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Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
January 2021 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the December Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Daisy Award Nominee
Sunshine Award Nominee
Village Service Expansion
COVID-19 Update
Flu Shot Awareness
December is Toy Safety Awareness
ASNA Spirit Days
Guiding Principles
Elder Primary Care
Social Services Outreach
Tribal Childcare
Medical Travel and Funeral Assistance (MTFA)
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 January is Siqiññaatchiaq. It is the month of the new sun. When skin boats are built and repaired. Also, the time for natchiq and nanuq hunting.
In this issue, we have information on Employee of the Year Award, cervical health awareness, and a COVID-19 Update. Enjoy!
Employee of the Year
Kris Elkins, Dietary Services Manager
The ASNA Employee of the Year Award is a special recognition for the employee who represents ASNA’s mission, vision, and the guiding principles of the Iñupiat Values.
Kris Elkins, Dietary Services Manager, has been selected as ASNA’s 2020 Employee of the Year. In 2020 ASNA received more nominations than it has ever had since the reintroduction of the award in 2014. Her selection would surprise no one as Kris garnered the most nominations amongst her peers.
One nominator described Ms. Elkins as “The backbone of the organization who goes above and beyond, not only for the ASNA/SSMH Staff but for the patients as well.” Since joining the ASNA team in 2013, her hard-work, dedication, and leadership has served as an inspiration to others around her. Her service is dutifully appreciated with this special recognition. Congratulations Kris!
Kris joins a distinguished list of individuals who have received Employee of the Year Honors since its reintroduction in 2014.
2014- Audrey Saganna
2015- Joan Gaela
2016- Cynthia Nethercott
2017- Hermie Romero
2018- Becky Andrew
2019- Amber Leavitt-Hopson
2020- Kris Elkins
ASNA Staff Recognitions
ASNA would also like to recognize the following employees for their dedication and service:
5 Years of Service
- Nicole Whiskey – Revenue Cycle
- Charles Edwardsen – Facilities
- Alanna Small – Physician Services
- Susan Miklavcic – Physician Services
- Richard Hall – Health Care Administration
- Fred Miller – Finance
- Richard Hennessy – Nursing
- Thomas Elkins – ASNA Administration
- Helen Okpik – Screening For Life
- Kohhei Nakagawa – Physician Services
- Muimui Tuai – Environmental Services
- Michelle Thomas – Pharmacy
- Mabel Smith – Revenue Cycle
- Darlene Frantz – Nursing Case Management
10 Years of Service
- Cynthia Nethercott – Nursing
- Keith Nosbisch – Information Services
- Taylor Vinas – Revenue Cycle
- Clyde Casilla – Dietary Services
- Kalaponi Uluave – Housekeeping
- Rosemarie Galang – Aimaaġvik
- Leila Valencia – Aimaaġvik
- Elsa Gomez – Aimaaġvik
15 Years of Service
- Hermilina Romero – Health Care Administration
- Luz Lelis – Nursing
In addition to service awards, for the first year ever, an award to show appreciation for our hardworking healthcare workers was presented.
During this global health crisis, hospitals and healthcare systems are doing everything they can to care for their patients and communities. SSMH depends on our Healthcare Heroes serving on the front lines – physicians, nurses, pharmacy, imaging, laboratory, patient registration, environmental services, dietary services, social services and clinical administrative support staff. Healthcare delivery is a demanding profession in the best of times; the COVID-19 pandemic stretches us even further. Delivering healthcare requires exceptional personal strength, competence, and character; amidst this pandemic, we want to recognize individuals that are serving our communities during this difficult time.
2020 Healthcare Heroes:
Nagliktuutuqaġniq - Compassion Award
- Physician, Dr. Kohhei Nakagawa
- Chief Nursing Officer, Denise Irizarry
- Physician, Dr. Alanna Small
Paammaaġigñiq - Cooperation Award
- Dental Hygienist, Amanda Stein
Congratulations and Quyanaqpak to all our recipients in 2020!
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 is the disease that is caused by the Novel Coronavirus, SARS-COV-2. It is a respiratory disease with similar symptoms as the flu. What distinguishes it from the flu is that there is no effective standard way of treating it and COVID-19 is reportedly more contagious. It was first discovered in Wuhan, China in late 2019. It has since spread at an exponential rate all across the world causing a global pandemic and societal norms to be upended.
