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Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
April 2020 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the April Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
2019 Novel Coronavirus
Drive-Thru Testing Clinic
Hospital Services Closure
Midnight Sun Coffee Shop
Telehealth Information
Aimaaġvik Assisted Living Center
Polar Bear Awareness
Kidney Awareness Month
Family Fun Day
Guiding Principles
Social Distancing
COVID-19 Safety
Medical Travel and Funeral Assistance (MTFA)
Social Services Outreach
Baby and Me
Tribal Child Care
Medical Imaging
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 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 the novel coronavirus, hospital services closure, health and safety tips, and more.
SARS-CoV-2, 2019 Novel Coronavirus
The Novel Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease. It is an upper respiratory disease that can induce a fever, dry cough, and in severe cases shortness of breath. Reported illnesses ranged from mild, severe, and death in some cases.
It was first identified in the latter half of 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It is believed the virus came from bats at a live animal market.
Symptoms can take 2-14 days to appear and during which time an infected person can still transmit the virus to other people without knowing he/she is infected.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading person-to-person easily and sustainably. It is spread like how other viruses are spread, droplets in the air through a cough and/or sneeze. This virus reportedly can live on surfaces like a door knob or a light switch for up to 72 hours. So it is absolutely crucial for people to practice good hand hygiene to help prevent the virus spread.
If you show flu-like symptoms such as, fever, cough or shortness of breath please call the SSMH COVID Hotline at 833.852.4622
Drive-Thru Testing Clinic
Starting Monday, April 6, we initiated a drive thru testing clinic. By appointment only, the clinic will run Monday thru Friday from 12pm to 7pm. To meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, an individual must:
· show symptoms (fever, new cough, trouble breathing, new aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea) or
· traveled to the North Slope within the past 7 days or
· been in contact with a known confirmed case of COVID-19
If anyone matches these descriptions please call the hotline at SSMH COVID-19 Hotline # 833.852.4622.
When calling this number you will speak to a nurse who will go over a questionnaire with you and if you meet the criteria, 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 please do not hesitate to come straight to the Emergency Room.
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
Midnight Sun Coffee Shop
In accordance with national guidelines and to help minimize traffic in the hospital lobby the Midnight Sun Coffee Shop will be temporarily closed until further notice. We do apologize for any inconvenience.
Telehealth Information
Due to the recent closure to the SSMH Primary Care clinic, we will rollout telemedicine services for our communities. This means that patients will be able to have a face to face visit over their cell phone or computer with their doctor.
By calling 907-852-9380, patients can schedule an appointment through Zoom with their provider. When it is time for the appointment, the provider will send the patient a message and they will be able to video chat.
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 please contact Aimaaġvik Assisted Living Center at 907.852.0272
Polar Bear Safety/Awareness
Always be aware of Polar Bears in our NSB communities. We love to be active and enjoy the outdoors, and with 24-hour darkness we must be alert to the possibilities of wildlife. If you spot a polar bear please contact the NSB Police Dept. at (907) 852-6111 or the NSB Wildlife Dept. at (907) 852-0350.
April is National Kidney Awareness Month
https://www.kidney.org/news/take-five-for-your-kidneys
Healthy Tips for keeping Healthy Kidneys:
1. Get tested! People often have kidney disease without showing symptoms until their kidneys fail. Getting tested annually if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, over the age of 60, or have a family history of kidney disease will help you KEEP healthy.
2. Reduce NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). They reduce pains and fevers, BUT they can harm your kidneys over time. NSAIDs can cause a lack of oxygen to the kidneys which may result in acute kidney injury. Reducing these medications will reduce chances of getting a kidney disease. (https://www.goodrx.com/blog/nsaids-ibuprofen-bad-liver-kidneys/)
3. Cut out processed foods. Most processed foods are known for having a lot of sodium. Consuming too much sodium reduces the kidney function, and can cause kidney disease. (http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/factsheets/kidney/)
4. Exercise regularly. Getting regular exercise will always benefit your health!
5. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help clear the kidneys of any excess sodium and toxins.
http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/factsheets/kidney/
Family Fun Day
SSMH Diabetes and Prevention Program held its 8th annual Family Fun Day event on Saturday, February 29. The event drew over 300 attendees and volunteers to the Ipalook Elementary for five hours of fun and education.
The day started with a Fun Run/Walk around the schools hallways where participants were given step counters to record the day’s progress. To highlight the value of traditional foods, Alaska chef, Robert Kineen, cooked up reindeer pho, moose chili, and sheefish curry with help from ASNA Dietary Manager Kris Elkins and her dietary services staff.
Kids enjoyed the video game Just Dance in the library, scooter riding in the C Wing, and a wide array of carnival games in the gymnasium. Smoothie Bikes, were in constant motion except for when they had to be temporarily shut down for over-heating. A photo booth station was setup so attendees can get printouts to commemorate the wonderful event. Nursing staff held hands-on exhibitions on how to treat and dress a flesh wound. We brought up the Alaska Fire Chaplins with two crisis dogs; they provided stuffed animals and small goodies for the children, and the dogs offered anxiety relief and support to participants.
A very special thanks to our Sponsors and Volunteers for making this year’s Family Fun Day a huge success!
For more information or questions about Diabetes Prevention, please contact at Telephone: 907.852.9372 | E-mail: Olivia.Kennedy@arcticslope.org
ASNA/SSMH Guiding Principles
Social Distancing
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
For more information please visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
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
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.
For information or questions, please contact Daphne Leavitt, Program Manager, at 907.852.9379
E-mail: childcare@arcticslope.org
Become a Childcare Provider Today!
Medical Imaging
The Samuel Simmonds Medical Imaging staff use technological devices to create visual images for diagnostic and prevention purposes.
CT Scans can be scheduled
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-3pm
Ultra Sound Scans can be scheduled
Monday-Friday 9am-11pm
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.
Programming Schedule:
- April 3 - SSMH COVID-19 Update
- April 10 - SSMH COVID-19 Update, Health Safety Tips
- April 17 - SSMH COVID-19 Update, Spring Whaling Safety
- April 24 - SSMH COVID-19 Update, Kidney Awareness
- May 1 - SSMH COVID-19 Update
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 spontaneously. Contact your NSB Village Health Clinic for any updates.
Eye Clinic Schedule in Utqiaġvik
Due to COVID-19 the Eye Clinic is open to emergency eye glass repair only. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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.
· Point Lay: April 20–24 (Provider Visit)
· Nuiqsut: April 27–May 1 (Provider Visit)
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
- 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
- Mammographer X-Ray Technologist
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Pharmacist (Temporary)
- Staff Dentist (Available 8/2020 & 12/2020)
SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- 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)
- ICWA Case Manager
- Maintenance Laborer
- Maintenance Specialist II
- OJT Dental Assistant (2 Positions)
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Night)
- Quality and Compliance Risk Analyst
Please visit us at https://arcticslope.org/careers/job-openings/ to find out how to apply online, Thank You!
Upcoming ASNA Holiday
- Memorial Day May 25, 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.