Celebrating 25 years of family wellness Volume 9, Number 1 • January/February 2007 Anchorage Native News

Celebrating 25 years of family wellness

The Gathering Saturday, February 10, 2007 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. th Egan Civic & Convention Center 25 Anniversary Everyone is invited to attend and it’s free! Explore services available in the Anchorage community •Information booths and displays •Purchase Native arts and crafts •Free refreshments Families are invited to participate in these special activities •Face painting •Horse-drawn carriage rides •Anchorage Fire Department fire trucks While at the Gathering, enter drawings to win •iPod •Southcentral Foundation jackets •Native art

Southcentral 1982-2007 Foundation

Southcentral Foundation Non-Profit Org. 4501 Diplomacy Drive US Postage CONTENTS Anchorage, AK 99508 PAID Anchorage, AK Permit No. 1022 Forwarding Service Requested TRADITIONAL HEALING 6 ELDER DRUM 7 th SCF PHOTO ALBUM 8-9 25 Anniversary HEAD START 10 Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 SCF Vision/Mission Page 2 Southcentral Foundation celebrates 25 years of family wellness

nonprofits, employing more than 1,300 changes in the philosophy, structure and people in over 65 programs. delivery of the direct services offered to its The organization has developed and customer/owners. implemented comprehensive health- In January 1999, SCF and the Alaska Native related services to meet changing Tribal Health Consortium signed an agreement needs, enhance culture, and empower for co-management of Indian Health Service individuals and families to take charge programs on the Alaska Native Health Campus, of their lives. the location of the ANMC, the PCC, SCF's main Currently, SCF serves over 46,800 administration building and several other Alaska Native and American Indian facilities. people in the Anchorage Service Unit. Continued on page 11 SCF's first contract with the Alaska Area Native Health Service began in The administrative offices of Southcentral Foundation 1982 under the Indian Self- are located on the Alaska Native Medical Center Determination and Educational campus. Assistance Act (Public Law 93-638). In celebrating 25 years of family wellness, With this contract, SCF began Southcentral Foundation (SCF) will be providing dentistry, optometry, community publishing a series of articles throughout 2007 health representatives and injury control detailing the growth of SCF from its beginnings services. A funding request to expand programs in 1982 to its current operation in 2007, and provide substance abuse treatment service describing important phases and including was added in 1987. In addition, SCF contracted interviews from a few of the individuals who for a portion of psychiatric services in 1993, as have influenced and ensured that this growth well as pediatrics, family medicine, women’s continues to meet the needs of its clinic and social services in 1994. customer/owners. Gradually, SCF increased its contracting Southcentral Foundation (SCF) is an Alaska capacity within the Anchorage Service Unit. In Native-owned and operated healthcare 1998, SCF obtained ownership and organization serving Alaska Native and management of programs located in the American Indian people living in Anchorage, Anchorage Native Primary Care Center (PCC) Southcentral Foundation’s Anchorage Native the Mat-Su Valley and 55 rural villages in the at the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC), Primary Care Center is the largest primary which serves the entire Native population of the care system in Alaska, serving more than Anchorage Service Unit. Incorporated in 1982 45,000 Alaska Native and American Indian under the tribal authority of Cook Inlet Region, state – an estimated 125,000 people. people. Inc. (CIRI), SCF is the largest of the CIRI Since then, SCF has instituted profound

Vision Statement Southcentral A Native Community that enjoys physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellness. Foundation Board of Directors Mission Statement Working together with the Native Community to achieve wellness through health and related services. James Segura Chairman Key Points Charles G. Anderson Shared Responsibility Vice-Chairman • We value working together with the individual, the family and the community. • We strive to honor the dignity of every individual. B. Agnes Brown • We see the journey to wellness being traveled in shared responsibility and partnership with those for Secretary/Treasurer whom we provide services. Commitment to Quality Karen Caindec • We strive to provide the best services for the Native Community. Director • We employ fully qualified staff in all positions, and we commit ourselves to recruiting and training Native staff to meet this need. Sophia Chase • We structure our organization to optimize the skills and contributions of our staff. Director Family Wellness Dr. Terry Simpson • We value the family as the heart of the Native Community. Director • We work to promote wellness that goes beyond absence of illness and prevention of disease. • We encourage physical, mental, social, spiritual and economic wellness in the individual, the family, the Robert Singyke community and the world in which we live. Director

