ASNA May 2020 Newsletter
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Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
May 2020 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the May Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
1st Positive Case for COVID-19
HR Director Retires
Universal Masking
COVID-19 Testing Clinics
COVID-19 Readiness
Hospital Services
Social Distancing
Tele-Health Information
Aimaaġvik Assisted Living Center
Guiding Principles
COVID-19 Safety Tips
Stroke Awareness Month
Medical Travel and Funeral Assistance (MTFA)
Social Services Outreach
Tribal Child Care
ASNA Radio Hour
Dates To Remember
Dental Clinic Village Schedule
Eye Clinic Schedule
Specialty Clinics
SSMH Medicaid/Medicare Outreach Schedule
Medical Provider Village Schedule
Job Openings
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome!
The Iñupiaq translation for May is Suvluġvik. It is the month when whaling continues, geese are hunted inland, and ducks are hunted on the ice.
In this issue, we have information about COVID-19 testing clinics, Universal Masking, recognition for retiree, stroke awareness and much more.
1st Positive Case for COVID-19
The first patient in the North Slope region has tested positive for COVID‐19. The patient was in Anchorage and stopped in Utqiaġvik before traveling on to
their home community. The patient has been instructed to self‐isolate and is in contact with
State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology and Public Health Nursing to ensure appropriate precautions
are being taken.
The individual was rapid tested May 22, 2020 at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital, and a confirmatory test was sent to Alaska Native Medical Center. At the time of testing, the patient was not experiencing any symptoms. The specific community of residence is not being released to protect the privacy of the patient.
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (SSMH) has prepared a rapid response team consisting of a Physician, Physician’s Assistant, Lab Assistant, and a members of Nursing to mobilize to their location. This team will be joining a medical provider who had previously traveled to the community to provide routine care. This team will provide COVID‐19 testing for anyone who may have come into contact with the patient, and work with the community on hand hygiene and other ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The team is expected to arrive in the community immediately. SSMH activated its incident command structure on March 16 to manage the COVID‐19 pandemic in the region. SSMH is also working with the North Slope Borough Emergency Operations Center and is communicating daily with regional community leaders.
Long-Standing Community Member Retires
Linda Stanford moved to Utqiaġvik in 1995. Initially, she worked with the North Slope Borough School District, then served at the North Slope Borough Health Department for many years before working at Ilisagvik College.
Linda joined the ASNA family in 2017 as Director of Human Resources. Additionally, Linda shared her time serving on both local and state-wide boards. Her guidance was always insightful and she is an inspiration to others.
One co-worker said, “I’ll miss her compassion for what she does, and stories about her family. We are all very happy and excited to know she is finally resting after all these years of working in our community.”
Thank you Linda for serving the people of the Arctic Slope, we wish you all the best in your next adventure.
Universal Masking
Protecting our patients, visitors and staff is our top priority when providing quality healthcare. Universal masking is a practice implemented by ASNA, in compliance with state mandates, that requires all staff and vistors to wear face coverings. Please use cloth or homemade masks when visiting us to help conserve supplies.
You can help stop the spread of coronavirus by wearing a mask when you leave the house.
If you show flu-like symptoms such as, fever, cough or shortness of breath please call the SSMH COVID Hotline at 833.852.4622
COVID-19 Testing Clinics
Starting April 2, we initiated a drive thru testing clinic. The clinic will run Monday thru Friday from 8am to 7pm. No appointment neccessary during open clinic hours. Please call SSMH COVID-19 Hotline # 833.852.4622 to schedule an appointment outside of operating hours.
When calling this number you will speak to a nurse who will go over a screening questionnaire with you, they will get your contact information and schedule you an appointment. Please bring a form of identification with you. To maintain the safety of all patients and staff we are not able to serve people who do not have an appointment.
The drive-thru clinic will take place behind the hospital in the parking spaces by the emergency department. We will have signs indicating the location. Remember test results can take anywhere between 3-6 days to process. We kindly ask anyone who receives the test to please self-isolate at home awaiting results, and if symptoms worsen don’t hesitate and come straight to the Emergency Room.
In addition to the drive-thru clinic at SSMH, we have expanded testing accessibility in the community. Effective May 18, the mobile testing site will be stationed at the Wiley Post – Will Rogers Memorial Airport in Utqiaġvik. It will be open to off-slope travelers immediately after the plane lands.
SSMH Readiness for COVID-19
SSMH staff has been preparing for possible confirmed cases of the COVID-19 disease since January. We significantly increased our staff with doctors and nurses with critical care experience, and increased our inventory of medical supplies including personal protective equipment.
