent that resources are available. Most village clinics are staffed only with community health See News on Page 6

4 Page 4 September/October 2004 Summer internships offer valu ANTHC staff report The 2004 ANTHC Summer Internship program concluded its fifth summer on Aug. 6. A total of 19 interns participated this year nine high school and 10 undergraduate students from 13 rural and six Anchorage area communities. The program placed interns in three of the six divisions at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium: Tertiary and Specialty Medical Services, Alaska Native Medical Center; Administration; and Information Technology. It was a wonderful summer, said Scholarship & Internship coordinator Angel Dotomain. It was awesome, agreed high school senior Brittany Walsh of Anchorage. We work and learn things but the best part is getting to know the other interns. I made so many new friends! ANTHC interns took courses in conflict resolution and customer service training, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid certification. They enjoyed professional networking opportunities, tours of various ANTHC departments, and many other activities. In addition, the ANTHC interns were required to complete two projects, a cultural project and career ladder project. They were also asked to write biographies, some of which offer insights into how life decisions are made, as well as the rewards of a career as a health care provider. For instance, Jeremiah Craig of Sitka hopes to become a surgeon. Many different things working together draw me to this goal, but it crystallized for me in April 2000 when I had the privilege of participating in the Ethel Lund Village Health Occupations Program at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka, said Craig. There I had the rare opportunity to enter an operating room and observe live human surgery. One day I hope to return to my home community to help meet the surgical care needs of all Alaska Natives. Living a healthy, wholesome life was a value that my parents instilled in me at a very young age, and is one that will always be with me, said Rainy Diehl of Aniak. Having said that, I believe that all individuals are entitled to a healthy, painless lifestyle, and this is precisely what I hope to strive for as a physical therapist. I am extremely fortunate to have received an internship in the field of my dreams, and am thoroughly looking forward to the experience that awaits me! Not only will it be an experience in physical therapy, but it also gives me the opportunity to work with and for the people of my home Alaska. The summer culminated in a celebration where the interns met with Consortium Chief Executive Officer Paul Sherry and the intern supervisors. The interns also received a certificate of completion at the celebration. The ANTHC Education & Development Program staff send a warm thank you to all who made the 2004 ANTHC Summer Internship possible. The support of the supervisors, departments and Consortium leadership has helped the ANTHC summer internship become a wonderful success, said Dotomain. The investment of time and expertise in the future of Alaska Natives and contribution to the mission, vision and core values of ANTHC is greatly appreciated. The following shows each student s name and hometown, the school he or she is attending and year in school, their field of interest and the department where they worked (for interns). Interns Jeremiah Craig, Sitka Junior, Fort Lewis College Field of Interest: General Surgery Department Assignment: Inpatient Orthopedics Rainy Diehl, Aniak Potential school choices include University of Colorado, Washington University, Pacific University, and the University of New Mexico. Field of Interest: Physical Therapy Department Assignment: Physical Therapy Faye Dotomain, Wasilla Freshman, Pacific Lutheran University Department Assignment: Imaging Services Kendra George, St. Marys Senior, Nenana City Public Optometry/Obstetrics Department Assignment: Auxiliary Patient Services Teresa Hawkinson, Anchorage Junior, Eastern Washington University Field of Interest: Speech Pathology Department Assignment: Inpatient Pediatrics Joshua Huhndorf, Nikiski Freshman, Eastern Washington University Department Assignment: Materials Management Laura Igkurak, Kongiganak Freshman, University of Alaska Anchorage Department Assignment: Inpatient Medicine/Surgery ANTHC Interns Stacy Ilutsik, Aleknagik Junior, Prince William Sound Community College Field of Interest: Social Work Department Assignment: Oncology Clinic Andrean Jimmie, Minto Junior, University of North Dakota Department Assignment: Inpatient Medicine Jayme Johnson, Anchorage Senior,West Anchorage High School Field of Interest: Medical Field Department Assignment: Safety and Environmental Management Ashley Lawrence, Naknek Sophomore, University of Alaska Anchorage Department Assignment: Inpatient Medicine Cheryl Lestenkof, St. Paul Department Assignment: Operating Room/Post Anesthesia Care Unit Christina Piakak, Anchorage Freshman, Biola University Field of Interest: Business Management Department Assignment: ANMC Finance Elise Pletnikoff, Kodiak Junior, Carroll College Department Assignment: Internal Medicine Clinic