The Anchorage Native News is published Contact us … bi-monthly by Southcentral Foundation. If you Office of Anchorage Native have questions, comments, want to submit the President Primary Care Center articles or be added to our mailing list, contact 4501 Diplomacy Drive 4320 Diplomacy Drive the editor at (907) 729-5019 or write to the Anchorage, AK 99508 Anchorage, AK 99508 address to the right. The Anchorage Native Phone (907) 729-4955 Phone (907) 729-3250 News reserves the right to edit all Toll-free (800) 478-3343 submissions for clarity, length and content. Fax (907) 729-5000 Every article will be considered for publication depending upon space available. Website www.scf.cc © 2007 Southcentral Foundation Email [email protected] Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 3 Health Education Newborn hearing screening is a resounding success! work of the nurses in both the well baby and have shown that when a hearing loss is detected special needs nursery, who handle the day-to- early in life, early intervention can have a major day testing and alert Erb and Fassler to any impact. concerns. If a hard-of-hearing or deaf infant receives The screening device at ANMC, a Natus Algo hearing aids by six months of age, then often, automated brainstem response unit, uses speech and language development can specially designed earphones that fit over the eventually approach that of a normal-hearing newborn’s ears without putting pressure on the child. ears. A series of soft clicking sounds is When hearing loss is diagnosed, the baby is delivered via the earphones, and sensors taped referred to the State of Alaska Infant Learning to the newborn’s head measure its response. Program. A “pass” on the test indicates that hearing is If hearing aids are required and the Newborn hearing screening is provided to normal. A “refer,” on the other hand, does not customer/owner does not have Medicaid every baby born at the Alaska Native Medical necessarily mean there is hearing loss, but that funding, then Southcentral Foundation’s Restore Center. there is a need for further testing. Often, a Hearing Project will provide the hearing aids simple re-screening will result in a pass, but for and earmolds at no cost to the family. Did you know that since 2000, there has been those who continue to receive a “refer,” Since its inception, the Newborn Hearing hearing screening for every baby born at the diagnostic testing by the audiologist is needed. Screening Program has become a successful Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC)? The Why is it so important to test the hearing of model. In July, ANMC hosted dignitaries from program is administered by Audiologist Linda newborns? the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Erb with operations and follow-up coordinated Delays in identification and intervention of in Atlanta along with representatives from the by Audiometric Technician Mechele Fassler. hearing loss can affect a child’s language Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Critical to the success of the program is the development and progress in school. Studies Program for the State of Alaska. Healthy living habits for the colder winter months As people find themselves facing the coldest In addition, keep the windshield wiper fluid months of the year, instead of worrying about reservoir filled with wintertime mix, and getting to the store early in the morning to beat make sure studded tires have enough air the rush, they are making sure their cars are warm pressure. As always, keep emergency kits in enough to take the drive to work. Preparing one’s the trunk including blankets, booster cables home, car and family for cold weather in advance and a flashlight. can make all the difference once a cold snap hits. Keeping a family warm is simple. When To help keep heat in a home, try to keep going outside in cold weather, a good rule is to windows closed, do not open doors unless wear a hat, gloves, scarf or knit mask, water- necessary, and put blankets or towels in drafty resistant coat, boots, and layers of clothing. areas. For those living in a house, it is a good Outdoor gear should be tightly woven, wind idea to keep water running with a continuous drip resistant and waterproof. Make sure that to prevent pipes from freezing. If using a dressing in layers does not cause sweat. fireplace or wood stove, make sure they are Sweating may cause heat loss from the body. properly cleaned to avoid fire hazards. Make sure For more information on healthy living smoke detectors are working, and the batteries habits, call the Southcentral Foundation Health are no older than six months. Education Department at (907) 729-2689. Dressing warm when playing outside is one way To keep cars safe during this season, make sure Source: Extreme Cold, A Prevention Guide to be prepared for the cold weather. regular maintenance is done throughout the year. to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety, US DHSS, CDC.

SCF partners with university for dietitian interns Health Education and Wellness Center

Southcentral Foundation (SCF) is partnering During their rotation, they will start by Some of the Health Education staff have with the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) shadowing the dietitians in one-on-one moved! Program support staff, health to support the growing demand for dietitians consultations that may include conditions such as educators and exercise specialists are now within the community. UAA’s internship is a obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, pre- located in the Wellness Center on the Alaska collaborative effort involving numerous facilities diabetes and diabetes in all age groups. Native Medical Center Campus at 4201 throughout Alaska to provide students with the After one week of shadowing, they are invited to Tudor Centre Drive. Registered Dietitians are experience necessary to become entry- level participate and conduct consultations under the still located in the Anchorage Native Primary dietitians. direct supervision of a registered dietitian. Care Center. For more information contact The internship is designed to meet the The interns also participate in community Health Education at (907) 729-2689. requirements of the American Dietetic Association activities including screening for the Diabetes and is accredited by the Commission on Prevention Program, lobby workshops and Customers: In order to use the Wellness Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE). facilitating classes such as Healthy Pregnancy and Center, you must be enrolled in Health This internship prides itself on offering a Elder workshops. Education’s Exercise Program. culturally-diverse program, in which awareness is Often, interns will offer special nutrition classes placed on Alaska Native people and how that at Quyana Club House, The Pathway Home, Head Employees: Open 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. awareness affects the practice in dietetics. Start and Early Head Start. In addition to assigned Equipment orientation is required before The internship is a 40-week program beginning activities, they will prepare and present a clinical using the Wellness Center. Sign up on the in the fall and ending in the spring. Interns are presentation on a topic relevant to outpatient Development Center website at: assigned to various sites throughout the state. nutrition. www.scfonline.net/devcenter/ Three of the five dietetic interns will rotate with If you see the dietetic interns, please welcome SCF for a period of five weeks each. them to SCF! Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Quality Page 4 Get Involved in Patient Safety

National Patient Safety Goal #1- Improve Accuracy of Patient Identification – Using at least two patient identifiers whenever administering medications or blood products; taking blood samples and other specimens for clinical testing, or providing any other treatments or procedures

What is this Goal About? Making sure a patient is correctly identified using two confirmations (like correct name and birth date) BEFORE: - A medication or treatment is given - A blood sample or other specimen is collected - A treatment or procedure is performed

Why it Matters: - Helps prevent the wrong diagnosis - Helps prevent the wrong treatment or procedure - Helps prevent repeated blood samples or other specimens from being collected because the original sample was “mislabeled”

ANMC educates all the clinical staff (doctors, nurses, blood drawers, aides, etc.) to use two patient identifiers to make sure they have the correct person for those orders.

