No images? Click here
Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
July 2021 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the July Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Employee Spotlight
Service Spotlight
Campus Clean-Up Day
Walking Wednesday
Hearing Protection
UV Safety Awareness
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
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 July is Iñukkuksaivik. It is the month when people hunt caribou, bearded seal, and walrus.
In this issue, we have information on spotlights of an ASNA Employee and SSMH Service, the Walking Wednesday and Campus Clean-Up events, UV Safety and more. Enjoy!
Employee Spotlight
Suzana Terzioski, Registered Nurse
Suzana Terzioski, RN was born and raised in Macedonia, and moved to Utqiaġvik in 1985 where 3 of her 4 children were born.
She has been with the ASNA team since December 2011, first as a Pharmacy Technician while attending courses at Ilisaġvik College.
Shortly thereafter she received her Associates Degree from Ilisaġvik and completed the prerequisites for the Nursing program in August 2014. She then attended Nursing School at Purdue University in Indiana.
Upon completing the Nursing Program in December 2017, Suzana moved back to Utqiaġvik and started working in Primary Care as an RN.
Suzana then transferred to the Emergency Room Department 8 months later. Utqiaġvik has been her family’s home for 35 years.
In early 2021, Suzana was recognized as our Daisy Award Nominee for the first quarter by her patients and peers. She is praised by her patients as being “very nice and kind who offers great assistance” her peers describe her as “the best”. Quyanaq Suzana for your hard work and dedication, please join us in congratulating Suzana Terzioski on this great honor!
Service Spotlight
Eye Clinic
The goal of the Eye Clinic is to provide quality service & products at an affordable price to all members of the North Slope community. Services provided include comprehensive eye exams, evaluation and treatment of conditions such as dry eyes, allergies and eye infections, pre and post-surgical care for cataract and refractive surgery (LASIK), contact lens fitting and
evaluation. Our state of the art equipment allows on site management of many eye health related conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
There is a modern optical dispensary, with several hundred designer eyeglass frames including sunglasses (prescription & non-prescription), work safety and sports glasses, as well as readers and eyeglass accessories. Oakley, Vera Wang, Ray Ban and Maui Jim are just some of the brands that are in stock, with new frame styles arriving every month.
We offer contact lens and eyeglass ordering (prescriptions from elsewhere are welcome). Our clinic is able to complete many single vision prescription orders in our office within a day or two due to the recent addition of an in house edger and inventory supply of prescription lenses. Our opticians provide eyeglass adjustments and minor repairs free of charge.
The clinic is operated on a fee-for-service basis. Medicaid, Medicare & most private insurance is accepted and courtesy billing is provided. Payment for non-covered items is required at the time of service.
ASNA Campus Cleanup, July 16, 2021
Walking Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Tips to Protect Your Hearing
Those who do not use hearing protection when shooting can suffer a serious hearing loss with just one shot. This is a common occurrence that audiologists see in patients, especially during hunting season, when hunters and bystanders may be subjected to rapid fire from big-bore rifles, shotguns, or handguns.
Follow these helpful tips to prevent permanent damage to your hearing:
- Always use some type of hearing protection any time you fire a gun.
- Always have any type of hearing protective device on hand—make them part of your gear.
- Double-protect your ears, like putting muffs over plugs, when shooting big-bore firearms.
- Choose smaller caliber firearms for target practice and hunting.
Hearing loss can also occur with exposure to firecrackers. It’s important to distance yourself from things that may be too loud such as power tools, firecrackers, sirens, as well as firearms, to prevent permanent damage to your hearing.
July is National UV Safety Awareness Month
Summer months brings 24-hour sun and more outdoor activities. It’s important to protect the skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun, even on the Arctic Slope.
Here are some protective measures to prevent the skin:
- Limit time in the sun, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.
- Wear clothing to cover skin exposed to the sun, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats.
- Use broad spectrum sunscreens with SPF values of 15 or higher regularly and as directed.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or jumping in and out of the water.
The UV Index measures the damaging effects of the sun.
UV index ratings have nothing to do with the weather, and will not necessarily be higher just because it’s hot outside or lower because it’s cloudy.
Enjoy the sun responsibly by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
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 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
The State of Alaska is reporting just over 69,000 total cases of COVID-19 in the state. For the month of June, 801 total cases were reported or just around 27 cases per day. This case count was dramatically lower than the count reported in the month of May when the State reported 1,970 cases or around 63 cases per day. Many factors can attribute this steep decline in cases but the one that is most significant is the reduction in testing.
For the month of June, 30,600 tests were collected or around 1,020 tests per day. For May, 46,202 tests were collected or around 1,490 per day. Testing by month seems to decrease as time goes on. In March of this year, the State of Alaska collected 81,811 tests or 2,639 test per day.
Another factor that can attribute to the decline in cases and testing is the vaccination efforts all across the State. The Centers for Disease Control(CDC) issued a recommendation in late March of this year that fully vaccinated persons can refrain from regular testing protocols during travel and possible exposure.
Although it is encouraging to see cases drop across the State, it is equally important to understand the data and remain vigilant against the deadly COVID-19 disease.
State of Alaska Coronavirus Hub
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
-ASNA Service Area
There have been 978 reported cases, 4 deaths, and 43 hospitalizations on the North Slope. In the month of June 2021 there has been a reported 4 resident cases in the ASNA Service Area. Down from the previous month of 8 confirmed cases reported in May.