5 September/October 2004 Page 5 able experience, life lessons ANTHC Scholarships Gloria Prince, Kotlik Freshman, University of Alaska Anchorage Department Assignment: Community Health Aide Program Christina Anagick, Anchorage Junior, Graduate Student, University of Washington School of Medicine Field of Interest: Pediatric Physician Randi Madison, Point Hope Mary Sipary, St. Marys Senior, West Anchorage High School Field of Interest: Medical Department Assignment: ANMC Medical Library Stephen Beck, Anchorage Freshman, Graduate Student, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health Field of Interest: Dentist Jacinda Mainord, Anchorage Sophomore, George Fox University Field of Interest: Biology Brittany Welsh, Anchorage Senior, Heritage Christian School Field of Interest: Mental Health Department Assignment: ANTHC Administration Erica Cleaver, Galena Freshman, Graduate Student, Washington University in St. Louis Field of Interest: Mental Health Danny Parazoo, Anchorage University of Alaska Anchorage Cassandra Wilson, Mountain Village Sophomore, West Anchorage High School Field of Interest: Undecided Department Assignment: ANMC Organizational Development Steven Wilson, Eagle River Sophomore, University of Alaska Anchorage Field of Interest: Information Technology Department Assignment: Division of Information Technology Robin Cope, Juneau Freshman, Graduate Student, University of Washington MEDEX program Field of Interest: Physician Assistant Kristy Clement, Kodiak Freshman, University of Alaska Anchorage Field of Interest: Dental Hygiene Joshua Huhndorf, Nikiski Freshman, Eastern Washington University Aaron Peters, Ruby Jamilah Pitchford, Ketchikan Junior, William Jessup University Field of Interest: Ministry Elise Pletnikoff, Kodiak Junior, Carroll College Shelley Larson, Talkeetna Viola Stepetin, Anchorage Field of Interest: Civil Engineering Photo not available Joyce Ekamrak, Akiachak

6 Page 6 September/October 2004 HRSA officials glimpse rural service delivery By Tim Gilbert Director, Health Systems Networking Three Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) officials recently visited Alaska to review and evaluate work the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is accomplishing using HRSA grants. The trip included a site visit to McGrath and Nikolai, two predominantly Athabascan villages in Interior Alaska. There, the HRSA evaluators had a chance to see firsthand the challenges related to providing health care in village Alaska. In Nikolai, some of the challenges included lack of a working health aide, a depreciating clinic, and water and sewer needs. It s always an eye-opening experience for our funding agency representatives to see the real, day-to-day challenges of providing even basic health care in rural Alaska, said Paul Sherry, ANTHC chief executive officer. Thank you to our friends in the villages who allow us to bring such visitors to their homes and communities. The four Region X HRSA officials were reviewing work being done through the following four programs: Healthy Transitions HIV/AIDS professional training program. Ryan White Title II HIV/AIDS early intervention services. Nursing Internship Alaska Native Medical Center internship for rural nurses. Community Access Program: Rural Anchorage service unit capacity and infrastructure development. Overall, the evaluation of HRSA-funded programs went well. During the past couple of years ANTHC has attempted to diversify its funding base in order to accomplish our Top left inset: Nikolai s first community health aide, Doc, (with cane) shakes hands with Paul Sherry, chief executive officer of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium during a recent visit to the village by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) officials. Main photo: Site visit participants, pose in front of the McGrath Clinic, from left: Lucina Siguenza, HRSA; Tim Gilbert, ANTHC; Jeri Thornburg, HRSA; Paul Sherry, ANTHC; and Carolyn Gleason, HRSA. mission to provide the highest quality health services for all Alaska Natives. To that end, we have competed for several grants to develop or expand health programs and services, or both. We have succeeded in winning numerous grants from sources such as federal agencies, the State of Alaska, and private non-profit foundations. During times when Indian Health Service funding does not keep pace with rising costs, such collaborations are an increasingly important resource to continue to develop or enhance our programs and services. BBAHC celebrates 90 years of health care BBAHC Report On Aug. 20, the Bristol Bay Area Health Corp. (BBAHC) and Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham celebrated 90 years of health care service to the people of Bristol Bay and 30 years of tribally directed health care. Kanakanak Hospital passed the 90 years of service mark in Kanakanak Hospital got its start when Dr. Linus Hiram French was hired by the government in 1911 to make a hospital in a somewhat remote village a more viable institution. In 