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Iñuuniaġniq: The Art of Living
February 2021 Issue
CONTENTS
ASNA Staff Announcements
Welcome to the February Issue of Iñuuniaġniq
Employee Spotlight
American Heart Month
COVID-19 Update
Flu Shot Awareness
Teen Dating Violence
Guiding Principles
Elder Primary Care
Social Services Outreach
Tribal Childcare
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 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 about our Employee Spotlight, American Heart Month, and a COVID-19 Update with much more. We hope that you enjoy reading our newsletter.
Employee Spotlight, Daniela Stoeska
Family Preservation and Child Care Program Manager
Daniela Stoeska was recently hired as the Family Preservation and Child Care Program Manager.
Daniela grew up in Volino, Macedonia and moved away in 2010. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Ilisaġvik College. Prior to accepting a position with ASNA, Daniela worked for the North Slope Borough Children’s Youth Services as a client advocate for 7 years.
Daniela enjoys sledding with her family in the winter and spring time, and visiting the playgrounds in the summer and fall months. Please join us in welcoming Daniela to the ASNA team!
American Heart 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 your 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
For more information please visit http://www.heart.org
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 symptoms 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
On March 12, 2020, the State of Alaska reported its first confirmed positive COVID-19 case. Nearly a year since, Alaska has now reported around 54,000 cases and 278 deaths of the COVID-19 disease. The bulk of these cases were identified between November 5 and December 15, 2020 when case counts would regularly eclipse 500 cases per day.
Of the identifiable ethnicity of the total confirmed cases in Alaska, 26% of them are American Indian or Alaska Native. Of the COVID-19 related deaths, 37% are also American Indian or Alaska Native. The American Indian or Alaska Native ethnicity makes up around 15% of the State of Alaska’s population.
State of Alaska Coronavirus Hub
Based on the data provided it would be an accurate statement to say that the American Indian or Alaskan Native ethnic group is one that is disproportionately more affected by the COVID-19 disease in terms of case and death rate.
-ASNA Service Area
Since July 14, 2020 there has been at least 1 active case in the arctic slope service area, over 210 consecutive days. The highest active count peaked at 158 cases on December 14, and December 16, 2020. The lowest it declined since then was 2 active cases on February 8, 2021. The last time there was 2 active cases reported in the ASNA service area was on August 3, 2020.
It took just 7 days for the case count to reach 900 confirmed cases from 800 cases, but since then the growth rate of the disease seems to be at a crawl with 23 confirmed cases in the following 27 days. January 20, 2021 would be the first day a case was not reported for the ASNA service area since October 28, 2020.
As depicted in the chart above, it would be safe to assume that the two blue waves(active cases) rose in large-part or entirely due to the holiday season. Although we are seeing a steep decline in active cases it is important to take into account how many tests are being conducted in conjunction with CDC guidelines for identifying a recovered patient.
This bar graph shows how many COVID-19 positive cases are identified(blue) and how many tests are administered(orange) weekly.
In the span of 3 weeks at the start of January 27, 2021 we saw the fewest new cases of COVID-19 at 12 cases. We also saw the fewest new tests administered in that same span at 1,630 tests. These numbers are a vast improvement of how things turned out in December but the data would suggest that not enough tests are being conducted to draw a comparable conclusion.
-Prevention
After receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccinations in mid December of last year there has been over 1,000 vaccines administered by ASNA/SSMH and over 500 individuals have completed the 2nd dose of the vaccine. ASNA follows State of Alaska guidelines to ensure a smooth rollout of the COVID-19 vaccinations.
For more information on State of Alaska vaccination guidelines CLICK HERE.
For the safety of our communities ASNA/SSMH is accepting appointments for any interested individuals ages 16 & up.
Please call 907.852.9156 or e-mail covidvaccine@arcticslope.org to schedule an appointment.
For those awaiting appointments please CLICK HERE to be directed to our online form for the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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
For press-release announcements CLICK HERE. Thank You and stay safe.
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 Registration Form
Visit the ASNA WEBSITE for updates regarding the impact of COVID-19 in the ASNA service area
Symptoms for the flu include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny Nose
- Fatigue
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
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.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Arctic Slope Native Association wants you to know that there is a lot you can do as a parent to prevent Teen Dating Violence (TDV) and abuse. About 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. One of the most important things you can do is keep the lines of communication open with your children.
Take steps to make a difference:
- Be a role model – treat your kids and others with respect.
- Start talking to your kids about healthy relationships early – before they start dating.
- Get involved with efforts to prevent dating violence at your teen’s school.
Teen dating violence is defined as the physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional aggression within a dating relationship, including stalking. It can occur in person or electronically and might occur between a current or former dating partner. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/teen_dating_violence.html
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.
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
Tribal Child Care
Become a Childcare Provider Today!
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
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:
- 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.
- 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
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.
- February 19- Teen Dating Violence
- February 26-American Heart Month
- March 5- COVID-19 Vaccine 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
Kaktovik February 8-12, Dentist
Wainwright February 22-26, Dentist
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
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:
- February 15-25
- March 15-25
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.
Sleep Studies: February 16-18
EGD: February 18-19
Colonoscopy: February 22-26
Diabetes Clinic: March 8-10
ENT: March 16-19
All dates subject to change. 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 – Feb 16-18 – Dr. Nakagawa Family Medicine
Nuiqsut – Feb 22-25 – Dr. Nakagawa Family Medicine
Wainwright – Feb 22-25 – James Askew Pediatrics
Point Lay – March 1-4 – James Askew Pediatrics and Ken Wallenfelsz, FNP Family Medicine
Kaktovik – March 8-11 – Dr. Nakagawa Family Medicine
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
Job Openings
ADMINISTRATION
NURSING
- Assistant Laboratory Manager
- Clinical Supervisor
- Nurse Case Manager (2 Positions)
- Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Patient Care Technician I (PCT) PRN
- Patient Care Technician I (PCT) Temporary
- Registered Nurse – Emergency Room
- Registered Nurse – Inpatient
- Registered Nurse – LDRP
- Registered Nurse – Primary Care
- Respiratory Care Supervisor
- Respiratory Therapist
- Respiratory Therapist (PRN) On-Call
- SFL Case Manager – LPN
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH - CARE
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Mammographer X-Ray Technologist Revised
- Staff Dentist (Available 8/2020 & 12/2020)
SKILLED/SUPPORT SERVICES
- Certified Coder
- Certified Coder Lead
- CT Technologist (3-Positions)
- Dental Assistant (2 – Positions)
- Elder Care Specialist (On-Call)
- Elder Care Specialist Part-Time Benefitted
- Floor Care Technician
- Healthy Family Advocate
- Healthy Family Advocate – AKP or BRW or KAK
- Healthy Family Advocate (Nuiqsut)
- Housekeeper (PRN)
- Housing Housekeeper
- Indian Child Welfare Act Advocate (ICWA)
- Laundry Attendant
- Laundry Attendant (Temporary)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Maintenance Specialist II
- Maintenance Specialist II (Offsite Facilities)
- Medical Technologist
- Pre-Maternal Residential Assistant On-Call (Nights)
- 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!
Upcoming ASNA Holiday
- Memorial Day: May 31, 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.