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.)

fishing boats

Alaska’s seafood industry lost $1.8 billion last year, NOAA report says

Glutted seafood markets, low prices, high costs and reduced catches caused pain that swept through Alaska and beyond, the report says.
Three people speak to each other in a radio studio.

The past, present, and future of Line One and Alaskan health | Line One

Dr. Anne Zink joins the Line One host roster by "listening loudly" to current and former hosts, and to Alaskans about the history and future of the show.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court says most business insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19 damages

Alaska was the last state to decide whether common commercial insurer policies would cover harm businesses suffered in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Noatak

Dunleavy declares emergency as erosion threatens Noatak’s drinking water

The erosion that prompted Gov. Mike Dunleavy's action is advancing on the Northwest Alaska community's water lines.
A vaccine for whooping cough.

Alaska’s vaccination rates for whooping cough are well below CDC recommendations

“I think this is a good reminder that if the vaccination rate drops, these diseases can rear their ugly heads again,” Dr. Janet Shen said. 

Indigenous filmmakers share community stories of climate change | Alaska Insight

On this episode of Alaska Insight, we speak with two Alaska Native filmmakers documenting the impacts of climate change in their communities.
tundra

Alaska tribes get nearly $14M in federal grants to address domestic violence, sexual assault

The funds are part of more than $86 million in grants nationwide to American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
A shot and a bandaid

Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. to distribute RSV infant immunizations to 21 villages

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta has had some of the world's highest rates of RSV in infants and young children.

Mental Health Resource Fair – Sept. 21

Alaska Public Media is hosting its third annual Mental Health Resource Fair at the Spenard Community Recreation Center (2020 W 48th Ave. in Anchorage)...
A vaccine for whooping cough.

Whooping cough spike reaches epidemic level in Alaska, public health experts warn

The total number of cases reported has reached 286. Officials say case numbers are rising in Anchorage, but falling statewide.
Two blister packs of birth control pills, in a tree

Governor vetoes bill requiring insurance to provide a year of birth control

Supporters of the bill said it would increase access to birth control, especially for rural Alaskans, and reduce reliance on abortions.
a building

Alaska is facing its highest rates of whooping cough in more than a decade

Rates of whooping cough have reached epidemic levels in Alaska, according to the state epidemiologist.

Vaccines for whooping cough and other diseases | Talk of Alaska

Alaska’s top medical experts join us to describe the latest science about viral disease, how to prevent it and answer your questions on this Talk of Alaska.
overdose kits

Alaska schools to be stocked with anti-overdose kits under new law

Hundreds of overdose-reversal kits are headed to schools as part of a strategy to combat Alaska’s high rate of opioid deaths.
a protest

Alaska judge strikes down requirement that only licensed physicians provide abortions

A judge agreed with Planned Parenthood that barring clinicians from providing services violates the state's constitution.

Microplastics in the Arctic | Line One

Why are microplastics so prevalent in the Arctic, and what is known about how they affect human health and development?
Man holds a sign that says 'Be the change' in front of a white trailer.

Here’s where money from Alaska’s opioid settlement is going

About $8.5 million will go to 18 organizations in the state helping with prevention and addiction treatment for the state’s deadly opioid crisis.

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.
A person on a four-wheeler

New research uses 130 years of historic flood observations to help identify future risks

Researchers compiled and analyzed a database of hundreds of written accounts and observations going back to the late 1880s.