1913 he moved the hospital into a school building at Kanakanak. When the worldwide influenza epidemic of reached Bristol Bay, for weeks French was the only doctor available to deal with the epidemic. Orphans from around Bristol Bay and southwestern An orphanage was also built to care for the hundreds of children that influenza left without family or home. Alaska were brought to Kanakanak. In response to the big flu outbreak, two Kanakanak school buildings were remodeled and converted to a hospital a landmark event that established the region s first permanent medical facility. An orphanage was also built to care for the hundreds of children that influenza left without family or home. The orphanage, which operated until 1930, played a significant role in Dillingham s future. Children came from as far away as the Aleutians, Bethel and Nome. As they grew up, many of the orphans settled in Dillingham. In1980 BBAHC assumed management of the Kanakanak Hospital/Service Unit. It was the nation s first Alaska Native corporation to assume management and operation of health services under the Indian Self- Determination and Educational Assistance Act, or Public Law BBAHC has changed dramatically since then. It has initiated and See BBAHC on Page 8 Top photo: An early location of Kanakanak Hospital. Above: Early Bristol Bay nurses with babies. Photos courtesy BBAHC News Continued from Page 3 aides and have a limited capacity and scope of health services. TCC strives to provide quality health care to all its patients, whether Native or non-native. TCC works hard to balance its responsibilities to the villages it serves and to IHS and its other funding sources. From the TCC website at YKHC secures record funding for clinics The Yukon-Kuskokwim Grant Development Department has secured a record amount of funding for new health clinics this year. The department garnered more than $11 million for YKHC clinic construction projects, with $8 million coming from the Denali Commission. Praising department head Mark Springer s leadership, Hugh Short, YKHC's vice president of Support Services, said The department has made it possible for YKHC to provide the communities we serve with more new health clinics in a single year than ever before in our history." New clinics in Napaskiak, Eek, Chefornak, Akiak, Marshall, Kalskag, Tununak, and Chuathbaluk are under construction this summer. The clinics will be built throughout the winter and are expected to open next year. The six-person grant department is currently submitting applications for new clinic construction in more than a dozen other villages in the region. Excerpted from an article in The Messenger, a newsletter of Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. $3 million allocated for Bethel area assisted living home On June 16, the Denali Commission sent a letter to YKHC President and CEO Gene Peltola and gave notice that the federal agency is setting aside $3 million for the construction of an assisted living home in Bethel. It has been a community goal for many years to develop such a program in the region so that Elders can remain closer to home, but still receive the services they need. The Y-K Delta remains the only area in the See Statewide on Page 7

7 September/October 2004 Page 7 Nurse officer receives prestigious PHS award By CDR Cindy Hamlin President, Aurora Borealis Branch, Commissioned Officers Association US Public Health Service (PHS) Capt. Barbara L. Hsu-Trawinski received the Meritorious Service Medal for her career accomplishments as a nurse officer with the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. The Meritorious Service Medal is one of the highest and most prestigious awards that can be earned by a commissioned officer in the PHS. The award was presented to Hsu- Trawinski by US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson and Rear Adm. Charles Grim, IHS Director, during a gathering of Tribal leadership held at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Anchorage July 27. Hsu-Trawinski was granted the award based on her outstanding and dedicated service to the Alaska Native population for the past 23 years. My decision to transfer my commission from US Navy to USPHS 23 years ago was the best decision of my life, Hsu-Trawinski said. I've By Christina Holmgren Editor, Capital City Weekly August 24, 2004 When an issue is otherwise too hard to talk about, fiction, myth and art can open up the discussion. So when the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) set out to break the silence about cancer specifically among Natives in remote villages the chosen format was storytelling. The result is the emotionally charged and educational reader s play Understanding: Stepping into the Light. Based on interviews with Alaska Natives who have been touched by US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, left, and Rear Adm. Charles Grim, right, present the Public Health Service Meritorious Service Medal to Capt. Barbara Hsu-Trawinski at the tribal leaders breakfast held at the Marriott Hotel in Anchorage on July 27. Photo by Michael Dinneen cancer, the play was