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Rural Health Information Hub

Alaska Resources

Prevalence of Childhood Hearing Loss in Rural Alaska
Highlights a study on infection-related hearing loss among rural Alaska Native children. Explores the frequency and risk factors for infection-related hearing loss and discusses prevention measures.
Author(s): Susan D. Emmett, Alyssa Platt, Joseph J. Gallo, et al.
Citation: Ear and Hearing, 44(5), 1240-1250
Date: 10/2023
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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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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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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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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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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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COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Among American Indian or Alaska Native Persons — Alaska, 2020–2021
Examines COVID-19 health disparities impacting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people in Alaska from March 12, 2020–December 31, 2021. Discusses challenges to accessing healthcare, including living in rural and remote location.
Author(s): Lowrie A. Ward, Kelsey P. Black, Carla L. Britton, et al.
Citation: MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report), 71(22), 730-733
Date: 06/2022
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Additional resources are available. See a full list of Alaska Resources.