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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by State: Alaska

The Frontier of Harm Reduction: Expanding Services for Rural People Who Use Drugs
Describes how harm reduction approaches help reduce health risks related to substance use and explains how these approaches are being adapted in rural areas. Highlights innovative harm reduction strategies being used in rural communities in Alaska, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.
Author(s): Brendan Stermer
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2023
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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The Alaska State Plan for Senior Services FFY 2024 - FFY 2027
Provides an analysis of a statewide initiative to identify the issues and needs of seniors in Alaska to guide the development of senior health and human services in the state. Discusses the demographic trends and needs of this population based on ongoing needs assessment activities. Identifies specific goals, objectives, and performance measures developed by the State Plan for Senior Services Advisory Committee for FFY 2024-2027.
Date: 06/2023
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Department of Health
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The Rural Behavioral Health Crisis Continuum: Considerations and Emerging State Strategies
Presents examples of state strategies for bolstering the rural behavioral health crisis care continuum at each level of care.
Author(s): Miriam Pearsall, Sandra Wilkniss
Date: 04/2023
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
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Messages of Hope: Promoting Wellness to Prevent Suicide in Alaska, 2023-2027 Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan
Highlights the State of Alaska's plan for suicide prevention for the years 2023-2027. Presents a 6 goal plan for the prevention and reversal of the conditions that often lead to suicide. Includes strategies for implementation and evaluation of interventions.
Date: 03/2023
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Department of Health
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Sexually Transmitted Infections in Alaska Among Alaska Native/American Indian People: 2015-2020
Provides rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Alaska among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people from 2015 to 2020 with comparisons to non-native people.
Date: 03/2023
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
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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 U.S., 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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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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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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