Welcome to the April Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Employee Spotlight
SSMH Service Spotlight
Guy Okakok Sr., Leadership Award
COVID-19 Update
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Denim Day
Guiding Principles
Elder Primary Care
Social Services Outreach
Tribal Childcare
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 April is Umiaqqavik. It is the month when whaling crews continue to clean their ice cellars and the spring whaling season begins.

In this issue, we have information on SSMH Service Spotlight Child Abuse Awareness Month, a COVID-19 Update and more. Enjoy!

Employee Spotlight

Lisa Harcharek, Lead MSO Specialist

   Lisa Harcharek joins ASNA as the Lead Medical Staff Office Specialist.

Lisa grew up in Waipio Gentry in Oahu, Hawaii where she graduated from Pearl City High School.

Lisa, her husband Nagruk Harcharek, and 3 children enjoy camping at Payugvik which is about 30 miles south of Utqiaġvik along the Meade River in the spring to hunt geese.  In the summer months her family flies into their cabin along the Ikpikpak River which is about 70 miles southeast of Utqiaġvik to fish and hunt caribou.

Please join us in welcoming Lisa to the ASNA Team!

SSMH Service Spotlight                                      Medical Imaging Department

Radiologists at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) in Anchorage.  Imaging staff are responsible for performing a variety of specialized tasks involved in the performance of Computed Tomography(CT), Radiographic, Mammographic, and Ultrasound exams utilizing radiation and ultrasound, while adhering to patient safety protocols. The medical Imaging department consists of Director of Medical Imaging, Mammographic/Radiologic Technologist, CT/Radiologic Technologists, and Sonographers.

Equipment Upgrade: 128-Slice Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner

From the previous CT scanner, SSMH upgraded from 16 slices to 128 slices, which provides a greater level of detail on all CT scans. It makes the scan times faster. For example, abdominal CT scans can now be completed in 3-4 seconds instead of 10-15 seconds. It also gives us the capability to image hearts. SSMH Imaging Department will introduce Calcium Scoring and Coronary Artery CTA exams later this year. This will enable our patients to receive more cardiac care at SSMH. The Coronary Artery CTA’s can reduce the need for patients to have Cardiac Catheterizations, which is an invasive procedure. The Calcium Scoring will identify blocked arteries and predict patients risk for a heart attack.

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

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.

On March 12, 2020 the State of Alaska reported its first confirmed positive COVID-19 case.  And in January 2021, the State of Alaska reported its first case of the United Kingdom Variant also known as B.1.1.7.  In late February 2021, the Brazil Variant or P.1 was identified in Alaska, and in April 2021 the South Africa mutant strain or B.1351.  These mutations are notable because they appear to be more contagious than the original coronavirus strain. The B.1351 variant, in particular, has reportedly been able to reinfect survivors and even evade protections some current vaccinations provide.

When the novel coronavirus spreads from person to person it attaches to our cells and makes copies of themselves, sometimes this copying process is imperfect and changes are made to the virus itself.  These changes or mutations are random and made completely by accident.  Expectedly, some changes occur that can make the virus more contagious and resilient.

Alaska has administered over 244,000 full vaccinations since the vaccine rollout in December 2020, which is roughly 41% of all Alaskan adults over 16 years of age.  Even with this incredible effort new daily cases around the State remain around 160/day in the month of April.

State of Alaska Coronavirus Hub

United States COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker

On March 1, 2021 ASNA reported the absence of an active case in the ASNA Service Area.  The last time there was zero active cases in the service area was July 13, 2020, a streak that lasted 230 days.  However just 4 days later on March 5, 2021 a positve case was identified in the ASNA Service Area.

To date ASNA has reported 955 cumulative cases, 4 deaths and 41 hospitilizations due to the COVID-19 disease.  As evidenced by the graph above, the North Slope has made tremendous strides in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus.  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. 

There has been a recent uptick in tests conducted in April and cases confirmed positive remained at a steady low level. 

masking could be reason enough that the positivity rate of the COVID-19 disease in our region has sharply declined within the last 3 months.

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 16 & 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. 

CLICK HERE for the Online Testing Registration Form, For press-release announcements CLICK HERE. 

For those awaiting appointments CLICK HERE to be directed to our online form for the COVID-19 Vaccine.