written by P. Shane Mitchell with assistance from Sylvia Montero and Melany Cueva. Wisdom and knowledge have always been passed from the elder to the youth by stories, and we re just building on that Native practice, explained Cueva. David G. Katzeek of Klukwan, one of the actors in the play, agrees. Elders used to tell stories and comment on the values in the story: See what happens when you live with fear? It s better to face your fears. The play, produced by KTOO-TV and ANTHC, originally contained five characters. They take turns telling their stories sharing the fears had a wonderful career in the Indian Health Service and tribal health full of challenges and self growth and most importantly gained lifelong friendships. Congratulations to Captain Hsu-Trawinski on this major accomplishment. Televised play brings cancer information to Alaska Natives of a cancer patient, the nitty-gritty of surgery and treatment, the incredible loneliness felt by a loved one left behind by a cancer death, but also about lessons learned and positive lifestyle changes. The encounters with the characters feel up-close and personal, as if the audience is listening to a good friend or a close family member. And the mantra get breast exams and colon cancer screenings, make healthy lifestyle changes, stop smoking conveys urgency but not condescension. Rewritten to contain four characters, the play will be edited into a half-hour long program that will air on public television s Alaska One Statewide Continued from Page 6 state that has no long-term assisted living home. A task force of 10 local and regional agencies has met for more than two years to help realize the goal of creating such a facility in Bethel. The money will not be released until the project has all the funding in line for its construction. The proposed 18-bed facility has a projected construction cost of $10 million, and is tentatively scheduled for completion in The Denali Commission was introduced in 1998 by Congress, after it realized the need for increased inter-agency cooperation and focus on Alaska's remote communities. The Commission is an innovative federal-state partnership designed to provide critical utilities, infrastructure and economic support throughout Alaska. The Commission is credited with providing numerous costshared infrastructure projects across the state that exemplify effective and efficient partnership between federal and state agencies, and the private sector. network and KAKM in Anchorage, as well as on ARCS. It will also be offered nationally to public TV stations. Starting in early November, videos and DVDs will be distributed to community health aides throughout rural Alaska. To obtain a copy, please contact Melany Cueva, Educational Consultant, Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium at (907) , or her at mcueva@anthc.org. Article excerpted and used with permission of The Capital City Weekly, serving southeast Alaska. ANTHC publishes cancer booklet to increase Natives awareness of disease ANTHC Staff Report Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) has published a booklet, Alaska Natives and Cancer, to increase understanding of the burden of cancer in Alaska Natives. The booklet presents cancer facts and information drawn from more than 30 years of cancer data from the Alaska Native Tumor Registry and other sources. After receiving a copy, Judith Snow-Rosander of Tanana Chiefs Conference ed her thoughts. I, being a cancer survivor, thought it was a job well done. It speaks to the people's feelings, describes where they are from, and provides the statistics. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Alaska Natives. When reported nationally, Alaska Native cancer data is often incorporated into total American Indian/Alaska Native statistics, masking the actual impact cancer has on Alaska Natives. Moreover, this devastating disease affects not only the patient, but also family, friends and the entire community. In the publication, Alaska Native cancer patients have generously shared stories about their personal cancer journey. Navigating the medical system when a cancer diagnosis is made is difficult for anyone. When you add the cultural and access-to-care issues faced by Alaska Natives who live in the rural areas this vast state, it is an even more difficult journey. The Native People are usually interested in where a person is from and their family tree, said Snow- Rosander. The Western world is usually interested in the statistics, maps and numbers. This publication is for both. The booklet has been well received both in Alaska and by a national audience, said author Christine DeCourtney. ANTHC is developing an Alaska Native statewide comprehensive cancer program plan due for completion in June Speaking for herself and others involved in the project, DeCourtney said, We hope that the plan will provide a roadmap to help us design an integrated, comprehensive cancer program that addresses prevention, screening and early detection, treatment, and support components. Contact DeCourtney at (907) or cdecourtney@ anmc.org to receive a copy of the publication.

