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Rural Health
Resources by State: Alaska

A Prospective Cohort Analysis of Gut Microbial Co-metabolism in Alaska Native and Rural African People at High and Low Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Presents a study examining the role of diet and gut microbiota in rates of colorectal cancer. Compares the diets of Alaska Natives, who have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world, with the diets of rural Africans, who have some of the lowest.
Author(s): Soeren Ocvirk, Annette S Wilson, Joram M Posma, et al.
Citation: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 111(2), 406-419
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
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Integrating Culture and History to Promote Health and Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in American Indian/Alaska Native Communities: Traditional Foods Have Become a Way to Talk About Health
Reports on the implementation of the Traditional Foods Project (TFP), a community-based intervention to promote access to and integration of traditional foods, physical activities, and social support in culturally and geographically diverse American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities.
Author(s): Lemyra DeBruyn, Lynne Fullerton, Dawn Satterfield, Melinda Frank
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 17
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
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Implementing Healthcare Career Pathway Training Programs in Rural Settings: Responsive Approaches by Tribal HPOG 2.0 Grantees
Examines opportunities and challenges in implementing healthcare education and training programs in rural and tribal communities. Describes how the Tribal Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) 2.0 grantees used their communities' strengths in developing their programs. Highlights the use of partnerships, strategies for addressing geographic isolation and improving access, and methods for ensuring communication and engagement.
Date: 02/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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Preventing Opioid Overdose with Peer-Administered Naloxone: Findings from a Rural State
Highlights a study on the efficacy of peer-administered naloxone to prevent opioid overdose deaths. Bases conclusions on interviews with individuals who have received the training and the naloxone kits from a program in rural Alaska.
Author(s): Bridget L. Hanson, Rebecca R. Porter, Amanda L. Zöld, Heather Terhorst-Miller
Citation: Harm Reduction Journal, 17(1), 4
Date: 01/2020
Type: Document
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Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Adults, by Residence in Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Counties in 12 States and the District of Columbia, 2017
Results of a study measuring the sugar-sweetened beverage intake of 68,896 adults, using information from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Features demographic statistics with breakdowns by frequency of intake, state, and metropolitan or nonmetropolitan location.
Author(s): Omoye Imoisili, Sohyun Park, Elizabeth A. Lundeen, et al.
Citation: Preventing Chronic Disease, 17
Date: 01/2020
Type: Document
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Alaska Native Patient and Provider Perspectives on the Multitarget Stool DNA Test Compared with Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Studies the potential for take-home multitarget stool DNA testing (MT-sDNA) for colorectal cancer to increase access to screening for Alaska Native communities. Discusses barriers to colonoscopy screening, including access to colonoscopy providers and patient resistance to the procedure. Analyzes data from surveys of patients and providers, comparing patient responses based on age and emphasizing acceptability of MT-sDNA among both groups.
Author(s): Diana G. Redwood, Ian D. Blake, Ellen M. Provost, et al.
Citation: Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, 10, 1-7
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
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Alaska's Community Capacity Review: A Statewide Public Health System Assessment
Assesses the current status of the public health system in Alaska and provides a starting point to improve and strengthen the overall capacity of the system. Highlights the importance of including small and rural Alaskan communities in outreach and collaboration efforts.
Date: 10/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Alaska Department of Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Healthy Alaskans 2020
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Use of Apprenticeship to Meet Demand for Medical Assistants in the U.S.
Reports findings from a study of registered medical assistant (MA) apprenticeship programs in 12 states. Discusses the workforce needs these programs may help address, including workforce needs in rural communities. Describes the programs and discusses challenges with starting and maintaining MA apprenticeship programs.
Additional links: Policy Brief
Author(s): Andrew D. Jopson, Susan M. Skillman, Bianca K. Frogner
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: UW Center for Health Workforce Studies
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Toolkit: State Strategies to Support Older Adults Aging in Place in Rural Areas
Describes state initiatives helping older rural adults age in place by supporting services allowing them to remain in their homes. Strategies are focused around building the workforce, increasing access to services in rural areas, and addressing social determinants of health. Includes examples of programs that have already been implemented as well as emerging ideas from several states across the country.
Author(s): Neva Kaye, Kristina Long
Date: 09/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Health Resources and Services Administration, National Academy for State Health Policy, National Organizations of State and Local Officials
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Community Mobilization for Rural Suicide Prevention: Process, Learning and Behavioral Outcomes from Promoting Community Conversations about Research to End Suicide (PC CARES) in Northwest Alaska
Presents a study evaluating the Promoting Community Conversations About Research to End Suicide (PC CARES) program's effectiveness at preventing suicide in rural Alaskan communities. Details the PC CARES model and presents a survey-based evaluation.
Author(s): Lisa Wexler, Suzanne Rataj, Jerreed Ivanich, et al.
Citation: Social Science and Medicine, 232, 398-407
Date: 07/2019
Type: Document
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