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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by State: Alaska

Elevated Colorectal Cancer Incidence among American Indian/Alaska Native Persons in Alaska Compared to Other Populations Worldwide
Presents the results of a study comparing American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) colorectal cancer (CRC) rates in Alaska for 2018 to CRC rates among tribal and racial populations in other regions of the US, and internationally. Results of this study will be used to inform healthcare organizations about policies and practices supporting CRC screening for the reduction of the disease.
Author(s): Donald Haverkamp, Diana Redwood, Elena Roik, Stephen Vindigni, Timothy Thomas
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 82(1)
Date: 03/2023
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Environmental Factors for Hearing Loss and Middle Ear Disease in Alaska Native Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Cluster Randomized Trial
Study examining infection-related hearing loss in Alaska Native children in relation to environmental factors, including exposure to cigarette smoke, wood smoke, and access to running water. Analyzes data from 1,634 children who participated in school hearing screenings between 2017 and 2019.
Author(s): Kelli Hicks, Samantha Kleindienst, Alyssa Platt, et al.
Citation: Ear and Hearing, 44(1), 2-9
Date: 01/2023
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2023 Alaska Scorecard: Key Issues Impacting Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries
Report explores mental health data for the state of Alaska and compares rates to national data and to a state-level baseline. Details data by indicator, such as healthcare access, economic and social well-being, and suicide prevention, among other measures.
Date: 2023
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
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Addressing Commercial Tobacco Use in Indigenous Communities Toolkit
Explores public health approaches to addressing commercial tobacco use disparities in Indigenous communities. Discusses community engagement, cultural appropriateness, and other elements of effective communication and program implementation. Features case studies focused on rural youth engagement, access to services in Alaska Native villages, policy development in the Navajo Nation, and more.
Date: 2023
Sponsoring organization: American Lung Association (ALA)
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2022-2023 NW Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Public Report
Highlights programming done for the 2022-2023 year including trainings, technical assistance, and relationship building. Notes goals for the next year.
Date: 2023
Sponsoring organization: Northwest (Region 10) Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Collaborative
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Culturally Adapting an Evidence-Based Intervention to Promote a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle for Yup'ik Alaska Native Communities
Highlights a study on a culturally competent educational program on healthy foods and physical activity for Yup'ik Alaska Native communities. Discusses the structure and efficacy of the project. Details some of its limitations and access-based barriers.
Author(s): Scarlett E. Hopkins, Eliza Orr, Bert B. Boyer, and Beti Thompson
Citation: International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 82(1)
Date: 2023
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Development of a Colorectal Cancer Screening Intervention for Alaska Native People During a Pandemic Year
Examines the development and implementation of a screening methodology for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Alaska Native (AN) populations. Analyzes 32 rural/remote AN communities who received various community-based CRC screening interventions compared to 14 AN communities who received opportunistic care for CRC screening. Includes discussion about barriers and challenges of screening in rural AN populations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Author(s): Christie A. Flanagan, Lila J. Finney Rutten, John B. Kisiel, et al.
Citation: Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 30, 101016
Date: 12/2022
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American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) Children Are Overrepresented in Foster Care in States With the Largest Proportions of AIAN Children
Analyzes the disproportionate population of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children in the foster care system with percentage comparisons for 10 states. Discusses culturally relevant practices and policies to address AI/AN historical trauma that has exacerbated high rates of foster care usage.
Author(s): Deana Around Him
Date: 11/2022
Sponsoring organization: Child Trends
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How Alaska Supports Rural and Frontier Behavioral Health Services
Describes Alaska's Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) program, a non-licensed provider type designed to promote behavioral health and wellness in Alaska Native individuals, families, and communities through culturally relevant training and education. Discusses qualifications for the BHA certification, payment, and next steps for other states seeking to develop similar programs.
Date: 10/2022
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
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Alaska's Physician Workforce in 2021
Findings brief describing size, distribution, and education history of the physician workforce in Alaska. Features statistics on various specialties with breakdowns by urban, overall rural, large rural, small rural, and isolated small rural areas.
Author(s): Arati Dahal, Susan M. Skillman
Date: 07/2022
Sponsoring organizations: UW Center for Health Workforce Studies, Washington Area Health Education Center Program
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