Rural Health

Alaska health news that specifically deals with health in rural Alaska. (This category is broken out because it is a grant requirement. These stories should also be categorized as “health.)

a plane

New Alaska alcohol laws leave some rural customers temporarily high and dry

Alaska's new alcohol laws require cargo carriers to be registered to transport alcohol. Only a few have completed the process as the new year begins.
a grocery aisle

State launches new online application for food assistance as work to address backlog continues

Officials hope a new online application will shorten the time it takes to receive food assistance as the state works through its backlog.

Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin is high in some subsistence harvests, according to Knik Tribe’s data

The tribe’s scientists looked at shellfish samples that showed levels of the biotoxin almost 50 times higher than the recommended limit.
a woman

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise after the holidays

Nationally, levels of respiratory syncytial virus appear to have plateaued, while COVID-19 levels are elevated and expected to climb higher.
fuel

Yukon-Kuskokwim communities seek answers about poor-performing Vitus Energy heating fuel

Vitus Energy says it's sending fuel additives to Kuskokwim River residents whose heating fuel gelled at low temperatures late last month.
a toy bunny

State compiles first comprehensive account of Alaska children’s stress and trauma

A new bulletin presents baseline information about adverse childhood experiences in Alaska that are known to lead to poor health outcomes.

After Wrangell’s deadly landslide, dogs helped the search and rescue team

After Wrangell’s deadly landslide last month, search and rescue teams worked around the clock for days looking through debris for six missing people. Teams of dogs assisted.

Tribes organize ‘First Indigenous Sovereign Habitat Tribal Conservation District’ from Bering Sea to Interior Alaska

38 tribes would like to co-manage land near their villages, to have their say over federal acreage that's been in land-use limbo since 1971.
a news conference

In 2023 fentanyl overdoses ravaged the U.S. and fueled a new culture war fight

For the first time in U.S. history, fatal overdoses peaked above 112,000 deaths, with young people and people of color among the hardest hit.

Anchorage therapist suggests how to survive the holidays when feeling sad

For Alaskans who have recently experienced tragedy or loss, the holidays can be especially hard. An Anchorage therapist has advice about how to make them manageable.
a sign

Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance makes progress on food stamp backlog

Earlier this month, food aid was delayed by more than a month for more than 12,000 Alaskans. That number is down to 10,074.
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How to cope with SAD or seasonal affective disorder

Experts say seasonal affective disorder has three main causes: genetic vulnerability, lack of light and stress. Here are some steps that can help.
drugs

Rising Ketchikan drug arrests leave downtown business owners frustrated

The owners told the City Council that homelessness and drug addiction have become problems too big to ignore — problems that now affect their income.

Alaska’s Public Guardians are overloaded with cases, but a new court order mandates they must take on more

Alaska's Supreme Court has ordered the Office of Public Advocacy to begin assigning public guardians for patients again.
a homeless person

Homelessness in the U.S. hit a record high last year as pandemic aid ran out

Homelessness has been rising since 2017 in large part because of the country's massive shortage of affordable housing.
a stethoscope

Anchorage health care providers, insurer reach agreement, keeping patients in network

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska announced a new agreement with three Providence affiliates Wednesday.

In Bristol Bay and beyond, organizers push for change in tackling MMIP cases

Advocates say that until 2018, no one institution had put together a statewide list of cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous persons.
a grocery store

A new SNAP backlog leaves 12,000 Alaskans waiting for food stamps

The backlog affects more than 10% of the state's roughly 92,000 SNAP recipients. State officials say they're pausing applicant interviews to catch up.

Alaska organizations teach kids how to avoid online predators

Adult predators are finding new ways to message kids online and manipulate them. So, the FBI and other organizations in Alaska are teaching kids how to stay safe when they’re spending time online.

One with the Whale | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend and her guests discuss the creation and story behind the new documentary, One with the Whale.