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.)

oysters

Scientist warns of heightened PSP toxins’ impact on Yukon salmon

Knik Tribe officials say the toxin which causes paralytic shellfish poisoning can also be found in parts of king salmon.

At an Anchorage oncology clinic, doctors and patients confront ‘terrifying’ chemo drug shortage

The Alaska Women’s Cancer Care in Anchorage has been forced to ration the generic drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, due to short supplies.

Talk of Alaska: Pride Month and LGBTQ+ rights

More than 500 bills have been introduced nationwide this year that seek to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including in Alaska. Despite these numbers, advocates in Alaska say there’s been good progress in defending those rights. But what exactly are they? And how are Alaskans celebrating Pride Month despite this national trend? We discuss proposed laws and regulations, and pride month celebrations on this Talk of Alaska.
An outdoor sign reads: James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse & Federal Buildling

Alaska addiction patients were lucrative in treatment center’s scheme, insurance company’s lawsuit says

Moda claims a California addiction treatment center falsified Alaska patients’ income, in a scheme to overbill the insurer by $3.3 million.
a line of toy cars and trucks on the ground

Alaska continues to rank among worst states for child well-being, report finds

In recent years, Alaska has consistently ranked in the bottom third among states of the annual Kids Count report for overall child well-being.
COVID home tests

Petersburg sees wave of COVID cases after large gatherings

Petersburg hosted the Little Norway Festival in May, and two weddings in early June. Tourists are now arriving on cruise ships as well.

Line One: Allergies and immunotherapy

Summer has arrived in Alaska, at least as far as the trees are concerned. Pollen counts are high and it seems everyone is sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. Do you have questions about seasonal allergies? What about pet allergies or food allergies? Do you suffer from allergic rhinitis or asthma? Join host Dr Justin Clark as he explores these topics and more on this episode of Line One.
two kids color at a table

As Alaska’s child care crisis looms, some businesses opt to launch centers for their employees’ kids

Companies with on-site child care report happier staff and better retention rates — especially as affordable child care becomes harder and harder to find. 
a blue mussel patch

Dangerous PSP toxin levels found in some Southwest Alaska clams, mussels

Officials say Chignik Lagoon razor clams and Sand Point blue mussels are unsafe to eat, due to toxins that can cause paralytic shellfish poisoning.
A man holds prescription drugs.

Alaska cancer treatment centers struggle with shortage of common chemo drugs

Two common chemotherapy drugs are in short supply in Alaska – cisplatin and carboplatin. Oncology centers across the country are struggling to keep the drugs in stock.
view of teller alaska

North America’s first known case of a rabid moose confirmed in Western Alaska

The moose had a wound from a fox bite, the likely means of transmission.
shipping containers on a ship

Port of Seattle closure could cause cargo delays for Alaska

About 90% of Alaska’s goods arrive by ship or barge, and most of that comes via Seattle.

Counterfeit pills with fentanyl flood Alaska’s black market

Overdose deaths have been rising in Alaska for the past several years. Most of that is due to illegal fentanyl. And, it’s been showing up more and more in pills that look like prescription drugs, but are counterfeit.
bulk food

Proposed policy aims to streamline Alaska’s food stamp application process

Alaska is one of only a handful of states that doesn’t already use broad-based categorical eligibility for food benefits.
Two people stand with their hands on a lit up museum exhibit of a volcano.

Anchorage Museum holds ‘Sensory Friendly’ morning for visitors with disabilities

During the event, the museum provides accommodations for people who may become overstimulated, including fidget toys, sunglasses and chewing gum.
a moose

Moose tests positive for rabies virus in Teller

According to the Norton Sound Health Corp., residents reported that a moose was acting aggressively toward people and showing other signs of the virus.
a nurse

APU receives federal grant to diversify and expand Alaska nursing

Alaska Pacific University is using the nearly $3 million grant to form a new nursing program focused on improving health outcomes in rural Alaska.
a bald eagle

Avian influenza has returned to Alaska, and so have health advisories 

The highly pathogenic disease circling the globe stands out for its effects on wild birds, and experts say Alaskans should be on the lookout for cases.
a dairy case

Darigold’s milk size change limits choices for WIC participants

Darigold’s ultra-pasteurized 64-ounce cartons are now 59 ounces, meaning WIC participants can no longer buy them with program funds.

Alaska teens, tweens steer peers away from vaping and smoking

Teenagers from rural Alaska were in Anchorage at the end of May, learning from other high schoolers about nicotine addiction.