Welcome to the December Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Daisy Award Nominee
Sunshine Award Nominee
Village Service Expansion
COVID-19 Update
Flu Shot Awareness
December is Toy Safety Awareness
ASNA Spirit Days
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 December is Siqiñġiḷaq, the month with no sun. It is the month when people clean their ice cellars before the New Year. Also, the whales caught in the fall are distributed at the traditional Christmas feasts.

In this issue, we have information on Daisy and Sunshine Award nominees, village service expansion, and a COVID-19 Update.  Enjoy!

Daisy Award Nominee

Leslie Friedlob, RN

The DAISY Award is a nation-wide program that recognizes nursing excellence and the compassionate care given by nurses every day. Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital is proud to be a DAISY Award hospital to honor the extraordinary work nurses do for patients and their families.

Our third quarter nominee Leslie Friedlob, RN, has been described as confident, respectful, and knowledgeable by her patients.  Leslie’s energetic and upbeat approach offers a welcoming atmosphere.

As her nominations state, “Leslie providing exemplary care is more than just a job.  She gives 110% to the treatment, care and comfort of her patients.”  Congratulations Leslie!

Sunshine Award Nominee, Nancy Barlow

Nancy’s multiple nominations makes it clear why she was selected.  One patient recalled “…It was the best Doctor visit I had in my life!  And I’m 65 years old!!  I’m serious.”  Nancy is thoughtful and professional when it comes to the health and welfare of her patients.  Congratulations Nancy!

The SSMH Medical Imaging Staff are continually working with the NSB CHAPS to ensure adequate training is completed both in-house and on-site in the NSB Health Clinics.  Having this diagnostic equipment in the villages is one step closer for patients receiving care closer to home.  Screenings are scheduled by referral only from SSMH medical providers.

Quyanaqpak to the NSB CHAP Clinic Staff for partnering with SSMH to expand coordination of patient care services.

Since July 14, 2020 there has been at least 1 active case in the arctic slope service area.  In the whole month of August there was 30 new cases of COVID-19 infections and zero hospitalizations amongst our arctic slope resident population.  In September there were 89 new cases and 6 hospitalizations.  In October an additional 115 cases were recorded along with 5 more hospitalizations.  November had 185 new infections and 6 new hospitalizations.  Finally, as of December 30 there has been 289 new cases of the COVID-19 disease and 13 hospitalizations amongst our residents.

In the 3rd week of December we recorded our highest number of active cases and had reached our highest weekly positivity rate during the pandemic.  Though we expect numbers to dip down because of testing-result turnaround time in conjunction with what we understand about the viral properties of the COVID-19 disease.  However, because of the upcoming holidays it may be more than reasonable to assume active cases across the arctic slope will rise again.

On December 11, ASNA received the ultra-cold freezer to properly store COVID-19 vaccinations.  On December 17 ASNA adminstered its first doses of the vaccine to our front-line health care workers.  We are in the first phase of vaccination rollout, so supplies are extremely limited and are reserved for healthcare workers, first responders and long-term care facility staff and residents.

For more information on State of Alaska vaccination guidelines CLICK HERE.

To protect ourselves and loved ones during the holiday season, preventative measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community have become even more important.  The most effective ways at slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 are the following:

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

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.

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

 This holiday season (and beyond), please consider the following guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages.

• Balloons: Children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight years old. Discard broken balloons immediately. 
• Small balls and other toys with small parts: For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. 
• Scooters and other riding toys: Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and they should be sized to fit. 
• Magnets: Children's magnetic toys are covered by a strong safety standard that requires the magnets to be encapsulated. High-powered magnet sets have loose magnets, which is a key difference from children's magnetic toys.  High-powered magnet sets are dangerous and should be kept away from children. Whether marketed for children or adults, building and play sets with small magnets should also be kept away from small children. 

Once gifts are open:

1. Make sure to inspect the toys before you buy them.
2. Immediately discard plastic wrapping or other toy packaging before the wrapping and packaging become dangerous play things.
3. Make sure the age and skill level marked on the toy matches the age and skill level of the child.
4.  Label check! Toys should have a label for ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) that proves it is up to standard. ASTM testing is more important than many people realize.
5. Do not give toys with ropes, cords, or that can heat up, and avoid crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic.
6. Battery charging should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

 “Source: 2018 National Health Observances, National Health Information Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC.”

In observance of local and national awareness', ASNA shows their support celebrating and identifying those awareness' as Spirit Days.

On December 23, Ugly Sweater Day, SSMH staff got into the holiday spirit by wearing there ugliest holiday sweater.

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

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. 

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

State of Alaska Vaccination Guidelines

FLU v COVID-19

NURSING

• Clinical Supervisor
• LDRP Registered Nurse
• Nurse Case Manager (2 Positions)
• Patient Care Technician I (PCT) PRN
• Patient Care Technician I (PCT) Temporary
• 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

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Mammographer X-Ray Technologist Revised
• 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 – Temporary
• Healthy Family Advocate – revised AKP or BRW or KAK
• Healthy Family Advocate – revised Nuiqsut
• Housekeeper
• Housekeeper (PRN)
• Housekeeper (Temporary)
• Laundry Attendant(Temporary)
• Lead MSO Specialist
• Maintenance Specialist II
• Medical Technologist
• OJT Dental Assistant (2 Positions)
• 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!

• New Year's Day     January 1, 2021
• Martin Luther King Jr.    January 18, 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.