8 Page 8 September/October 2004 Focus Continued from Page 1 of Oct. 1, but this budget is critically dependent on relief from Congress, said ANTHC Chief Executive Officer Paul Sherry. Congress needs to give IHS (Indian Health Service) more than the 1 percent increase we ve seen in recent years. After all, tribes are looking at costs that have risen by anywhere from 3-15 percent, just this year. Despite the financial outlook, We will continue to provide the highest quality care, said Sherry. ANMC has received national recognition for its quality of care, including Alaska s only Level II trauma certification and Magnet status for nursing excellence. Quality care is our top priority, agreed Dee Hutchison, ANMC administrator. At its regular meeting on Aug. 31, the ANTHC board of directors restored reductions in several areas, effective October 1. These include meals for patients and escorts staying at Quyana House (an ANMC hostel); shuttle service to and from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Services Continued from Page 1 Note: Taxis and other forms of transportation are available on the north side of the airport, immediately off the baggage claim area, The Airport Kiosk is closing as of Sept. 2. Patients must work closely with their regional health corporation and ANMC staff to make travel arrangements before they leave home and before they leave ANMC. Although the current closure of the kiosk is part of a comprehensive Airport. (See related article on Page 1), and patient assistance services at the airport. These services are important for our patients who come to Anchorage from outlying areas and don t know their way around Anchorage, said Kashevaroff. As long as we can, we want to extend that level of hospitality and care to our patients. Internal economies that have already been made within the hospital include: Staff reductions following a comprehensive review of staffing in every department Reductions in training and travel to levels essential to meet clinical and support responsibilities in the field and to staff A freeze on capital equipment purchases ANMC faces several financial challenges. Some are temporary and related to processing problems that its third party insurance payers are experiencing. Many are more troubling, however, in that they reflect diminishing long-term revenue support, particularly from the federal sector, in the face of steadily rising costs. ANMC s immediate fiscal 2004 response to budgetary pressures, it is also necessitated by the recent remodel at the airport. At this time staff is evaluating options for the best way to provide this service in the future. We do know that we will not be able to reopen in the same location, as the space has been designated for other purposes by airport management. Quyana House patient and escort meal vouchers have also been temporarily suspended until Oct.1. Meal cards are available for purchase at a 10 percent discount rate. There is also a small refrigerator located in each room of Quyana House for shortfalls are due to: High-cost organ transplant cases covered by Contract Health Services Increasing pharmaceutical expenses due to significant patient volume and escalating drug costs Establishing a much needed inhouse neurosurgery program to ensure access to this vital service for ANMC patients and to to meet increasing clinical demand. For the future, ANMC is closely tracking several other proposals being considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) programs Medicaid in particular, which will pose even greater financial challenges to our system if enacted. Time will tell. ANTHC held a meeting of nearly 200 supervisors and managers to generate ideas for saving money and generating revenue. ANTHC management is evaluating those ideas for implementation within 90 days. Action on many of them is already under way. Senior managers at the Consortium plan to involve Alaska Native Health System partners, statewide, in these continuing discussions. FHR staff can help with alternate health insurance coverage Alaska Native Medical Center s (ANMC) Family