Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
Welcome to the May Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Daisy Award Winner
Sunshine Award Winner
SSMH Service Spotlight
Mental Health Awareness
Guy Okakok SR., Leadership Award
COVID-19 Update
Guiding Principles
Elder Care(Primary Care Appointments)
Social Services Outreach
Tribal Child Care
Medical Travel and Funeral Assistance (MTFA)
ASNA Radio Hour
Dental Clinic Village Schedule
Eye Clinic Schedule
Specialty Clinics
SSMH Medicaid/Medicare Outreach Schedule
Medical Provider Village Schedule
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 Daisy/Sunshine Award Winners, a COVID-19 update and much more.
2020 Daisy Award WinnerDee Fletcher, Registered Nurse
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. Dee Fletcher, RN, an employee with ASNA for four years, has been selected as the 2020 Daisy Award winner. Dependable, knowledgeable and helpful are shared descriptions of Dee in her nominations from her peers and patients alike. Dee helps train staff, clean/disinfect the ambulance bay, comforts patients and their family, assists in the Emergency Department, and helps deliver babies in SSMH Labor and delivery unit. Considering her hard-work and dedication to our patients, it is easy to see that Dee’s accolades are well within merit.
Congratulations Dee!
2020 Sunshine Award WinnerKayla Young, Patient Care Technician
The SUNSHINE Award recognizes the care team that supports nursing staff and works closely with them to provide patients with the compassion and care they need. The Samuel Simmonds Sunshine Award is dedicated to non-nursing caregivers, including patient care technicians and other vital team members. Our 2020 Sunshine Award Winner is Kayla Young. Kayla can be described as caring, resourceful, and willing to go beyond the call of duty in service to her patients welfare.
“I am grateful for her. She is definitely an asset to the community.” a patient recalled. Keep up the good work, and congratulations on the well-deserved honor Kayla!
SSMH Service Spotlight, Quality Department
The Quality Department is dedicated to improving the safety and quality of care delivered at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital. The Quality Department receives patient and employee complaints, concerns, and compliments. We are happy to receive feedback!
Our Wayfinder, Josephine Smith, welcomes patients into the facility, offers translation services, assists with collecting patient surveys and receiving feedback. The Infection Control and Employee Health Nurse, Beverly Oden provides surveillance and employee health services, and has been instrumental in COVID-19 infection control and reporting for the organization. The Director of Quality, Caitlin Montague, provides oversight, works hand in hand with other departments to facilitate regulatory readiness, continual process improvement, and ensures state and federal quality reporting measures are continuously monitored and submitted. For patient/customer service concerns or
feedback, please contact SSMH Quality department at (907) 852-9155 or e-mail: quality@arcticslope.org. Our Quality Assurance Associate, Inah Malijan, would be happy to assist you. The Patient Feedback Form can be requested from Josephine or at the front desk.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health is a medical condition similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. Some people may need medical help to get well and its important to recognize when help is needed. According to Mental Health America, almost 1 out of every 5 people in the US will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. There are many mental health conditions, such as: substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). When they first begin to experience symptoms such as loss of sleep, feeling tired for no reason, feeling low, feeling anxious, or hearing voices, they should take action right away. Stages of Mental Health Conditions Stage 1:
Mild Symptoms and Warning Signs At Stage 1, a person begins to show symptoms of a mental health condition, but is still able to maintain the ability to function at home, work or school—although perhaps not as easily as before they started to show symptoms. Often there is a sense that something is “not right.” Stage 2: Symptoms Increase in Frequency and Severity and Interfere with Life Activities and Roles At Stage 2, it usually becomes obvious that something is wrong. A person’s symptoms may become stronger and last longer or new
symptoms may start appearing on top of existing ones, creating something of a snowball effect. Performance at work or school will become more difficult, and a person may have trouble keeping up with family duties, social obligations or personal responsibilities. Stage 3: Symptoms Worsen causing disruption in Life Activities At Stage 3, symptoms have continued to increase in severity, and many symptoms are often taking place at the same time. A person may feel as though they are losing control of their life and the ability to fill their roles at home, work or school. Stage 4: Symptoms are Persistent and Severe and Have Jeopardized One's Life By Stage 4, the combination of extreme, prolonged and persistent symptoms and impairment often results in development of other health conditions and has the potential to turn into a crisis event like unemployment, hospitalization, homelessness or even incarceration. In the worst cases, untreated mental illnesses can lead to loss of life an average of 25 years early Common treatment types include therapy, medication, peer support, community-based services, self-care, and/or complementary and alternative medicine. Just know that it’s going to take time to be able to see someone for help. Statistically there is 1 mental health provider for every 790 adults in the nation. Mental Health America is trying to
solve that problem at the national, state and local levels. For additional resources please CLICK HERE.
