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THE ART OF LIVING

 

October 2019

 
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Welcome to the October Edition of Iñuuniaġniq

 

The Iñupiaq translation for October is Sikkuvik. It is the month when people continue to go fall whaling and caribou hunting. Ice fishing also begins.

 

In this issue, we have information on ASNA Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, New VP of Finance, Girl's Night Out and much more. Enjoy!

 

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ASNA President/CEO Retires

 

After 20 years of serving the mission of the Arctic Slope Native Association, Marie Carroll has decided to seek a new horizon and pursue her retirement.

 

Marie began work at Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) in 1999 as the vp of health services and then was appointed to the role of president and CEO in 2007. During her tenure, she advocated and secured funding through the Indian Health Services to design and construct a new 109,000 square foot hospital in Utqiaġvik that opened in 2013.


Marie has many accomplishments, most recently she was inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame with the class of 2019. The Alaska Women's Hall of Fame promotes education about women who have made significant contributions to Alaska. 

 

Marie, we thank you for your many contributions and years of dedicated service to the people across the Arctic Slope. Your pathways in retirement are very well deserved. In recognition for Marie’s years of services to ASNA, the Board of Directors and the staff celebrated her retirement. The ASNA Bowhead Café provided the banquet menu, while local leaders and Marie’ family spoke kindly of her lifetime achievements. We wish Marie all the best in her new horizon!

 

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New Vice President/CFO

 

Andrew Stemp serves as the Vice President of Finance/CFO for the Arctic Slope Native Association. He holds a Master’s Degree is Global Supply Chain Management and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. In his role he has oversight of general finances, revenue cycle, and information services. He has 20 years of experience working in finance, with 15 years serving in leadership capacities for various tribal and government organizations across Alaska.

 

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Suicide Prevention Week

 

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, September 8-14, ASNA partnered with the North Slope Borough Prevention Crew and visited Barrow High School. ASNA provided yellow ribbons the symbol for suicide awareness, ASNA Rulers, Highlighters, and pens. Using the theme “Why Does Tomorrow Need Me,” students were able to participate in an activity where they wrote their answer to the question on a small cutout human and placed it on poster paper (see the picture to the right). We had a great turnout at both schools and provided important information about suicide prevention!

 

 

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Fall Prevention and Home Safety Tips!  

 
 

Everyone is at risk of falling, and as we grow older, the risk increases. A few medical conditions that may occur with aging include arthritis, cataracts, or hip surgery. Here are some fall prevention and home safety tips:

          • Eat foods rich in Calcium and Vitamin D.

          • Be active. Walk often and participate in subsistence activities.

          • Have your vision checked by an eye doctor once a year.

          • Always have a clear path in each room and hallway.

          • Be sure to keep cords or wires tight along the walls.

          • Make sure handrails are on both sides of the stairs.

          • Put a non-skid mat in the bathtub.

          • Use a sturdy step stool.

           • Wear ice grippers or ice cleats on the ice.

 

Please stay safe and make a checklist for home safety. .

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Thin Ice!

 

Do Not Travel or Play on lagoons, lakes and rivers as the Ice Is Too Thin. It is important to make clear decisions that are not impaired by alcohol or drugs. Help children understand the dangers of playing near lagoons! We want everyone to be safe this winter.

 

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Stay Alert!

 

Always be aware of Polar Bears in our NSB communities. We love to be active and enjoy the outdoors, but we must be alert to the possibilities of wildlife. Please contact the NSB Police Dept. at (907) 852-6111 or the NSB Wildlife Dept. at (907) 852-0350.

 

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SSMH Celebrated National Environmental Services Week

 

Pictured at right: Environmental Services Staff

 

National Environmental Services Week was September 8 through 14. Every year, we take the opportunity to recognize our wonderful Environmental Care Services team as they provide housekeeping for SSMH to ensure the hospital maintains its cleanliness. These services are provided to meet the infection control standards that keep our organization clean, safe, and healthy for our patients, employees, and the community.