The SSMH Large Conference Room has been converted to an air-sealed isolation clinic with over a dozen patient beds, equipped with hospital standard air filtration. Our primary care rooms have been refitted with an extra bed to help with inpatient overflow.
Hospital Services Temporary Closure
Hospital staff, patients, and visitor’s health and well-being are paramount to the ASNA family. In order to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and ensure the safety of the community we will be temporarily closing some services and restricting access to visitors.
· Primary Care Clinic is closed until further notice
· Specialty Clinics are closed
· Dental and Eye Clinic are open to emergencies only
· All visitors and patients are screened prior to entrance into the hospital
· Patient visiting hours are now from 8:00am – 8:00pm
· Medical Imaging is operating by referral
Beginning in the coming weeks SSMH will start a phased re-opening of our services.
Visit the ASNA website or ASNA Facebook page for updates.
Social Distancing Tips and Tricks
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) the novel coronavirus is highly infectious. In an effort to help prevent the spread of the disease COVID-19, we would like to strongly urge everyone to practice social distancing. Below are some examples:
- Stay at least 6 feet away from another person
- Limit the number of times you run errands
- Do not meet a friend(s) in person, use a video chat service
- Postpone/Cancel events and celebrations
- Stay home as often as you can
Telehealth Information
Aimaaġvik Assisted Living Center
Data suggests that our elderly population are at a higher risk of developing life-threatening complications from the novel coronavirus. Implemented in February, in response to the health crisis and to protect our residents we have restricted visitor access to Aimaaġvik Assisted Living Center.
For more information contact Aimaaġvik Assisted Living Center at 907.852.0272
ASNA/SSMH Guiding Principles
COVID-19 Safety Tips
ASNA is dedicated to the health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors. Below are recommended health tips from the CDC that can help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
- WASH HANDS with soap and warm water or an alcohol based hand rub for 20 seconds
- AVOID TOUCHING your face
- AVOID CONTACT with people who are believed to be sick
- STAY HOME when you are sick.
- COVER your cough or sneeze with a tissue
- CLEAN and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
For more information please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
May is National Stroke Awareness Month
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Stroke is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to the CDC. A stroke is when the blood supply to the brain is blocked to the part of the brain, or if a blood vessel inside the brain bursts. The symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym F.A.S.T. It stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Slurred or strange speech, and Time to call 911. Treatment of stroke can include medications and/or procedures. If you or someone you know show symptoms of a stroke, it is important to go to the ER despite COVID-19. Hospitals all over the world, including SSMH, are taking precautions to protect patients from being exposed to the virus.
There are two types of stroke:
- An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels to the brain. Fatty deposits called plaque can also cause blockages by building up in the blood vessels.
- A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Blood builds up and damages surrounding brain tissue.
Both types of stroke damage brain cells. Time lost is brain lost. Every minute counts.
You can help prevent stroke by making healthy choices and controlling any health conditions you may have.
Medical Travel & Funeral Assistance Patient Travel Information
ASNA is the Medical Travel and Funeral Assistance (MTFA) program administrator serving the Arctic Slope communities of Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, Utqiaġvik and Wainwright. Below you will find some important tips for applicants.
For medical travel:
1. MTFA provides aid to eligible Arctic Slope Regional Corporation shareholders and residents of the North Slope Borough with medical or funeral crisis when no alternative funds are available to pay for services.
2. Applications MUST be turned into the MTFA office five (5) days prior to departure day. MTFA staff cannot control waiting periods. This includes waiting on the applicant's employer to provide income verification or receiving health information.
The applicant is responsible for providing the referral or medical referral appointment letter to the MTFA staff. MTFA staff are available to provide assistance seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (except for Holidays).
Main Line: 907.852.9114 | On Call: 907.331.9495 | Fax: 907.852.9152 | E-mail: mtfa@arcticslope.org
While at ANMC contact Community Health Representative 907.297.8382 or 907.602.9243
Social Services Outreach
The Social Services Department administers programs for residents throughout the North Slope, including job placement, higher education scholarships, adult vocational training, family preservation, Indian Child Welfare assistance, preventative behavioral health services, tribal childcare, medical and burial assistance. If you need assistance with applying for any of these programs, please schedule an appointment with social services.
For information or questions, please contact Qiilu Yazzie, ICWA Program Manager at
Cell Phone: 907.367.6237 between 8am to 5pm or email: Qiiluu.Yazzie@arcticslope.org
Tribal Child Care
ASNA Social Services is sponsoring the Tribal Child Care program for children ages 13 and under whose parents are employed and/or actively taking classes. The child must be enrolled or eligible to enroll into a federally recognized tribe. Eligibility is also based on family size and income.