ANMC strives for ZERO mislabeled labs and specimens, and for every patient to receive only the correct medication, treatment, or procedure that they need.

How YOU can help: - Ask the person collecting the specimen to read you the name on the order slip and the container label to make sure they are correct. - Ask if your name is spelled correctly and your birth date is correct. - Ask what samples they are collecting – Is this what the doctor said they would be collecting? - If you are a parent or guardian, ask these questions for your child.

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation jointly own and manage the Alaska Native Medical Center under the terms of Public Law 105-83. These parent organizations have established a Joint Operating Board to ensure unified operation of health services provided by the Medical Center.

Opportunities for research

Are you interested in learning more about health research? Have you ever wondered how Southcentral Foundation oversees research as a tribal organization? Southcentral Foundation recently created a research webpage that covers research topics of interest to Alaska Native people. The research webpage is unique because it was developed by and for Alaska Native people. Key sections include: basics about health research and the research process, study participant protections and tribal ownership of research. To help make sure that study results are shared with the Native Community, there are links to publications about research done by or involving Southcentral Foundation. Please visit www.scf.cc/research to review the research webpage. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 5 Behavioral Health Denaa Yeets’: Bringing increased self worth to your life Since May 10, 2006, the Denaa Yeets’ Are you or someone you know, experiencing If you or someone you know would benefit program has offered services to Alaska Native any of the following warning signs? from the services provided by the Denaa Yeets’ and American Indian adults who have thoughts • Depression program, please call (907) 729-5461. of ending or have made an attempt to end their • Hopelessness If you are contemplating self-harm, please lives. Denaa Yeets’ is Athabascan for “Our • Life changes call one of the following resources available 24 Breath of Life” and is committed to reducing the • Loss of interest in activities hours per day, 7 days per week: number of Native people who die by suicide. • Isolation • Alaska Suicide Hotline at 1(877) 266- The vision of the Denaa Yeets’program is for • Feeling that life is meaningless HELP (4357) Native people to live out their life with an • Change in sleep habits or severe insomnia • Emergency Services, Suicide Crisis Line at increased sense of self worth, cultural identity • Feelings of failure 563-3200 and a desire for life. The program emphasizes • Excessive anger and rage • Your nearest hospital emergency room. connecting participants with professional • Giving away possessions behavioral health services and the wisdom of • Ending significant relationships The important issue is that most suicides are Native culture. • Overreaction to criticism preventable, partly because most people who Between 2001 and 2002, 234 people in If the answer to any of these questions is yes, die by suicide suffer from a serious but very Alaska died by suicide; 31 percent, or 73, were the Denaa Yeets’ staff encourages you to call treatable disorder or clinical depression. Alaska Native people. During that same time them. The program provides services that – American Foundation for Suicide Prevention period, Native people made up 19 percent of respect the individual’s culture, is strength- Alaska’s population but accounted for 44 based and encourages involvement from the All statistics are taken from AIPC Alaska percent of the hospitalizations due to a suicide participant’s family and/or support circle. Bureau of Vital Statistics and Alaska Suicide attempt. Few, if any, Alaskans have not been Services include information, referrals to Prevention Council. touched by the loss, grief, anger, pain and community services, case management and confusion caused by suicide. group activities. Survey: “Is depression changing your life?” Disclaimer: This survey is designed to give you information on depression and encourage 4. Do you tend to isolate yourself from 8. Have you recently ended a significant you to seek Southcentral Foundation services family and friends? relationship? that may be helpful to you. A. Yes A. Yes B. No B. No 1. Do you find yourself depressed most of the 5. Has there been a change in your sleeping 9. Do you often overreact to criticism? time? habits or do you suffer from severe A. Yes A. Yes insomnia? B. No B. No A. Yes 10. Do you speak of death or suicide? 2. Do you often have feelings of B. No A. Yes hopelessness, worthlessness and 6. Do you have feelings of being out of AnswerB. No Key: desperation? control, extreme anxiety, agitation or If you answered yes any of these questions, A. Yes enraged behavior? this is the right time for you to contact B. No A. Yes Southcentral Foundation’s Denaa Yeets’ 3. Have you had life changes that you feel B. No Program at (907) 729-5461. unable to deal with? 7. Do you find yourself giving away If you answered no to any of these questions A. Yes possessions for no specific reason? but still want healthcare assistance, contact the B. No A. Yes Southcentral Foundation Denaa Yeets’at (907) B. No 729-5461. For more information, review the article above this survey. Long-time nurses retire from Behavioral Health Services Division by KJ Worbey, Clinical Supervisor of Behavioral Health Fireweed It’s never easy to say goodbye, and for two In the early 1990s, their interests included The staff and management of the Behavioral long-standing Behavioral Health Services working with children, and they began seeing Health Fireweed Clinic join our Division employees, it will be especially hard. children of all ages and running child therapy customer/owners in thanking Carlson and They have to say good-bye to customers they’ve groups. Today, they co-facilitate six child Garcia for all their work. Between the two of met over the last quarter century. groups each week in the Behavioral Health them, they have 61 years of service, met Beverlee Carlson and Marge Garcia are two Fireweed clinic. thousands of customers and have made psychiatric nurses currently working at All of the therapy groups they co-facilitate countless friends. Behavioral Health Fireweed Clinic. They are focus on helping young customers improve affectionately called the “Barge” team by co- their social, relationship, coping and workers because they have worked together for communication skills, which are important so many years. They are both retiring in lessons that help children improve functioning February 2007. at school, at home and with their friends. Garcia began working at the Alaska Native The “Barge” team has shared its knowledge Medical Center on third and Gambell in 1971. in how to create and run successful therapy Carlson joined the hospital in 1980, and the two groups with others at the Fireweed Clinic. The women started working together in the former groups they have started, in addition to other outpatient psychiatric department. They groups like anger management for children, provided individual therapy, inpatient focus on teaching children a variety of skills in consultation, and Garcia ran alcohol support a safe and accepting environment. Marge Garcia and Beverlee Carlson retire groups. from SCF Behavioral Health Services. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Traditional Healing Page 6 Traditional Healing practices side-by-side with Western medicine