Children learn to think, speak, and reason when they are very young. The human relationships that children form make a big difference in their social and emotional development. Children who have secure, trusting relationships with their parents or guardians when they are young grow up much differently than children who learn at a young age that they cannot trust anyone.

The term ‘child abuse and neglect’ means, “at a minimum, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”

Why Report:   If you believe a child was harmed or is at risk of harm due to abuse or neglect, you should report it. Children who get help as soon as possible have a much better opportunity to have a safe home, a strong family, and an improved chance at a great life.

Who Must Report:  In Alaska, there are people who are legally required to report. However, even if you are not one of those mandatory reporters, you can and should report child abuse and neglect. (See the end of article for reporting contact information.)

Know the Signs:  To help a child who experiences abuse and neglect, a person should have a general understanding of the signs and symptoms. Sometimes you might notice signs in children, sometimes in the parents, and sometimes in family relationships in general.

1. Physical abuse is a nonaccidental physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise harming a child, inflicted by a parent, caregiver, or other person who has responsibility for the child.
2. Neglect is the failure of a parent, guardian, or other caregiver to provide for a child’s basic needs. Neglect may be physical, medical, educational and/or emotional.
3. Mental injury (or psychological/emotional abuse) is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
4. Sexual abuse is defined by Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act  as “the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children.” It includes all sexual activity between an adult and a child is sexual abuse, even if it does not involve penetration, force, pain, or touching.

Reporting:  Remember that if you do suspect a child is being harmed; reporting is not an accusation, but a request for Office of Children's Services to follow up and look into the situation. If you suspect a child was abused or neglected, immediately contact the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) hotline. You can call at any time, any day of the week. You may be the only person who can begin to make life better for an abused or neglected child.

Care enough to call OCS: 1-800-478-4444 | Email: reportchildabuse@alaska.gov or Fax: 907-269-3939

In an emergency situation where the child is facing an immediate danger, you should call 911.

Source: http://dhss.alaska.gov/ocs/Pages/childrensjustice/reporting/why.aspx

For support from ASNA Social Services, call telephone: 907.852.9179/9180

Denim Day takes place on the last Wednesday in April(Sexual Assault Awareness Month).  On this day, people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about Sexual Violence.

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

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

ASNA Radio Hour

This schedule is subject to change at any time due to changes with KBRW scheduling or any unforeseen medical emergencies.

Dental Clinic Village Schedule

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

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. 

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

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.

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

ASNA/SSMH Press Releases

Understanding COVID-19

CDC Quarantine Guidelines

State of Alaska Vaccination Guidelines

FLU v COVID-19

State of Alaska Coronavirus Hub

ADMINISTRATION

• Laboratory Manager
• Project Coordinator

NURSING

• Clinical Supervisor
• Nurse Case Manager (3 positions)
• Registered Nurse – Emergency Room
• Registered Nurse – Inpatient
• Registered Nurse – LDRP
• Registered Nurse – Primary Care
• Respiratory Therapist
• Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call
• SFL Case Manager – LPN

PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Mammographer X-Ray Technologist Revised
• Physical Therapist
• Staff Dentist (Available 8/2020 & 12/2020)

SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES

• Certified Coder
• Clinical Applications Coordinator of EHR
• Clinical Laboratory Assistant
• CT Technologist (3-Positions)
• Elder Care Specialist (On-Call)
• Floor Care Technician
• Floor Care Technician (Temporary)
• Food Service Kitchen Helper (Temporary)
• Healthy Family Advocate
• Healthy Family Advocate – AKP or BRW or KAK
• Healthy Family Advocate (Nuiqsut)
• Housekeeper
• Housekeeper (PRN)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Maintenance Specialist II (Offsite Facilities)
• Medical Technician/Medical Technologist
• On Job Training for Dental Assistant
• Patient Care Technician (PCT)
• Patient Care Technician – Temporary (PCT)
• Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Nights)
• Quality and Compliance Risk Analyst
• Registrar
• Revenue Cycle Program Specialist
• Summer Intern
• Van Driver On-Call

Please visit us at https://arcticslope.org/careers/job-openings/ to find out how to apply online, Thank You!

• Memorial Day:  May 31, 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.