As is the case in the state of Alaska our case count and testing numbers decreased from the previous month. In June there has been 1,629 tests collected as opposed to 1,825 collected in the month of May.
Studies suggest that in warmer temperatures the potential for infection decreases as the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease breaks down quicker. This could also explain the sharp decrease in cases as the summer months move along.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI)
Testing still remains a critical element in containing the spread of the COVID-19 disease and is encouraged for all travellers 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 2,556 completed vaccinations administered by ASNA/SSMH and NSB Public Health. This number puts North Slope residents at over
37% of our population fully vaccinated. Although impressive, in the entire State of Alaska the North Slope region ranks 2nd to last in vaccination percentage as the state percentage is just over 50%. 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.
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. There are no out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 vaccination.
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.
Social Services will be hosting summer activity camps in each of our surrounding communities for children ages 5-18 years old.
Summer Camp Schedule
- Atqasuk: July 19-21
- Kaktovik: July 27-30
- Wainwright: August 16-18
For information or questions, please
contact Qiilu Yazzie, ICWA Program Manager at Cell Phone: 907.367.6963 between 8am to 5pm or e-mail: Qiilu.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.
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 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).
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium recommends patients who receive a referral confirm their housing needs prior to travelling as the demand for lodging increases across the State.
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.
July 30- Healthy Routines
August 6- Tobacco Cessation
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.
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.
- Point Lay: August 26-29
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:
August 17-27
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.
Pediatrics: July 20-22
Sleep Studies: July 29-30
Cardio/Orr: August 2-6
Cardio/DG: August 9-11
Sleep Studies August 12-13
EGD: August 13-16
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: July 28-31 – Pediatrics, James Askew CPNP
Atqasuk: August 3-6 – Pediatrics, James Askew CPNP
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
All jobs are located in Utqiaġvik unless otherwise specified
- Barista (Temporary) - Job Category: Dietary, Non-Clinical
- Certified Coder - Job Category: Revenue Cycle, Non-Clinical
- Clinical Supervisor - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Coder Apprentice - Job Category: Revenue Cycle, Non - Clinical
- CT Technologist - Job Category: Radiology, Clinical
- Dental Assistant - Job Category: Dental, Clinical, Non-Clinical
- Dental Program Assistant (On-Call) - Job Category: Dental , Clinical
- Director of Facilities - Job Category: Facilities, Non-Clinical
- Elder Care Specialist On-Call - Job Category: Assisted Living, Clinical , Non-clinical
- Floor Care Technician (Temporary) - Job Category: Housekeeping, Non-clinical
- Food Service Kitchen Helper (Temporary) - Job Category: Dietary, Non-Clinical
- Grant Writer & Administrator - Job Category: Administration, Non-clinical
- Healthy Family Advocate - Job Category: Social Services, Non-clinical
- Healthy Family Advocate - Job Category: Social Services, Non-clinical
- Housekeeper - Job Category: Housekeeping, Non-Clinical
- Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Case Manager - Job Category: Social Services, Non-clinical
- Laboratory Manager - Job Category: Laboratory, Clinical
- Laundry Attendant - Job Category: Housekeeping, Non-clinical
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Job Category: Medical Staff, Clinical , Social Worker
- Maintenance Laborer (Offsite) - Job Category: Maintenance, Non-clinical
- Maintenance Specialist I (Offsite) - Job Category: Maintenance, Non-clinical
- Maintenance Specialist II (Offsite) - Job Category: Maintenance, Non-Clinical
- Mammographer/X-Ray Technologist - Job Category: Radiology, Clinical
- Manager of Infection Prevention & Employee Health - Job Category: Quality, Nursing, Clinical
- Medical Lab Technician - Job Category: Laboratory, Clinical
- Medical Technologist - Job Category: Laboratory, Clinical
- MSO Specialist - Job Category: Medical Staff , Non - Clinical
- Nurse Case Manager - LPN - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Nurse Case Manager - RN - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- On The Job Training for Dental Assistant - Job Category: Dental, Non-Clinical
- Patient Care Technician (PCT) - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Patient Care Technician (Temporary) - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Pharmacist - Job Category: Pharmacy, Clinical
- Pharmacy Technician - Job Category: Pharmacy, Clinical
- Physical Therapist - Job Category: Physical Therapy, Clinical
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant - Job Category: Travel, Non-clinical
- Prevention Specialist - Job Category: Screening for Life, Clinical, Nursing
- Quality & Compliance Risk Analyst - Job Category: Quality, Clinical
- Registered Nurse - Emergency Room - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Registered Nurse - LDRP - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Registered Nurse - Primary Care - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Registered Nurse Case Manager - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Registered Nurse Inpatient - Job Category: Nursing, Clinical
- Registered Nurse Village Health Coordinator - Job Category: Medical Staff, Clinical, Nursing
- Respiratory Therapist - Job Category: Respiratory Therapy, Clinical
- Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call - Job Category: Respiratory Therapy, Clinical
- Screening for Life LPN Case Manager - Job Category: Screening for Life, Clinical, Nursing
- Sonographer-Ultrasound Technologist - Job Category: Radiology, Clinical
- Systems Administrator - Job Category: Information Services, Non-Clinical
- Van Driver (On-Call) - Job Category: Motor Pool, Non-Clinical
- Wainwright Child Care Program Manager - Job Category: Social Services, Non-Clinical
Please visit us at https://arcticslope.org/careers/ to find out how to apply online, Thank You!
Upcoming ASNA Holiday
- Labor Day September 6, 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.
Quyanaqpak!