Health Resources (FHR) Department staff members are available to assist patients in determining if they are eligible for alternate health insurance coverage, e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, etc. ANMC encourages staff of regional health organizations to contact the FHR Department prior to the patient s arrival at ANMC to pre-determine the patient s eligibility for third party insurance. Please BBAHC Continued from Page 6 expanded many programs. Continued commitment by the board of directors and staff result in the availability of high quality, comprehensive health care programs and services for the residents of Bristol Bay. In 1994 BBAHC became a founding member of the Alaska Tribal Health Compact (under Title III, P.L ), which allowed BBAHC to enter into a governmentto-government contract with the U.S. Congress to provide healthcare services for Alaska Natives and American Indians. Having direct control over programs and financial resources allows the corporation to design and provide programs that better meet the healthcare needs of the people and respond quickly to changing trends. The signatories to the Alaska Tribal Health Compact celebrated its tenth anniversary in call: to contact FHR staff. All money collected from the patient s third party insurance payers is used to supplement Indian Health Service funding levels for operation of the hospital and clinics, and to buy medical equipment, patient medicines, and medical supplies needed to provide patient services. If you have questions, please call or us at lnmerculieff@anmc.org. snack items. Upon checkout, ANMC provides patients with enough medications until they can contact their referring facility. As of Aug. 16, when leaving ANMC, patients will now receive a 14-day supply of medications, instead of a 30-day supply. (This does not apply to Anchorage Service Unit patients, for whom ANMC is their primary care provider. Patients residing in the Anchorage Service Unit who receive new prescriptions will receive a maximum 30-day supply.) Thompson Continued from Page 1 ing to discuss reauthorization of IHCIA since ANHB provided Thompson and his top staff the ANHB fiscal 2005 federal legislative priorities. These include funding for Community Health Aide Practitioner Program, medevac/patient travel, villagebuilt clinic lease, IHS facility construction, and rural sanitation and solid waste management. Go to to view the full document. CALENDAR Events & celebrations September 6 Labor Day ANTHC & ANHB OFFICES CLOSED. 7 SCF Executive Committee meeting, 10 am 2 pm. 8 Clinical Directors Meeting, 1 4 pm, ULB Boardroom. 8-9 Alaska Federal Health Care Partnership, Executive Committee Business meeting and New Commanders Orientation, Klondike/Glacier Bay Conf Rm, Homewood Suites, 140 West Tudor Road (Info: Brenda Jack ). 9 Medical Services Networking Committee, 10 am 4 pm, ULB Boardroom th National Changing Patterns of Cancer in Native Communities Honoring Our Native Families: From Prevention to Cure, Phoenix AZ (Info Norton Sound Health Corp. full board meeting, Pioneer Hall, Nome SEARHC Quarterly Meeting, Juneau. 14 Alaska s Covering Kids Coalition, noon 4:30 pm, PCC Cormorant Room. 21 Maniilaq Association committee meetings. 22 YKHC Finance Committee meeting Maniilaq Association Board Meeting Alaska Public Health Training Institute, BP Energy Center, Anchorage (Info: 29 Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee quarterly mtg, Martha s Vineyard, MA. 30- Oct 1 Regional Conference for Native American Cancer Survivors, Tigard OR (Info: Celeste Whitewold ) October 5 Alaska Telehealth Advisory Council, time/location TBD. 8 Alaska Native Traditional Health Celebration, ANMC NCAI 61st Annual Session, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale FL (Info: 11 Alaska Native Traditional Health Celebration Day ANTHC OFFICES CLOSED. 11 Village Services Mgmt Team, 11 am 3 pm, SCF Boardroom. 12 Business Office Managers Workshop, Trail Blazer Medicare Part B MMA Workshop, ANMC Conf Rm 2, 9:30 am 5 pm (Info: ). 12 Southcentral Foundation Board meeting, 9 am 4 pm, SCF Boardroom.