moved from hands-on care to an administrative support IV position in the Traditional Healing Clinic in 2003. Wahl enjoys serving the Native people throughout Alaska while learning what traditional healing has to offer Native people. Each of the tribal doctors and Traditional Healing Clinic RAISE Intern Lucille Greist were featured in a 2006 edition of the Anchorage Native News. These editions can be requested through SCF or can be found at www.scf.cc under the Anchorage Native News link. Traditional Healing Clinic Manager Gilbert "Buz" Daney, Choctaw, started working with SCF in 1989. In 1992, Daney began working with the Adolescent Alcohol Outpatient Program and started the first “Young Warriors” group, with talking circles as a core intervention. Daney also started the SCF youth The Southcentral Foundation (SCF) Traditional Healing clinic is located in the camp in Eklutna. Anchorage Native Primary Care Center. In the back row from the left are Tribal Doctor Eligible customer/owners interested in the Lisa Dolchok, Tribal Doctor Frances Miller, Traditional Healing Clinic Manager Buz Daney and Traditional Healing Director Ted Mala, MD. In the front row are Traditional Healing Clinic can ask their provider Administrative Support IV Julie Wahl, Tribal Doctor Sarah Smith, SCF President and for a referral. For more information about SCF’s Chief Executive Officer Katherine Gottlieb, MBA, Tribal Doctor Rita Blumenstein and Traditional Healing Clinic, please contact: SCF Executive and Tribal Services Vice President Ileen Sylvester, MBA. SCF’s Traditional Healing Clinic Southcentral Foundation’s (SCF) Traditional He started working at the Alaska Native 4320 Diplomacy Drive, Suite 1010 Healing Clinic brings ancient healing practices Medical Center in 1975 and is the first Alaska Anchorage, Alaska 99508 side-by-side with conventional medicine that Native male to graduate from medical school. (907) 729-4958 / fax: (907) 729-5238 integrates Alaska Native values, beliefs and Tribal Doctor Rita Pitka Blumenstein, from www.scf.cc practices for the ultimate benefit of Native Tununak, is SCF’s first certified Tribal Doctor. customer/owners, families and communities. She offers healing hands, prayer, cleansing, Tribal doctors provide outpatient services song and dance, and facilitates talking circles. such as healing hands; prayer; cleansing; song Blumenstein is the team leader for the clinic’s and dance; culturally sensitive, supportive Alaska Native Traditional Healing Garden. counseling; talking circles and an Alaska Native Tribal Doctor Lisa Dolchok, from Clark’s Traditional Healing Garden. Point, offers healing touch, culturally-sensitive The Traditional Healing Clinic is located in supportive counseling, prayer and cleansing. the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center, and Dolchok also facilitates the talking circles and is eligible patients can ask their provider for a our lead traditional counselor. referral. Tribal Doctor Frances Miller, from Nome, As the Director of Tribal Relations and the offers healing hands, culturally-sensitive Traditional Healing Clinic, Ted Mala, MD, supportive counseling, prayer, cleansing and co- MPH, has been with SCF for eight years. Mala, facilitates the talking circles. originally from Buckland, has networked with Tribal Doctor Sarah Smith, from Kodiak, many healthcare organizations around the world uses a massaging technique that helps with the including the National Institutes of Health. He is circulation of the blood through the body. These the former president of the National Association massages may help with diabetes and also with of American Indian Physicians, the Alaska State stress relief from work and everyday living. Commissioner of Health and Social Services Julie Wahl works at the front desk in the The Alaska Native Traditional Healing Garden and a founder of the Institute for Circumpolar Traditional Healing Clinic. Wahl began working is located outside the Southcentral Foundation Anchorage Native Primary Care Studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage. with SCF in 1982 as a dental assistant. She Center.

