Rural Health
The Supreme Court says cities can punish people for sleeping in public places
The decision is a win for Western cities that wanted more powers to manage record homelessness. But advocates say it won't solve the larger problem.
Celebrating World Refugee Day in Alaska | Talk of Alaska
How can communities best help those who have been displaced from their home countries? We discuss welcoming new neighbors on this Talk of Alaska.
Possible rat sighting on remote St. Paul Island raises alarm
It may sound silly to outsiders, but for the remote Pribilof Island, a possible rat sighting could be a big deal.
‘An unfair fight’: The U.S. surgeon general declares war on social media
Vivek Murthy called this week for social media platforms to carry warning labels like those put on cigarettes and alcohol, due to their effects on teens.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly considers $38.5M Homer hospital bond
The bond would go towards acquiring land and much needed maintenance for South Peninsula Hospital.
Ketchikan’s main homeless shelter is shutting its doors for good
First City Homeless Services' board wrote that “continual obstructive behavior” from the Ketchikan City Council led them to the decision.
Supreme Court rejects challenge to FDA’s approval of mifepristone
The court said that the challengers had no right to be in court at all since they could not show they had suffered any actual injury from the FDA rules.
A new lawsuit over Alaska’s Medicaid backlog asks a judge to order faster processing
As of last month, more than 15,000 Alaskans had Medicaid applications awaiting approval by the Division of Public Assistance.
Juneau’s hospital hears from the community as budget crisis threatens service cuts
Some residents say there could be damaging consequences for the community if the services are lost.
How much fish do Alaskans eat? Enough to require new water pollution rules, EPA says
The EPA is giving the state six to 12 months to come up with new or revised standards for more than 100 pollutants in state waters.
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.
Alaska health officials point to wastewater sampling as useful disease-tracking tool
Wastewater testing is helpful in keeping track of COVID-19 and other contagious diseases, and state health officials hope to expand it.
Appeals court approves involuntarily medicating Nikiski man for murder trial
River Aspelund, accused of killing his mother in 2022, had challenged his antipsychotic medication by Alaska Psychiatric Institute staff.
25 Years of Therapeutic Courts | Talk of Alaska
How well have therapeutic courts like mental health and DUI courts performed in the last 25 years and what will the next 25 look like?
Alaska Supreme Court confirms: ‘Hoverboard dentist’ is banned from dentistry in Alaska
In a separate criminal case, former dentist Seth Lookhart was sentenced to 20 years in prison with eight suspended.
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.
Federal bill would add veterinary care to IHS duties to address rabies, other risks in rural Alaska
Veterinarians are scarce in Indigenous communities but the need is great, given the diseases circulating in wildlife that can spread to pets and people.
Anchorage Assembly calls for inquiry into leaked texts between city’s top homeless official and shelter contractors
Anchorage Assembly members say the texts, which Henning Inc. officials say were taken out of context, raise concerns about its shelter management.
Your skin is the window to your body’s health | Line One
On this Line One, Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest discuss how to care for your skin and keep the window to your internal health open.
15,000 Alaskans are caught in Medicaid backlog, but care continues, state says
In most cases, Alaskans eligible for Medicaid are still able to access care as long as they’ve submitted an application.
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.
Alaska lawmakers support push to investigate, document forced assimilation in boarding schools
The widely supported resolution supports a bill championed by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Congress.
Rabies prompts new CDC rules for bringing dogs to the U.S.
Owners must confirm dogs either have a valid rabies vaccine or haven't been in a country where rabies is endemic in the last six months.
A utility room under Mertarvik’s public school is full of raw sewage
Excrement has been backing up into the building for months, but the tribal council that owns it had no idea how bad things were until recently.
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.
Alaska Public Media’s rural health coverage is supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and our members.
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Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Rural Health
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is working to build strong networks of leaders who share a commitment to helping everyone in America live longer, healthier lives.