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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by State: Alaska

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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Promising Practice: Community Cafes in Alaska Give People a Say in Their Health Care
Provides an overview of the first community cafe sponsored by the Petersburg Medical Center (PMC) in Petersburg, Alaska, and facilitated by the Alaska State Office of Rural Health (AK-SORH). Covers the thought process behind the AK-SORH's idea to facilitate community cafes across the state. Describes the goals of community cafes: to educate and receive feedback on a topic chosen by the community, and learn more about the community's health needs.
Author(s): Beth Blevins
Date: 04/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health
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Cross-Agency Approaches to Substance Use Disorder Prevention and Treatment: National Recommendations
Provides recommendations on how state agencies can work together to prevent and treat substance use disorder, including engaging with state offices of rural health. Offers examples from 8 states and emphasizes state efforts related to opioid misuse disorder.
Date: 03/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
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Planning and Partnerships: Coordinating Rural Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Response
Discusses how rural healthcare facilities can prepare for natural and man-made disasters, the need for flexibility, and the importance of learning from others' experiences. Includes examples of rural communities and providers responding to a tornado in Iowa, an earthquake in Alaska, and an armed hostage standoff in South Dakota.
Author(s): Tami Lichtenberg
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 03/2019
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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The Impacts of Climate Change on Tribal Communities
Hearing from the Subcommittee for Indigenous People of the U.S. regarding how climate change is affecting tribal communities. Includes testimony from Tohono O'odham Nation in Arizona, Quinault Indian Nation in Washington, Calista Corporation in Alaska, and The Building Resilient Communities for Climate Extremes (BRACE Institute), which helps relocate tribal communities in low-lying coastal regions. Addresses the impacts on tribal water quality and availability; traditional food availability; disasters such as wildfires and flooding; and more.
Date: 02/2019
Type: Video/Multimedia
Sponsoring organization: Subcommittee for Indigenous People of the United States
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AKVDRS Suicide Death Update - Alaska, 2012-2017
Details a study on the suicide death rate in Alaska from 2012-2017. Features rates for American Indian and Alaska Native, by substance use, and by region.
Citation: State of Alaska Epidemiology Bulletin, 1
Date: 01/2019
Type: Document
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