Rachel Cassandra
Health and Wellness ReporterRachel Cassandra is the health and wellness reporter and producer. As a reporter, she covers statewide health and mental health news. A few of her areas of focus include addiction and the opioid epidemic, food and health care insecurity, rural health care, mental health care and stories of how communities thrive. She also occasionally produces shows for LineOne: Your Health Connection. She’s worked in Alaska Public Media’s newsroom since May 2023.
Before working for AKPM, Rachel was a reporter in Petersburg for KFSK. She also interned for Sitka’s radio station, KCAW. She worked for many years as a freelance journalist, reporting for a range of publications including KQED, Mindsite News, The Atlantic, Atmos and VICE. She graduated from UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism.
When Rachel is not reporting, she might be running, hiking, crafting, illustrating, reading, playing board games or playing with her two cats — Indigo and Persephone.
You can reach Rachel at rcassandra@alaskapublic.org.
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The rate of Alaskans dying from drug overdoses declined by 5% in 2024 compared to the year before. That’s a welcome reduction after the state saw its highest number of overdose deaths on record in 2023. -
The organization claims the Office of Children’s Services has failed to provide funds for food and basics to older youth placed in shelters and dormitories. -
Emergency responders will offer people medication to help them make it through a critical window when overdose survivors are at high risk of dying. -
D spent a decade recovering from an addiction that started when he fell off a ladder, got injured and was prescribed opioid pain pills. -
The state has seen about 1,100 reported flu cases so far this season. -
Alaska public health officials continue to recommend the Hepatitis B vaccine for all newborns, citing high rates of chronic infection in the state. -
The man is isolated and is unlikely to infect others, but state epidemiologists are urging clinicians to test anyone with symptoms and report cases to the state. -
From cozy caves to social connections, experts share affordable ways to boost your mood and energy during Alaska’s long, dark winter. -
The magnitude-6 earthquake struck 37 miles northwest of Anchorage -
Experts say there are several things families can do to protect their infants including having a sober caregiver and a safe sleep space.