 

On September 9, SSMH Administration held a gathering for the Environmental Care Services team with a dinner and gifts of appreciation. We are truly grateful for our housekeeping and floor care staff for their dedication to the mission of promoting the health and well-being of the people of the Arctic Slope. Please join us in appreciation for our Environmental Services staff!

 

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Girls Night Out

 

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SSMH Medical Imaging and ASNA Screening for Life will host a 'Girls Night Out' event to engage and involve the community in the fight against breast and cervical cancer. In addition, the lights underneath the SSMH building are pink for the month of October.

  • A mammogram is the FIRST line of defense in diagnosing breast cancer 
  • A mammogram may detect symptoms YEARS before you can feel a lump
  • A yearly mammogram means early detection and most treatable stages

Facts About Breast Cancer

  • 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer
  • 98% survival rate with EARLY detection
  • 27% survival rate in advanced stages
  • A woman will be 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if she has poor oral health or gum disease

 

'Girls Night Out' will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2018 in the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital main lobby. The event will start at 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. There will be music, light refreshments, prizes, and giveaways. Ladies will have the opportunity to obtain a mammogram and/or Pap smear during the event. Please join us for this very important preventative healthcare program!

 

MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER!

  • 10% of Men diagnosed with breast cancer have a genetic link
  • 2,600 men estimated to be diagnosed in 2016
  • 1 in 1000 men who are screened will be diagnosed and if detected at either Stage 0 or Stage 1, a 5 year survival rate of 100%
  • 68 is the average age for men to be diagnosed
  • The risk is increased for younger men if they have a family history, certain testicular conditions, and/or are a heavy drinker or smoker

To schedule your preventative cancer screening, call ASNA Screening for Life at (907) 852-9120 or (907) 852-9156.

 

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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 

Every nine seconds a woman is battered or abused. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact North Slope Borough Arctic Women in Crisis at (907) 852-0261 or call toll-free at 1 (800) 478-0267.


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SSMH Celebrates 6 Years

 

On September 23rd, Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (SSMH) celebrated ASNA Day and the 6th anniversary in our beautiful facility. Many community members joined us for refreshments. An important part of this celebration was to promote health and well-being through education. Various ASNA programs presented information as well as the opportunity for participants to receive preventative health screenings. 

The Screening for Life (SFL) program hosted a table where approximately 25 individuals made appointments for cancer screenings. Nursing kicked off the flu vaccination for the community here at the event where they gave free flu vaccinations to the community and about 45 vaccinations were administer during the event. 

It was a wonderful event with many guests. The rich Inupiaq culture and history is reflected in the design of the hospital, its features and service delivery. We look forward to continuing our services for the people of the Arctic Slope as we strive for healthy communities.

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Medical Travel & Funeral Assistance (MTFA) | Patient Travel Information

 

ASNA is the Medical Travel & Funeral Assistance (MTFA) Program administrator serving the Arctic Slope communities of Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, Utqiagvik 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 such services.


2. Applications MUST be turned into the MTFA office five (5) days prior to departure day. There are many waiting periods that MTFA staff cannot control. 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 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Main line: (907) 852-9114 | On Call: (907) 331-9495 | Fax: (907) 852-9152 | E-mail: mtfa@arcticslope.org

 

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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.

          • Nuiqsut: October 11 CCDF Outreach

          • Atqasuk: October 17 and 18 Family Fun Night

          • Point Lay: October 22 ASIST 

          • Kaktovik: October 25 and 26 Family Fun Night

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

 

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Baby & Me Program

 

ASNA Social Services Family Preservation & Development continues to host weekly activities for parents and their toddlers, ages 0-4. The activities are themed play dates centered around child development.


Play dates are scheduled every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the old hospital large commons (entrance C). Each week, guest speakers will share information as it relates to healthy families and early child development. We look forward to seeing you and your baby at the next "Baby and Me" event.

 

For information or questions, please contact Dante’ Elkins at Telephone: (907) 852-9196 | E-mail: dante.elkins@arcticslope.org

 

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Tribal Care Program

 

SNA 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

 

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ASNA Radio Hour│Fridays @ 11am

 

In an effort to do more community outreach and education, ASNA hosts a weekly one-hour KBRW radio show. Join us from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday mornings.

