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Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
October 2020 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the September Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Employee Spotlight
Flu Shot Awareness
Girls Night In
ASNA Spirit Days
COVID-19 Update
Thin Ice Awareness
Fall Prevention
Dental Hygiene Awareness Month
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 October is Sikkuvik. It is the month when people continue to go fall whaling and caribou hunting. Ice fishing also begins.
In this issue, we have information on ASNA Day, Dental Hygiene Awareness Month, Girl's Night In and much more. Enjoy!
Employee Spotlight
Marie Monexay
Please join us in welcoming Marie Monexay back to the ASNA team. Marie has been hired as the new Administrative Deputy Director of Revenue Cycle.
Born and raised in Utqiaġvik, Marie rejoins the ASNA team with a cumulative 10 years of work experience with ASNA.
Currently a student at the local Ilisaġvik College pursuing a degree in Business, Marie enjoys spending her free time with her family and cooking.
Welcome Back Marie!
Flu Shot Awareness
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.
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
Girl's Night In - Breast Cancer Awareness
In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, ASNA Screening for Life will host a 'Girl’s Night In'(formally Girl’s Night Out) event to engage and involve the community in the fight against breast and cervical cancer. In addition, the lights underneath the SSMH building are pink for the month of October.
Facts About Breast Cancer
- 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer
- Breast cancer is diagnosed every 2 minutes in the U.S.
- Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
- The chance of a woman dying from early stage breast cancer is estimated to be 1 in 36.
Schedule your mammogram today by calling 907.852.9156
ASNA Spirit Days
October 1st was Domestic Violence Awareness Day. ASNA employees were encouraged to wear purple to bring awareness to mourn victims of domestic violence, celebrate survivors and to foster an atmosphere of change.
Please CLICK HERE for additional resources
COVID-19 Update
In the last 4 weeks there have been over 100 North Slope Borough resident cases. According to data provided by The State of Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub.
A majority of cases are in Utqiaġvik and have been determined to be caused by community spread as well as off-slope travel. In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 disease we encourage our people to be more mindful of protecting each other by taking simple preventative measures.
The most effective ways at containing 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 be safe.
Testing is available at the 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
This time of year, please do not travel or play on lagoons, lakes and rivers as the Ice Is Too Thin. Help children understand the dangers of playing near water that may not be completely frozen! We want everyone to be safe this fall season.
Everyone is at risk of falling, and as we grow older, the risk increases. A few medical conditions that may occur with aging include arthritis, cataracts, or hip surgery. Here are some fall prevention and home safety tips:
- Eat foods rich in Calcium and Vitamin D.
- Be active. Walk often and participate in subsistence activities.
- Have your vision checked by an eye doctor once a year.
- If you take medications, ask your provider to review them for possible fall-related interactions.
- Always have a clear path in each room and hallway.
- Be sure to keep cords or wires tight along the walls.
- Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs.
- Put a non-skid mat in the bathtub.
- Use a sturdy step stool.
- Wear ice grippers or ice cleats on the ice.
Please stay safe and make a checklist for home safety.
Dental hygiene is critical to ones overall health because poor dental hygiene has been linked to serious conditions such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. When you don’t practice good dental hygiene by not brushing your teeth or flossing regularly then bacteria in your mouth can travel to other parts of your body causing inflammation and disease.
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes at a time. And take additional time to apply mouthwash or flossing at least once a day. If ignored on a regular basis plaque can build up in between the teeth causing tooth decay, tooth loss, and/or gum disease.
In response to COVID-19, SSMH Dental Clinic has taken extra precautions when performing routine cleanings. For more information and Dental Emergencies please call 907.852.9221
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:
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
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.
- October 23- Domestic Violence
- October 30- Physical Therapy
- November 6- Inuit Day Holiday
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
- Point Lay: October 26-30 (Dental Hygienist)
- Point Lay: November 2-6 (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:
- November 9-19
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
Specialty Clinic appointments are only for those who receive a referral from a Primary Care Provider.
ENT/Audio: October 27-29
GYN: November 5-6
Surgery: November 10-12
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.
- Atqasuk: Pediatrics October 26-29
- Wainwright: PA-C October 26-29
- Nuiqsut: Family Medicine October 26-29
- Wainwright: Family Medicine November 2-5
- Nuiqsut: Pediatrics November 2-5
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
- Assistant Laboratory Manager
- Clinical Supervisor
- LDRP Registered Nurse
- 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
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE
- Diabetes Coordinator and Educator
- Laboratory Manager
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Mammographer X-Ray Technologist
- SFL Case Manager – LPN
- Staff Dentist (Available 8/2020 & 12/2020)
SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- Certified Coder
- Clinical Laboratory Assistant
- CT Technologist (3-Positions)
- Elder Care Specialist On-Call
- Floor Care Technician
- Food Service Kitchen Helper (Temporary)
- Healthy Family Advocate – revised AKP or BRW or KAK
- Healthy Family Advocate – revised Nuiqsut
- Housekeeper
- Housekeeper (PRN)
- Housekeeper (Temporary)
- Laundry Attendant(Temporary)
- Maintenance Specialist II
- Maintenance Specialist II (Offsite)
- Medical Technologist
- OJT Dental Assistant (2 Positions)
- Optometric Technician & Receptionist (Temporary)
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Night)
- 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
- Inuit Day November 6, 2020
- Veteran's Day November 11, 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.