Southcentral Foundation’s Traditional Healing Clinic Providing you with: • Healing hands • Culturally sensitive, supportive counseling • Prayer • Talking circles • Cleansing • Alaska Native Traditional Healing Garden • Song and dance • Women’s talking circle

For an appointment, ask your primary care provider for a referral. 4320 Diplomacy Drive, Suite 1010, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 (907) 729-4958 / fax: (907) 729-5238, www.scf.cc Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 7 Elder Drum February 2007 events Program. Nevzuroff had worked for the Elder Program for three • Feb. 14, 15, 16: CSFP February years as a social worker and Food Box Delivery, for eligible systems administrator before Elders accepting a position as a project • Feb. 19: President’s Day Holiday, manager in SCF’s Behavioral Elder Program closed Services Division. Nevzuroff has been with SCF for five years. An Twelve years old, Southcentral Aleut, her family is from King Foundation’s (SCF) Elder Program is Cove. flourishing! The program was Delfy Waggle has been driving established in 1995 and began serving the Cook Inlet Housing Authority Elders at 9131 Centennial Drive. The route for Elders. Waggle started with the Elder Program as a demand for services became strong as Registered dietician and a clinical temporary kitchen worker last the Elder population in Anchorage grew exercise specialist teach Elders. (and continues to grow) and resulted in August. She is originally from the Elder Program relocating to 6901 sharing information through lectures, California. East Tudor Road on May 20, 2005. games and fun activities. Aaron Osterback became the new To date, there are over 900 enrolled The goal of Health Education is to administrative support IV last June, Elders and over 100 Elders on the promote positive lifestyle changes in the replacing the late Martha Brown. waiting list. The Elder Program is Native Community. Elders who Osterback is Aleut and originally from working hard to make providers available participate in the class on a regular basis Sand Point. He has been with SCF for for Elders who are on the waiting list. have shown both improved eating habits more than four years. The Elder Program was established to and increased physical activity. Angie Santa Ana, MA, became the serve Alaska Native and American The class is held at the Elder Program new administrative support III in June, Indian Elders who are 55 years and older building at 6901 East Tudor Road, Suite and is stationed at the front desk. Santa by providing transportation to medical 8, on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 Ana is Cup’ik and originally from appointments, shopping, activities and p.m. All Elders enrolled in the program Nunivak Island. She has been with SCF potlucks. may participate in this activity. Please for almost two years. The Elder Program provides notary come by and have fun working out and public services, a daily hot lunch, learning with other Elders. Changes in monthly potlucks for 2007 referrals for family support to Elders Due to the size and frequency of requesting information, sewing and Change in Elders optometry assistance monthly potlucks, a decision was made beading on Tuesdays, bingo on At this time, the Elder Program is no to improve the quality of potlucks so that Wednesdays, health and nutrition longer able to pay for eyeglasses for they are smaller and more personable. education with exercise on Thursdays, Elders enrolled in the program. Elders will have the opportunity to meet and a monthly food box delivery and Announcements will be made if this at a smaller monthly potluck coordinated pick-up to eligible Elders. service becomes available again. by their Elder Provider at the Elder Optometry does provide a sliding-fee Program. Health Education teaches Elder classes scale for services. If you have any During these potlucks, Elders will be The SCF Health Education Department questions about the sliding-fee scale for asked to bring their Native dishes to began teaching an exercise class on Jan. Optometry, please call (907) 729-8500. share. Elder Provider’s will be contacting 9, 2003, for the Elder Program. This Elders to set up those smaller monthly class provides health nutrition New staff at the Elder Program potlucks. There will be two larger information and exercise. The Elder Program is happy to potlucks every year: one in the Fall after The class consists of a registered welcome Darci Nevzuroff as the new the harvest season and one at Christmas. dietitian and a clinical exercise specialist program manager for SCF’s Elder

Have Free Time?

Southcentral Foundation’s Elder Program is seeking volunteers any time between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Help us serve lunch between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. or assist with group activities every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at various times. If you can lift up to 40 pounds, help is also needed to deliver food boxes. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, attend orientation and meet minimum qualifications. Volunteer applications are available at the Elder Program or by contacting Pauline Demas at (907) 729-6515 or via email: [email protected]. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Southcentral Foundation Page 8

The former Alaska Native Medical Center Tribal Doctor Rita Blumenstein was open from 1953-1997. offers a blessing at the Anchorage Native Primary Care The Alaska Native Medical Center and the Anchorage Center phase II groundbreaking. Native Primary Care Center (foreground).

Dental staff at the groundbreaking for the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human The Nilavena Clinic opened in 2004. SCF is SCF Fireweed Building which houses the Services Tommy Thompson (center) working collaboratively with each of the Iliamna Dental, Optometry and Behavioral Services tours the Dental Program in 2003, led Lake Area villages and Bristol Bay Area Native programs. by Director Tom Kovaleski, DDS (left) Health Corporation to coordinate the operation of and SCF Vice President of Resource the clinic. and Development Kevin Gottlieb, DDS .

2004 former RAISE Program youth advocates at the Spirit Lake retreat. SCF RAISE interns attend a retreat at Spirit Lake during the summer of 2006.

SCF and Elder Program staff help Elders with house-keeping during the 2004 United Way Day of Caring.

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich presents the 2005 Employer of the Year award to SCF Vice President of Behavioral Services SCF honors Commissioned Corps Officers in 2005. Gordon Hanes, accepted on behalf of SCF. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 9 Historical Photo Reflections The Southcentral Foundation expanded dental services to the Fireweed Building in 2003, in order to meet the growing need of quality dental care for Alaska Native and American Indian people. This clinic was recognized in 2003, as being one of the most advanced, high-tech dental clinics in the country.

