Arcitc Slope Native Association
No images? Click here
Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
February 2020 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the February Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Daisy Award Recognition
Sunshine Award Recognition
Polar Bear Awareness
American Heart Month
Samuel Simmonds Day
Family Fun Day
Iñupiat Values Spotlight
ASNA Spirit Days
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 February is Siqiññaasugruk. It is the month for bleaching seal skins and a time for whaling crews to prepare their skin boats for the spring hunt. In this issue, we have information on the Daisy and Sunshine Award nominees, Samuel Simmonds Day, American Heart Month, and more. We hope that you enjoy reading our newsletter.
Daisy Award Nominee, Adam Burnett 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.
Adam’s career in the health care field started when he was attending Ilisagvik College in 2011. He first became a Certified Nursing Assistant for ASNA and would eventually earn his Associates of Science degree in Allied Health. Adam would then pursue his Nursing degree, of which he would earn in 2015, and returned to ASNA as an Emergency Room Technician in 2017. In 2019, Adam was promoted to the position of Registered Nurse and would almost instantly be nominated for the prestigious Daisy Award in the same year.
Some of the kind words expressed about Adam in his numerous nominations were “Adam treated me and my family as people”, “he was always making sure our dad was comfortable and took time to rub his back” and “he was very attentive and culturally sensitive to my Aapa…lifting his spirits…being polite…and showing enthusiasm for his stories”.
Sunshine Award Nominee, Sarah Hopson CNA
The SUNSHINE Award recognizes the care team that supports nursing staff and works closely with them to provide patients with the compassion and care they need. The Samuel Simmonds Sunshine Award is dedicated to non-nursing caregivers, including patient care technicians and other vital team members.
Sarah became a Certified Nurse Assistant so that she can work in the medical field while working towards her Nursing Degree. She works full-time during the day and goes to school at night. In the mean-time, Sarah really enjoys being able to work with and learn from the nurses and providers here at SSMH.
Sarah’s patient nomination stated, “Sarah might be a tech or a trainer, but she has all it takes to go far in her chosen profession. We did not interact for very long, but my status as someone beyond my current bundle of symptoms, was very important to her. I felt like a human person and a special individual. Thank You, Sarah.”
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.
Glaucoma Awareness Month
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. There are more than 50 types of heart diseases. Some heart diseases are caused by plaque build-up in the artery walls of the heart. Eating more fruits and vegetables, while also limiting salt, sugar, alcohol and fatty foods will decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. There is much more you can do to lower risk of getting heart disease, like:
Maintain Cholesterol Levels
Control High Blood Pressure
Control Diabetes
Manage/Reduce Stress
Quit Smoking
Get Active
Have a Healthy Weight
Follow a Heart Healthy Diet
Samuel Simmonds Day
On January 27, ASNA hosted a celebration on the late Reverend Samuel Simmonds. Simmonds was one of the original founders of ASNA and a devoted advocate for the health and well-being of the people of the Arctic Slope.
Opportunities to learn about preventative health services and healthy activities were provided to over 100 participants in the main lobby of SSMH and gifts to the family were provided. Screening for Life, Social Services, Diabetes Prevention and the North Slope Borough Prevention shared information with the public.
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital was named after the late Samuel Simmonds, who served as a Presbyterian minister and Native rights advocate. He was also a well-known ivory carver.
Family Fun Day
Please join us for our 8th annual Family Fun Day on Saturday, February 29(Leap Day). This event is sponsored every year by SSMH Diabetes Prevention Program. This year the theme is Leap into Diabetes Prevention. A special thanks to our partners at NSBSD for hosting this event at Fred Ipalook Elementary School.
In addition to the Fun Run/Walk, there will be booths set up for the attendees to enjoy. Leap frog contest, smoothie bikes, carnival games, and cooking with traditional foods are just a few of the many activities to enjoy. The SSMH Diabetes Prevention Program looks forward to seeing you there!
Family Fun Day at Ipalook Elementary
Saturday, February 29
Fun Run/Walk begins at 11a.m.
Afternoon Activities from 1p.m. to 4p.m.
Please feel free to call or stop by our office so we can meet with you to discuss how to live a healthier lifestyle.