 

Here is the programming schedule for October:

 

October 4 - Medicaid/Medicare

October 11 - Girls Night Out

October 18 - Alaska Federation of Natives

October 25 - Foster Parenting

 

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

 

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Dates to Remember

 
 

Mark Your Calendar

 
 
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Dental Village Trips

 
  • Nuiqsut:  October 7-11  Dentist
  • Kaktovik: October 28- November 1  Dentist
  • Atqasuk: November 12- November 15  Dentist
  • Wainwright:  November 18-22  Dentist

 

Dates are subject to change. To see the dentist, please call your village health clinic to ensure your name is on the "dental list" with your current phone number(s).

 

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Specialty Clinics

 

Specialty Clinic appointments are only for those who receive a referral from a Primary Care Provider.

     • Pediatric Cardiology Clinic: October 1

     • Pediatric Clinic: October 7 - 9

     • Nutritional Clinic: October 10

     • Podiatry Clinic: October 14

     • Diabetes Clinic: October 15 - 17

     • Sleep Studies Clinic: October 22-24

     • Orthopedic Clinic: October 22-24

     • Stress Clinic: October 28

     • ENT/Audio Clinic: October 29-31

     • Endoscopy Clinic: October 31

For more information, please contact the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic directly at Telephone: 907.852.9284 | Toll Free: 888.525.7764

 
 
 
 
 
 

Eye Clinic Schedule in Utqiagvik

 

The Eye Clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the following days.

  • October 7 - 11
  • October 14 - 17

For more information, please contact the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital Eye Clinic directly at Telephone: (907) 852-9291 | E-mail: eyeclinic@arcticslope.org.

 

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SSMH 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:

 

Point Lay: October 21-23 with Faye Serrano

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

 

 

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Medical Provider Village Trips

 
  • Atqasuk: October 7 - 11
  • Nuiqsut: October 22 - 26
  • Wainwright: November 5 - 9


To schedule your appointment with SSMH Physician Assistant, please call your NSB village health clinic to ensure your name is on the list with your current phone number(s).

 

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ASNA Job Vacancies

 

NURSING

     •Nurse Case Manager (2 Positions)

     •Nurse Manager-Primary Care

     •Patient Care Technician I (PCT) PRN

     •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)

     •Registered Nurse – Village Health Coordinator

     •Respiratory Therapist

     •Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call

 

PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE

     •CT/X-Ray Technologist (2 Positions)

     •Clinical Supervisor

     •Deputy Director of Pharmacy

     •Midlevel – Physician Assistant

     •Optometric Technician & Receptionist

     •Pharmacist •Pharmacist – Temporary

     •Staff Dentist

     •TDY/On-Call General Dentist

 

SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES

     •Construction Executive Assistant

     •Elder Care Specialist On-Call

     •Emergency Room Technician

     •Family Preservation & Development Program Manager

     •Food Service Kitchen Helper (Temporary)

     •Housing Housekeeper

     •Information Services Technician

     •Lead Dental Assistant

     •Maintenance Specialist II

     •Medical Billing Agent

     •Medical Imaging Technologist/Mammographer

     •OJT Dental Assistant (2 Positions)

     •Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Night)

     •Temporary Floor Care Technician

     •Temporary Housekeeper

     •Travel Assistant (Temporary)

     •Wayfinder

 

If you have any questions or would like to apply, please call Human Resources at (907) 852-9204. Download the application here. You can also e-mail your resume to hr@arcticslope.org.

 

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Upcoming ASNA Holiday

 

Alaska Day

October 18, 2019

Inuit Day

November 7, 2019

 

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.

 

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PO Box 1232
Utqiaġvik, Alaska 99723

 

General SSMH Contact List

Primary Care: (907) 852-9156

Pharmacy: (907) 852-9277

Dental: (907) 852-9221

Eye Clinic: (907) 852-9291

 
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