Anchorage Native Primary Care Center opened its doors to Alaska Native and American Indian families in 1997.

The Pacific Home Health Program provides healthcare services in the customer/owner’s home. Picture taken in 2001. SCF has participated in numerous health Customer/owners can be referred to the fairs, including this one in Seldovia in Complementary Medicine department 2000. located in the Anchorage Native Primary Care Center.

Elder Program encourages healthly living with an Optometry is one of the programs located in the Fireweed Building, which opened in annual berry picking outing. Picture taken in 2001. July 2003. Other programs in this building are Dental and Behavioral Health Services.

Pictured on the left: The 2005 SCF Annual Gathering celebrated “The Wisdom Keepers.” Family and friends gather at this free event to find information from Head Start students are taught to dance and have various vendors around the community, including SCF, about healthcare issues performed at many SCF events. and healthy living. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Head Start Page 10 What’s new at the SCF Head Start Program for 2007? for donating to enrolled students and their Head Start welcomes staff to the program families; SCF’s The Pathway Home students for Head Start would like to welcome a few new the wooden boats and puzzles; the teaching staff staff members to the program. Quality for the planning behind the event; and Matt Education Specialist Dennis Stovall. Stovall has Walker for organizing the event. many years of experience in the education field. “Our families are so fortunate to have an The Chugach Square Mall (CSM) site organization that places children and families on recently hired Teacher Supervisor Mary Walker. their priority list for the holidays. Our families Head Start’s current Program Manager of the Teacher Kimberly (KK) Kailukiak and her son are truly blessed,” said Head Start Program CSM site Kim Bergey also recently joined SCF Salor Chanar, enjoy the winter celebration at Manager Theo Bayou. from the KIDS CORP Head Start. Head Start. Teaching staff continues its education Improvements for 2007 The Southcentral Foundation (SCF) Head Head Start teachers are continuing their This year, Head Start will undergo a federal Start Program held a winter celebration in education toward their child development compliance review for Tribal Head Start December 2006. Parents and children enjoyed a associate’s degrees (CDA) and their associate’s programs. With the assistance of staff, and visit from Santa Claus, dinner, cookie and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood participation from parents and grantees, Head decorating, ornament-making and a variety of education. Good job, teachers! Start looks forward to a successful review in the crafts in each classroom. Head Start also encourages interested parents New Year. Head Start would like to thank SCF, CIRI and to apply on-line for positions in Head Start residents of the Chester Park Retirement Village classrooms and work toward a CDA. Kids’ Corner

©abcteach Arctic Animal Concentration Game Arctic Give your child a

ArcticArctic Concentration Concentration Game: Cut Game: out theCut squares out the below squares and paste below them and on paste Head Start coloredthem on squares. colored To squares. play turn Tothe play, cards turn face thedown. cards Turn face two carddown. over, Turn if two theycards match over. keep If themthey facingmatch, up, keep if they them don't facing turn them up. down If they and trydon’t, again. turn Southcentral Havethem fun. down and try again. Have fun! Foundation’s Head Start Program is now accepting applications for the 2007 - 2008 school year

Polar Bear Polar Bear Head Start is a national program Arctic Fox Arctic Fox that provides comprehensive child development services to eligible families. To help your child get a Head Start, call (907) 729-6100 and ask for Family Services.

Musk Ox Musk Ox • Children must be between the ages of three Arctic Hare Arctic Hare and five-years old on or before Sept. 1. • Families receiving Supplemental Security Income, Alaska Temporary Assistance Program/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and foster children are

income eligible. Short-tailed Short-tailed • Bus transportation to and from home/child Walrus Walrus care available. Weasel Weasel • On-site dental clinic for enrolled children available. • Nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks served. • Three different class times available. • Alaska Native/American Indian culture curriculum.

Puffin Puffin Orca Orca Apply online at Copyright 2001-2006 abcteach. All rights reserved. www.abcteach.com www.scf.cc/headstart/index.cfm Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 11 SCF Program News ANMC Pharmacy wins national award Celebrating 25

