Rachel Cassandra
Health and Wellness ReporterRachel Cassandra is the health and wellness reporter and producer. As a reporter, she covers statewide health and mental health news. A few of her areas of focus include addiction and the opioid epidemic, food and health care insecurity, rural health care, mental health care and stories of how communities thrive. She also occasionally produces shows for LineOne: Your Health Connection. She’s worked in Alaska Public Media’s newsroom since May 2023.
Before working for AKPM, Rachel was a reporter in Petersburg for KFSK. She also interned for Sitka’s radio station, KCAW. She worked for many years as a freelance journalist, reporting for a range of publications including KQED, Mindsite News, The Atlantic, Atmos and VICE. She graduated from UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism.
When Rachel is not reporting, she might be running, hiking, crafting, illustrating, reading, playing board games or playing with her two cats — Indigo and Persephone.
You can reach Rachel at rcassandra@alaskapublic.org.
-
After Hurricane Helene hit a major production facility, hospitals aim to prevent a severe crisis. -
Recent data from Alaska’s Section of Epidemiology shows serious risks for people living outside. -
Fifth and sixth graders Yolanda Ramos, Amos Foss and Brian Hunter reported this story about a basketball tournament. -
The state is seeing high rates of overdose and more fentanyl cut with xylazine, a dangerous animal tranquilizer. -
Dr. Timothy Ballard will head a complex system of care in the state’s 15 jails, prisons and pre-trial facilities. -
“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. -
The total number of cases reported has reached 286. Officials say case numbers are rising in Anchorage, but falling statewide. -
The supportive housing complex is a collaboration between Providence Alaska, Southcentral Foundation and other community partners. -
Supporters of the bill said it would increase access to birth control, especially for rural Alaskans, and reduce reliance on abortions. -
One confirmed case and two suspected cases of the infection were reported to the district this week.
