The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation hosted the Alaska Native Health Board for their quarterly business meeting in June. The board, which has been active for over 50 years as the statewide voice on Alaska Native health issues, has met in other parts of the state but held their first-ever meeting in Bethel.
During their visit, the group of about 30 people representing various Tribal healthcare organizations toured multiple facilities on the YKHC campus including the YK Elder Home, Ayagnirvik Healing Center, McCann Treatment Center and fish camp, as well as the prematernal home and new hospital.
“YKHC was able to show ANHB the wide array of services we offer that simply are not available in other rural areas across our state,” shared President & CEO Dan Winkelman.
The culmination of the trip involved a boat trip on the Kuskokwim River to tour the Betty Guy Memorial Clinic in Kwethluk. Clinic staff showcased their space which includes rooms for community health aides to conduct their exams as well as offices and rooms for behavioral health aides and dental health aide therapists to provide their services.
The visit had an overall positive impact for each board member who participated in the jam-packed agenda. We look forward to ANHB’s continued advocacy for Tribal health organizations in our state!