The deadly disease is spread by droplets from an infected persons mouth or nose being expunged into the air by breathing or sneezing. Then those droplets could either be breathed in by another person or the droplets land on a surface and that surface is touched by another person before touching their face.
-ASNA Service Area
Since July 14, 2020 there has been at least 1 active case in the arctic slope service area. North of 800 cases in 6 months the infection rate started slow. It took 71 days for the residents in the ASNA service area to reach its first 100 cases. At the quickest rate, it only took 8 days to go from 500 cases to 600 cases in early December 2020.
With data being analyzed daily we are beginning to see a rise in active cases in the second week of January. Activities such as travelling and/or gathering during the holiday season could attirbute to this rise. On January 7, 2021 ASNA saw its lowest 7-day positivity rate in the service area since November 10, 2020, but the feat was short lived because that number nearly doubled just 5 days later.
Cases have been adding up daily since October 28, 2020 we continue to see more hospitaliztions and tragically more deaths. In the second week of January, ASNA recorded the first resident death of the new year(fourth overall) in the ASNA Service Area. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the departed as we mourn the passing of our fellow community member.
-Prevention
After receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations in mid December of last year there have been over 300 vaccines administered by ASNA/SSMH. ASNA follows the guidelines set by the State of Alaska to ensure a smooth rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations.
For more information on State of Alaska vaccination guidelines CLICK HERE.
Together we can protect ourselves and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The most effective ways at slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 are the following:
- WEAR A FACE MASK
- STAY SIX-FEET APART FROM OTHERS
- WASH HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS, FREQUENTLY
For press-release announcements CLICK HERE. Thank You and stay safe.
Testing is available at the NSB Transit Station in Utqiaġvik. Tests are available with no out-of-pockets costs, and may be repeated every seven (7) days. Please call 833-852-4622 to schedule an appointment.
CLICK HERE for the Online Registration Form
Visit the ASNA WEBSITE for updates regarding the impact of COVID-19 in the ASNA service area
Glaucoma has no warming signs, and if left untreated can result in permanent vision loss or even blindness. Glaucoma is caused by optic nerve damage due to increased pressure in the eye. The eye pressure can build up in one of two ways: when the eye secretes too much eye fluid, or when the eye can’t properly drain the eye fluid. It’s possible to develop glaucoma even if your eye pressure is normal. It can be caused by a
sensitive optic nerve, or when there is not enough blood supplied to the optic nerve.
Fortunately, a comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect glaucoma in its early stages before noticeable vision loss occurs.If you are at higher risk for glaucoma, it’s critical to get regular eye exams every 2 to 4 years – after the age of 40 – even if you are not experiencing vision problems! There is no reversible cure to glaucoma, but there are ways to prevent it from getting worse. Treatments may include eye drops, oral medication, and/or surgery. Keep vision in your future.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and ASNA wants you to know that there is a lot you can do to prevent cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. It is also a major cause of cervical cancer in women.
The good news is cervical cancer can often be prevented with regular screening tests (called pap tests) and follow-up care. The rate of new cervical cancer cases in the U.S. has decreased in the years 1999 through 2017, shown in fig. 1. Deaths caused by cervical cancer has also decreased since women
started to get regular pap tests, which detect cervical precancer cells before it turns to cancer.
In honor of National Cervical Health Awareness Month, ASNA encourages: Women to get regular pap tests every 3 years – beginning at the age of 21 – to detect cervical cancer cells before it’s cancer, or in it’s early stages.
U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. U.S. Cancer Statistics Data Visualizations Tool, based on 2019 submission data (1999-2017): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Cancer Institute; www.cdc.gov/cancer/dataviz, released in June 2020. https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/DataViz.html
Symptoms for the flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny Nose
- Fatigue
The best way to prevent the spreading of the seasonal flu virus is to get vaccinated every year. Because the compounding effect of the seasonal flu and the coronavirus (COVID-19 disease) may strain our healthcare systems it is more important than ever for everyone to get vaccinated this flu season.
Adults over the age of 65 years and adults with chronic health conditions such as: asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are considered high risk of developing complications from the flu. SSMH is scheduling influenza vaccinations at the transit station in Utqiaġvik.
Please Call 833.852.4622 to schedule an appointment and CLICK HERE for online Flu Shot Consent Form
For more information about similarities and differences of COVID-19 and Influenza CLICK HERE
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The influenza viruses spread in much of the same way as COVID-19 spreads but less contagious.