Guy Okakok Sr., Leadership Award
The purpose of this award is to provide an academic scholarship to eligible North Slope tribal members who are interested in post-secondary health care, social services, or health-related certificate program. Scholarship awardees will receive up to $2,500 per semester or $5,000 per academic year, based on need. This is a one (1) time, non-continuing scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Applicants must complete the initial ASNA application process by June 30, 2021. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.You can find the link to download the scholarship on the ASNA WEBSITE, or pick up a copy in the front lobby at SSMH. Any questions may be submitted via e-mail to info@arcticslope.org or call 907.852.2762
COVID-19 is the disease that is caused by the Novel Coronavirus, SARS-COV-2. It is a respiratory disease with similar symtoms 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.
-State of Alaska On March 12, 2020 the State of Alaska reported its first confirmed positive COVID-19 case. Nine months later on December 14, Alaska received its first doses of the COVID-19 vaccination. Since then 267,354 Alaskans have completed their COVID-19 vaccination, or 36.5% of Alaska’s population. It is believed that 70%-80% of a population needs to be protected from the novel coronavirus either by vaccination or previous
infection to reach herd immunity. It is also believed that a person who has previously been infected with COVID-19 has up 8 months of protection from reinfection. Potentially, up to 44% of Alaska’s population could have some form of protections against the novel coronavirus. Right now, many more Alaska residents need to receive their vaccination in order to reach herd immunity. State of Alaska Coronavirus Hub United States COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker -ASNA Service Area There has been 972 reported cases 4 deaths and 42 hospitalizations on the North Slope.
Testing still remains a critical element in containing the spread of the COVID-19 disease and is encouraged for all travelers into the region and symptomatic persons to request a test to keep our communities safe.
-Prevention After receiving COVID-19 Vaccinations in mid December of last year there have been 2,221 completed vaccinations administered by ASNA/SSMH. This number puts North Slope residents at just
over 30% of our population fully vaccinated. Since vaccination rollout there has been a decrease in participation amongst residents in our communities. Vaccines have been proven safe and effective and are the greatest tools at ending any pandemic. For the safety of our communities ASNA/SSMH is accepting appointments for any interested individuals ages 12 & up. Please call 907.852.9156 or e-mail covidvaccine@arcticslope.org to schedule an appointment. 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
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. For the Online
Testing Registration Form CLICK HERE. For press-release announcements CLICK HERE. For those awaiting appointments CLICK HERE to be
directed to our online form for the COVID-19 Vaccine. No out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 vaccination.
ASNA/SSMH Guiding Principles
Caring for our EldersQiksiksrautitiqaġniq 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.
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. Social Services will be hosting summer activity camps in each of our surrounding communities for children ages 5-18 years old. Summer Camp Schedule - Anaktuvuk
Pass: May 18-20
- Nuiqsut: May 25-27
- Point Lay: June 14-17
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
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
Medical Travel & Funeral Assistance Patient Travel InformationASNA 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
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. - May 21- Pain Management
- May 28- Tobacco Cessation
- June 4- Alzheimer’s Awareness
- June 11- Summer, Nalukataq Safety
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.
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.
- May 17-21, 2021: Nuiqsut, Dr. Walsh
- May 24-28, 202: Atqasuk, Dr. Dean
- June 21-25, 2021: Kaktovik, Dr. Walsh
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:
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.
- ENT/MH: May 19-21
- Audio: May 19-21
- Cardiology: May 25, 27-28
- Colonoscopy: June 7-11
- EGD: June 14-15
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 24-27 – Pediatrics, James Askew PNP
- Wainwright: May 26-27 – Cardiology, Dr. Orr
- Point Lay: June 1-3 – Pediatrics, Dr. Aiden
- Atqasuk: June 28-July 1 – Pediatrics, James Askew PNP
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).
ADMINISTRATIONNURSINGPROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARESKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- Memorial Day May 31, 2021
- Independence Day July 3, 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.
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