The Telepharmacy Program sought to improve years of family pharmaceutical care to the more than 36,000 customer/owners who are spread out over a wellness... nearly 2,000-square mile area in rural communities with limited transportation options. Continued from page 2 In these communities, community health aides provide medical services, with physicians based in Anchorage making periodic field visits and Since assuming management, SCF has serving as consultants via telephone. instituted significant philosophical In its four years of operation, the changes in the design and administration Telepharmacy Program has made possible of these programs, as well as a total medication procurement, storage and system-wide transformation of care. These accountability in compliance with the standards changes have increased not only the of practice; has improved access to needed quality and adaptability of programs but – SCF Pharmacy Assistant Chief Doug Herring medications; has allowed ANMC to record more importantly – the accountability of poses next to the pharmacy storage prescribing trends; has collected data that was providers and customer/ owners alike. equipment that is used in rural Alaska used to further improve the medication-use This historical first has led to Native villages. safety initiative; and reconciled customer/owner people taking charge of designing and Pharmacists of the Alaska Native Medical medications across the continuum of care. delivering healthcare – not only for us, but Center (ANMC) and Southcentral Foundation Pharmacists are able to have greater influence for our children, parents and other family (SCF) have won top honors in national over the prescribing habits, encourage members. competition recently for their innovative medication adherence and help make One example is the implementation of telepharmacy system serving rural Alaska medications more cost effective for their the Access to Care Philosophy. villages. customer/owners. Customers,whether Native or non-Native, The Award for Excellence in Medication-Use The ASHP Research and Education want access to their provider when they Safety was presented by the American Society of Foundation created the Award for Excellence in need it, not days or weeks later. Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Research Medication-Use Safety in 2004. This is the only At the PCC, over 35,000 clients have and Education Foundation on Dec. 3, 2006, award program to honor a pharmacist-led been empanelled to a primary care during a ceremony in Anaheim, Calif., attended multidisciplinary team for its significant provider. The Access to Care Philosophy by some 20,000 healthcare professionals. institution-wide system improvements relating to mandates that primary care providers The award recognizes this innovative medication use. The $50,000 award, which is support the philosophy of "doing all of telepharmacy program that has greatly improved sponsored by the Cardinal Health Foundation, today's work today." medication safety for rural Alaska residents by recognizes on a national level pharmacy This concept, coupled with reserving including a pharmacist in their care. Specifically, professionals who have assumed a leadership half of the provider's schedule each day for SCF’s rural customer/owners receive role in promoting safety in the medication-use same-day appointments, ensures that pharmaceutical care that is nearly equal to that process. customer/owners receive appointments provided in Anchorage. with their primary care provider on a same-day basis an achievement of which any healthcare provider should be proud. Teamwork helps increase quality of healthcare SCF also has instituted an unwavering customer focus to help identify weak spots Southcentral Foundation (SCF) strives to create Program managers, nursing leaders, senior in delivery. Continued feedback and a quality healthcare system by ensuring that all its providers and leaders of support staff meet often accountability are used to monitor the many uniquely talented employees work together to decide how best to make care accurate, timely customer/owner experience, and periodic as a team. The next few editions of the Anchorage and satisfactory for patients. These meetings in-depth needs assessments are conducted Native News will include articles on how promote a team environment that can coordinate to determine the changing needs of our teamwork is implemented from the president and all aspects of work flow, resulting in safer, more customer/owners and help guide budget chief executive officer, to the vice presidents, sensitive healthcare for our customers. Planning and program decisions. managers and throughout the organization all staff and working together with representation from a SCF has embraced the philosophy that members at SCF. wide spectrum of staff types, CBG’s achieve a our customer/owners deserve the highest Hiring people with the proper mix of different unified approach to solving problems and quality care possible. skills is only the first challenge. Finding ways providing patient care. Watch for upcoming articles detailing that individuals and departments can work CBG teams review important performance the growth of the customer, owned and together and use the most up-to-date methods can items such as the screening rates for cancers, operated SCF. be a daunting challenge. vaccination rates, and the number of blood Unless careful attention is paid to coordinating transfusions each quarter. Working together, they the work flow of different departments and work decide what improvements should be made, and groups, many hours can become unproductive, where performance goals should be set. Where and vital services may be needlessly limited. . possible, the CBG teams use national standards To ensure full integration of each individual and for providing care, determining what should be department into an effective and efficient system, monitored, and setting goals. our hospital at Alaska Native Medical Center is Another aspect of care is timely and effective divided into “clinical core business groups.” Each delivery of services. This aspect is closely core business group (CBG) consists of leaders monitored with feedback, which yields guidance from different departments or groups who share to work teams for improvement. Teams also help the tasks of patient care. to prioritize the focus of efforts within their These groups help the healthcare providers and groups so that the best outcomes can be achieved. other staff work together in order to smoothly Ultimately, this teamwork and collaboration The Southcentral Foundation Fireweed Building opened in 2003, to provide blend the care they provide to the customers. between different types of staff not only helps expanded dental, optometry and solve problems, but also helps improve patient behavioral services. care. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Nonprofit News Page 12 KBC holds its 12th Annual Alaska Native Art Auction Koahnic Broadcast Corporation (KBC) will be holding its 12th Annual Alaska Native Art Auction on March 8, 2007, at the Hilton Anchorage Hotel. This is Koahnic’s largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting its national programs, including National Native News and Native America Calling; the nation’s only Native urban radio station, 90.3 FM KNBA; and Koahnic’s Native Program Fund Endowment. This annual event showcases some of Alaska’s finest Native artists including Perry Eaton, Lena Atti and Chuna McIntyre. You can preview the art by logging onto www.knba.org. If you would like to donate to the live or silent auction, please contact Vernon Chimegalrea at (907) 793-3529. KBC is currently accepting reservations and looking for volunteers to help Original wood sculpture by John Hoover entitled “Migration in different positions. If you would like to attend the auction or participate as 2004.” a volunteer, please contact Rachael Tuia at (907) 793-3531 or by email at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support! First U.S. Dental Health Aide Therapist training launched in January The University of Washington (UW) School The Rigorous DHAT curriculum includes U.S. Department of Health and Human of Medicine has admitted seven students into its both classroom and hands-on instruction. After Services; other national and private new training program for Dental Health Aide completing the training, students may apply for foundations; and many tribal health Therapists (DHAT). certification from the Federal Community organizations. The program, called DENTEX, (for Dental Health Aide Program Certification Board. This initiative is modeled after similar Extender), is a project of the UW MEDEX (for Certified DHATs work in rural Alaska under the programs in 42 other countries, where DHAT Medical Extender) Northwest Physician supervision of a dentist. counterparts have been utilized for decades. Assistant Training Program located in the Several agencies have generously donated For more information, contact Joaqlin Estus, School of Medicine. For 40 years, MEDEX has funding to this effort. Donors include the W.K. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, at excelled at training mid-level providers for rural Kellogg Foundation, with its largest grant ever (907) 729-1914. Alaska. DENTEX classes began mid-January in to an Alaskan organization; the Rasmuson Anchorage. Foundation; the Paul G. Allen Foundation; the CIHA provides quality, affordable housing