Become a Childcare Provider Today!
For information or questions, please contact Daphne Leavitt, Program Manager, at 907.852.9379
E-mail: childcare@arcticslope.org
ASNA Radio Hour
In an effort to do more community outreach and education, ASNA hosts a weekly one-hour KBRW radio show. Remember to join our host, Trina Paul, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm every Friday morning.
Our schedule has primarily been providing updates regarding Safety Procedures and SSMH Readiness as it pertains to the COVID-19 disease.
This schedule is subject to change at any time due to changes with KBRW scheduling or any unforeseen medical emergencies.
Dates to Remember
Dental Clinic Village Schedule
Subject to travel limitations due to COVID-19, ASNA is very sensitive to the needs and wishes of our member villages and with the approval of the village, we continue to provide patient urgent care needs through Village Health travel.
Currently there is no village travel scheduled.
This is an evolving situation and village travel schedules are subject to change. Contact your NSB Village Health Clinic for any updates.
Eye Clinic Schedule in Utqiaġvik
The Eye Clinic will open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following days:
- May 26 – June 19
For more information, please contact the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Eye Clinic directly at Telephone: 907.852.9291 | E-mail: eyeclinic@arcticslope.org
Specialty Clinic Schedule in Utqiaġvik
Due to COVID-19 Specialty Clinic appointments are cancelled until May 1, 2020. We apologize for any inconvenience.
For more information, please contact the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic directly at Telephone: 907.852.9284 | Toll Free: 888.525.7764
Medicaid/Medicare Outreach
Outreach staff is available on weekdays from 8AM to 5PM at the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital for those who would like to apply for Medicaid benefits and other public assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP (formally known as food stamps), Temporary Assistance Program, Adult Public Assistance, and General Relief. The outreach department travels to the villages of Atqasuk, Wainwright, Pt. Lay, Kaktovik, and Nuiqsut, and the staff can be reached at the village clinics. Please stop in and see us or call 852-4611 for more information.
SSMH Outreach and Enrollment staff will be traveling to the following villages to help patients with enrollment in Medicaid and/or Medicare, senior benefits, and other public assistance programs:
- Due to COVID-19, Village Travel is cancelled until further notice
Medicaid can also help pay for medical travel including flights, hotels, and food. If you are pregnant, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Patient services paid by Medicaid or Medicare will allow SSMH to invest in new services. If you have questions, please contact
SSMH Patient Benefits at Telephone: 907.852.9365 | Toll Free: 888.525.7764
Medical Provider Village Schedule
Subject to travel limitations due to COVID-19, ASNA is very sensitive to the needs and wishes of our member villages and with the approval of the village, we continue to provide patient urgent care needs through Village Health travel.
Wainwright:
- May 12–14 (Family Medicine)
- May 18-21 (Provider Visit)
- May 25-28 (Pediatric)
Nuiqsut:
- May 18-21 (Family Medicine)
All dates subject to change. To schedule your appointment with the SSMH Provider, please call your NSB Village Health Clinic to ensure your name is on the list with your current phone number(s).
Job Openings
NURSING
- Clinical Supervisor
- Nurse Case Manager (2 Positions)
- Nurse Manager-Primary Care
- Patient Care Technician I (PCT) PRN
- Patient Care Technician I (PCT)
- Primary Care Nurse (2 Positions)
- Registered Nurse Emergency Room
- Registered Nurse Inpatient
- Registered Nurse – LDRP
- Registered Nurse Primary Care (2 Positions)
- Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call
SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- Clinical Laboratory
- Assistant Deputy Administrative Director of Revenue Cycle
- Elder Care Specialist
- On-Call Facilities Administrative
- Assistant Food Service Kitchen Helper(Temporary)
- Healthy Family Advocate – revised AKP or BRW or KAK
- Healthy Family Advocate – revised Nuiqsut
- Housing Housekeeper
- Housekeeper (PRN)
- Maintenance Laborer
- Maintenance Specialist II
- OJT Dental Assistant (2 Positions)
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Night)
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE
Please visit us at https://arcticslope.org/careers/job-openings/ to find out how to apply online, Thank You!
Upcoming ASNA Holiday
- Independence Day July 3, 2020
In observance of the upcoming holidays, the ASNA and SSMH offices will be closed with exception of the ER/emergency department and all other staff essential for emergency medical care.
The front entryway of SSMH will be closed; please enter through the ER, or southeast end of the building.