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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by State: Alaska

Organizational Readiness to Implement System Changes in an Alaskan Tribal Dental Care Organization
Study of an Alaska tribal dental care organization's readiness for system-level changes based on surveys of dental providers, assistants, and support staff employed by the organization at 15 clinics in remote villages and 3 main dental clinics located in cities. Discusses perceptions of staff regarding workforce issues and support for change related to policies and evidence-based practices. Scores each area of readiness for change based on survey data, including organizational functioning, resources, and management.
Author(s): C.L. Randall, K. Hort, C.E. Huebner, et al.
Citation: Journal of Clinical and Translational Research, 5(2), 156-165
Date: 04/2020
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Tribal HPOG Program Snapshot - The CITC HPOG Program: Creating Pathways to Brighter Futures
Highlights key features of the Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program and outcomes from the first four years of program implementation. CITC is a Tribal HPOG 2.0 grantee and helps individuals in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley pursue careers in health professions.
Date: 03/2020
Sponsoring organization: Administration for Children and Families
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Strengthening the System: Alaska's Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Plan 2020-24
Details Alaska's mental health integration plan. Discusses 9 goals that cover different aspects of mental health coverage, such as suicide prevention, substance use disorder prevention, and early childhood mental health.
Date: 02/2020
Sponsoring organizations: Alaska Department of Health, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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
Sponsoring organization: UW Center for Health Workforce Studies
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