Rural Health
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.
Feds approve disaster declaration for 2022 Kuskokwim salmon fisheries
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's disaster declaration covers the Kuskokwim River failure of chinook, chum and coho fisheries in 2022.
Unveiling common skin conditions | Line One
Join host Dr. Jillian Woodruff on this Line One, as she and her guest discuss the science of skin, and how to care for it.
Alaska Senate considers plan that would allow teens to independently seek mental health care
An amendment from Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, would lower the age for obtaining behavioral health care to 16.
Supreme Court appears to side with an Oregon city’s crackdown on homelessness
Justices heard an Oregon city's appeal of lower court rulings that it's "cruel and unusual" to fine or jail people on public land if no shelter is available.
Relocation of eroding Alaska Native village seen as a test case
The Newtok-to-Mertarvik transformation is the most advanced of several village relocation efforts prompted by climate change.
Scientists, Alaska Native leaders say the Arctic faces a growing crisis from plastic waste
The authors of a new report will join representatives from more than 180 other countries to negotiate a United Nations plastics treaty.
Air National Guard changes in Alaska could affect national security, civilian rescues
The Alaska Air National Guard flew 159 civilian medical rescue missions last year, often during vicious storms that kept air ambulances grounded.
Wildfire smoke contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the U.S.
Two new studies show the unseen toll smoke is taking on people across the country. Climate change is likely to make the problem even bigger.
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.
Former Southwest Alaska VPSO, pastor arrested in Texas on child sexual assault charges
Monte LaVelle Chitty, 62, was arrested April 5 in the Florida case. Former members of his Cold Bay church say the charges fit a familiar pattern.
Suicides make up majority of gun deaths, but remain overlooked in gun violence debate
Suicide is the leading cause of gun-related deaths in the United States. But it's often only an afterthought in the public debate about gun violence.
Alaska House committee advances, expands proposal to bar trans girls from girls sports
An amended bill would add elementary, middle school and collegiate sports to limits in place for high school.
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.
Sitka’s housing crunch hits tribal citizens hardest, study says
The survey also found that tribal citizens are leaving Sitka at a higher rate than other residents.
Lawmakers weigh whether to reduce or acknowledge rights of growing Alaska homeless population
As the state’s major cities scramble to house people, advocates say Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s protest bill would further criminalize the homeless.
Here’s the new plan to boost background checks for guns bought at shows or online
The Justice Department's new rule requires background checks for all gun sales, not just ones sold at gun stores.
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.
Pop-up medical clinic will provide free care in Anchorage and Fairbanks in April
The clinics will offer medical, dental, eye check-ups and care.
Alaska Native remains repatriated from Oregon asylum but many Lost Alaskans still buried
Patients who died at places like Morningside Hospital in Portland, were often buried there and never returned home.
New Dillingham group calls for unified approach to overdose prevention
A group of Dillingham residents is advocating for a united effort within the entire community to protect people and help them recover.
Bill would require Alaska beverage sellers to post warning signs about alcohol-related cancer risks
Bill sponsor Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, says too few people know about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.
Black market cannabis thrives in California despite legalization
Marijuana legalization was expected to bring the industry out of the shadows. But in some states, the black market is alive and well.
This farm is the only Grade “A” goat dairy in Alaska
“I kind of joked that I started a Grade “A” dairy with a “C” team,” said Kelli Foreman who runs Kodiak's Heritage Farm and Ranch.
After years of trying, the U.S. government may finally mandate safer table saws
After years of false starts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission looks poised to mandate a blade safety brake on all new table saws sold in the U.S.
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.