For information or questions, please contact Diabetes Prevention Program at Telephone: 907.852.9372 | E-mail: Olivia.Kennedy@arcticslope.org
Iñupiat Values Spotlight
Family and Kinship
ASNA Spirit Days
Wear Red Day
In observance of local and national awareness's, ASNA shows their support celebrating and identifying those awareness's as Spirit Days.
On February 7, National Wear Red Day, ASNA staff were encouraged to wear red to support Women’s Heart Health.
Medical Travel & Funeral Assistance
Patient Travel Information
ASNA administers the Medical Travel and Funeral Assistance (MTFA) program 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:
- 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.
- 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 Rebecca Harris, healthy family advocate, at Telephone: 907.852.9180 | Cell Phone: 907.367.6237 | E-mail: rebecca.harris@arcticslope.org
Activity Night
ASNA Social Services Family Preservation and Development Program continues to host weekly activities for parents and their toddlers, ages 0-4. The activities are themed play-dates centered on child development. Play-dates are scheduled every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the old hospital large commons (entrance C). We look forward to seeing you and your baby at the next “Activity Night” event.
For information or questions, please contact family preservation and development program support, at Telephone: 907.852.9196
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, family preservation and development program coordinator, at 907.852.9379
E-mail: stephaniegail.leavitt@arcticslope.org
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.
January Radio Schedule
Feruary 7
Teen Dating Violence
February 14
Frost Bite Information
February 21
Diabetes Awareness
February 28
Annual Family Fun Day
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
·Wainwright: February 3-7 (Dentist)
·Atqasuk: February 10-14 (Dental Hygienist)
·Point Lay: February 24-28 (Dentist)
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 is open for patients from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following days:
- February 11-21
For more information, please contact the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Eye Clinic directly at Telephone: 907.852.9291 E-mail: eyeclinic@arcticslope.or
Specialty Clinic Schedule in Utqiaġvik
Specialty Clinic appointments are only for those who receive a referral from a Primary Care Provider.
·Orthopedic Clinic: February 4-6
·Pediatric Clinic: February 4-6
·Podiatry Clinic: February 6
·Colonoscopy Clinic: February 10-14
·Stress Testing: February 17
·Sleep Studies Clinic: February 18-20
·Cardiology Clinic: February 20-21
·Audiology/ENT Clinic: February 25-27
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 weekday's 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, which was 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:
- March 16-18 Wainwright with Kathleen Olemaun
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
Kaktovik: February 3–7(Provider Visit)
Point Lay: February 17–21(Provider Visit)
To schedule your appointment with the SSMH Physician Assistant, please call your NSB Village Health Clinic to ensure your name is on the list with your current phone number(s).
Job Openings
ADMINISTRATIVE
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 Case Manager
- Registered Nurse Emergency Room
- Registered Nurse Inpatient
- Registered Nurse – LDRP
- Registered Nurse Primary Care (2 Positions)
- Respiratory Therapist
- Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnography Technologist
- Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE
- CT Technologist X-Ray Technologist
- Mammographer X-Ray Technologist
- Pharmacist
- Pharmacist (Temporary)
- Staff Dentist
- TDY/On-Call General Dentist
SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- Assistant Laboratory Manager
- Biller – Collector (Repost)
- Deputy Administrative Director of Revenue Cycle
- Elder Care Specialist On-Call
- Emergency Room Technician
- Food Service Kitchen Helper (Temporary)
- Fleet Laborer
- Healthy Family Advocate
- Healthy Family Advocate (Anaktuvuk Pass)
- Healthy Family Advocate (Nuiqsut)
- Housing Housekeeper
- Housekeeper (Temporary)
- HR Generalist II
- Janitor
- Maintenance Laborer
- Maintenance Specialist II
- Medical Technologist
- OJT Dental Assistant (2 Positions)
- Patient Access Rep (On-Call)
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Night)
- Quality and Compliance Risk Analyst
- Systems Administrator
Please visit us at https://arcticslope.org/careers/job-openings/ to find out how to apply online, Thank You!
Upcoming ASNA Holiday
- Presidetns' Day February 17, 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.