The Arctic Slope Native Association honors the late Reverend Samuel Saalagruk Simmonds who was born on January 25, 1922. Samuel Simmonds was one of the original founders of the Arctic Slope Native Association and the Arctic Slope Hospital was named after him in 1996.
In the early 1900's the Presbyterian Church sent Doctors who would minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of our region. Samuel Saalagruk Simmonds was inspired to follow the honorable service of the First Presbyterian ministers.
Samuel worked tirelessly throughout his life for the welfare of our people, not just preaching, marrying, and providing last rites as a pastor, but also visiting the poor in health and providing food and nourishment for the hungry. He became known as a Master Carver, Lay Pastor, Accountant, Minister, Counselor, Healer, Community Activist, Elder, Loving Husband and Father.
Instead of celebrating, we pause to simply reflect on who the late Reverend Samuel Simmonds was, his accomplishments and all he did for the people of the Arctic Slope. Rather than a big gathering at SSMH, we are asking everyone to practice COVID-19 safety precautions, and to remember his life and teachings from your home. Please stay safe and healthy as we move into 2021 together.
The late Samuel Simmonds' legacy of compassionate care is woven into Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital's mission to promote the health and well-being of the people of the Arctic Slope.
ASNA/SSMH Guiding Principles
Caring for Our Elders
Qiksiksrautitiqaġniq Utuqqanaanun
(Primary Care Appointments)
SSMH dedicates time to care for our elders. Schedule Primary Care appointments Monday - Friday 10AM -12PM by calling 907-852-9156.
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: 907.367.6963 between 8am to 5pm or email: Qiilu.Yazzie@arcticslope.org
Tribal Child Care
Become a Childcare Provider Today!
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.
For information or questions, please contact Daphne Leavitt, Program Manager, at 907.852.9379 E-mail: childcare@arcticslope.org
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:
- 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.
- 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
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.
- January 29- MTFA
- February 5- To Be Determined
- February 12- To Be Determined
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
- Wainwright January 25-29(postponed)
- Point Lay February 1-5, Dentist
- Kaktovik February 8-12, Dentist
All dates subject to change. To schedule an appointment, please call your NSB Village Health Clinic to ensure your name is on the “dental list” with your current phone number(s).
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:
- February 15-25
- March 15-25
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
Specialty Clinic appointments are only for those who receive a referral from a Primary Care Provider.
- Arthritis: January 26-28
- Orthopedic: February 2-4
- Pediatric: February 9-10
- Colonoscopy: February 15-19
All dates subject to change. 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.
Point Lay – Feb 1-4 – Dr. Nakagawa Family Medicine
Kaktovik – Feb 2-5 – James Askew Pediatrics
Atqasuk – Feb 16-18 – Dr. Nakagawa Family Medicine
Nuiqsut – Feb 22-25 – Dr. Nakagawa Family Medicine
Wainwright – Feb 22-25 – James Askew Pediatrics
Point Lay – March 1-4 – James Askew Pediatrics and Ken Wallenfelsz, FNP 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).
Resources
Job Openings
NURSING
- Clinical Supervisor
- Nurse Case Manager (2 Positions)
- Patient Care Technician I (PCT) PRN
- Patient Care Technician I (PCT) Temporary
- Registered Nurse – Emergency Room
- Registered Nurse – Inpatient
- Registered Nurse – LDRP
- Registered Nurse – Primary Care
- Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Mammographer X-Ray Technologist Revised
- Pharmacist
- Staff Dentist (Available 8/2020 & 12/2020)
SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- Accounting Specialist II
- Certified Coder
- CT Technologist (3-Positions)
- Elder Care Specialist
- Executive Assistant
- Floor Care Technician
- Healthy Family Advocate – AKP or BRW or KAK
- Healthy Family Advocate (Nuiqsut)
- Housekeeper (PRN)
- Housing Housekeeper
- Laundry Attendant (Temporary)
- Lead MSO Specialist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Maintenance Specialist II
- Maintenance Specialist II (Offsite Facilities)
- Medical Technologist
- On Job Training for Dental Assistant
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Nights)
- Quality and Compliance Risk Analyst
- Van Driver On-Call
Please visit us at https://arcticslope.org/careers/job-openings/ to find out how to apply online, Thank You!
Upcoming ASNA Holiday
- President's Day February 15, 2021
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.