Rachel Cassandra, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Rachel Cassandra covers health and wellness for Alaska Public Media. Reach her at rcassandra@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Rachel here.
Arctic residents face high risk from toxic effects of plastics, report finds
The report is based on over 250 peer-reviewed studies and shows the Arctic environment and people are disproportionately impacted by microplastics, plastic chemicals, and contaminated sea life.
Line One: The intersection of pharmacy and herbal medicine
What role does herbal medicine play in a pharmacist’s practice and how do these two approaches coexist? We explore those questions on this Line One.
As climate change alters berry production in Alaska, communities find ways to adapt
Researchers at UAF have been collecting berry data over the past two decades and communities are using that to help guide interventions.
Psychedelic experts will discuss therapeutic potential at Anchorage conference
Alaskans have limited access to medicinal and recreational psychedelics, but an upcoming conference, called Arctic Visions, will address ethical, cultural, and logistical approaches to psychedelic practices.
BYU scientists visit Alaska to study Alzheimer’s in Pacific Islander and Indigenous elders
Researchers said the populations they’re studying have been almost entirely left out of current Alzheimer’s research and will deepen knowledge of the disease.
Disabled Alaskans sue state and appointed guardian for alleged financial abuse, neglect
Thomas McDuffie had over 100 wards in his care as a guardian between 2021 and 2023. The lawsuit names him, the state and two state employees as defendants.
A Homer business takes a local approach to brewing mead, with help from thousands of bees
Jason Davis relies on all-local ingredients to make his meads and ciders. He says Alaska berries and honey have better flavor.
Alaska sees summer COVID-19 wave of cases with FLiRT variants
Alaska is experiencing a summer COVID wave, fueled by the new so-called “FLiRT variants,” new Omicron variants of the COVID-19 virus.
Cases of whooping cough are spiking in Alaska this year
Whooping cough is especially risky for infants. The cough can be prevented by vaccination and treated with antibiotics.
A Homer needle exchange offers safer supplies for rural Alaskans and a bridge to recovery
Alaska’s geography means many people in rural areas have trouble getting clean syringes.
Southcentral Foundation breaks ground on new behavioral health center in Anchorage
The new facility will provide detox, mental health care for those in crisis, and outpatient care.
ANTHC launches first in-state lab for cervical cancer screening
The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium started a new program in May to test for human papillomavirus, or HPV, in its own lab.
Alaska Legislature establishes psychedelic task force for FDA-approved therapies
The task force will help with legislative, licensing and health insurance policies to make any federally-approved therapies accessible.
At Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, art classes help prisoners take a break and prepare for release
One of the themes teacher Jamey Bradbury talks about in her classes is the healing power of art.
Arts class helps prisoners at Hiland gain confidence for life after incarceration
In Hiland Mountain Correctional Center, a teacher is offering women a space that gives them a bit of what they describe as “normalcy.”
Former head prison doctor replaces Anne Zink as Alaska’s chief medical officer
Dr. Robert Lawrence is a family medicine doctor who got his start in rural Alaska.
Last year was Alaska’s deadliest on record for opioid overdoses
Alaska lost 342 people to opioid overdose in 2023 and had the highest increase in deaths per capita in the nation.
Medication is an important tool for people struggling with alcohol addiction in Alaska
There are more options than ever for treating alcohol use disorder in Alaska, including several medications that can make it easier for some people to reduce or stop drinking.
Public health officials revamp efforts to protect Alaskans against lead poisoning
Fewer children get tested for lead in Alaska, so officials are launching new programs to encourage testing and provide follow-up care.
A collective of doulas and midwives is helping Alaska Native mothers stay connected to their roots
The Indigenous birthworkers will attend medical appointments with mothers, advocate for them and help connect them to traditional practices.