maximum of about $53,000 for a family of three for example. If you or someone you know is interested in owning a brand new, three- bedroom, two-bath home, CIHA and its affiliate, Cook Inlet Lending Center, can help. Qualified families are paying as little as $1,200 a month. Rent-to-own New programs CIHA is currently accepting applications for 24 rent-to-own homes built for CIHA by John available on KNBA Hagmeier in Mountain View this past summer. These three and four-bedroom homes are Loren Dixon, 90.3 FM KNBA’s Director of Duplex and single-family homes are available perfect for families who need the space and through Cook Inlet Housing Authority. Programming and Operations, announced prefer the lifestyle of single-family living, but several programs new to KNBA in the first Have you been to Mountain View lately? aren’t quite ready to buy. Homes are available to half of 2007! Over the past three years, Cook Inlet Housing families earning less than 60 percent of area Listen on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. for Authority (CIHA) has purchased more than 90 median income. Rents vary from $1,050 to “Wisdom of the Elders,” a wonderful 26- lots, demolished some 75 unsafe homes and $1,150 per month, depending on the size of the episode National Public Radio series. On apartments, renovated a total of 32 apartment home. Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m., it’s “Rezervations” units and built more than 100 new homes and Apartments and retail space with Dawn Karima, a new offering through apartments in Mountain View for Anchorage Construction of CIHA’s first mixed-use Koahnic’s NV1 program service that focuses families. If you haven’t been to Mountain View development – located on Mountain View Drive on live interviews with Native artists and lately, it’s time for a visit. next to Noble’s Diner – continues. The building, authors. Home ownership known as Park Place Village, should be Saturday mornings at 8:00 a.m. we Thanks to Cook Inlet Housing Authority’s complete and ready for occupancy by both introduce “Encounters,” a program produced new-construction home ownership commercial and residential tenants beginning in in Alaska that takes the listener on “walking” opportunities in Mountain View, two families April. The three-story development will provide tours of the land. Be sure to listen for the were settled into brand new, beautiful, four- 2,500 square feet of retail/office space with 14 MEDIAK radio club’s monthly radio bedroom homes for Christmas. Two more four- one-bedroom and studio apartments above. program starting soon. It will air at 4:00 p.m. bedroom homes were scheduled to close in Rents for this property will be as low as $425 once a month on a Saturday. January, and there are several three-bedroom per month. homes – including CIHA’s fully accessible Visit www.cookinlethousing.org for more “Ideal Home” still available for purchase. information including specific income The homes are available to families earning guidelines for all CIHA homeownership and less than 80 percent of area median income: a rental opportunities. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 13 Nonprofit News Can Film Festival benefits Food Bank of Alaska University of Alaska Anchorage, the Alaska CIRI Affiliates Moving Image Preservation Association and Alaska Native Heritage Month. By providing services directory Native students with a voice, MEDIAK transforms the lives of the youth it serves. Alaska Native Heritage Center Recently, a documentary 8800 Heritage Center Drive video about the Native Youth Anchorage, AK 99506 Olympics games, directed by (907) 330-8000 MEDIAK student Wesley (800) 315-6608 Woods, was accepted for Email: [email protected] MEDIAK Participants at the Second Can Film Festival screening at the 13th Native Website: www.alaskanative.net American Film and Video Alaska Native Justice Center On Dec. 21, 2006, more than MEDIAK students receive Festival at the Smithsonian 3600 San Jeronimo Drive, Suite 264 70 people braved a blizzard to training in state-of-the-art National Museum of the Anchorage, AK 99508 attend MEDIAK’s second annual multimedia production and have American Indian in New York (907) 793-3550 Can Film Festival at Out North. opportunities to develop City. Email: [email protected] The event, a benefit for Food leadership skills, to contribute to Woods and MEDIAK Media www.anjc.org Bank of Alaska, featured premier their community and their Instructor Chris Joy traveled to screenings of a variety of movies culture, and to work side by side the festival in November. On his Alaska’s People created by Native youth from with media professionals. first trip outside Alaska, Woods (a division of Cook Inlet Tribal Council) MEDIAK. The informal, experiential sat on a panel of up-and-coming 3600 San Jeronimo Drive, 3rd Floor Films included documentary educational model on which Native filmmakers from across Anchorage, AK 99508 features on Alaska Native MEDIAK is built, along with the the continent and toured major (907) 793-3676 Heritage Month, the 2006 Alaska empowering effect of the position television news bureaus. (888) 553-1213 Federation of Natives Convention/ behind the lens, microphone, or For more information and a Email: [email protected] First Alaskans Elders and Youth pen, has proven particularly program application, visit Website: www.alaskaspeople.com Conference, original comedies, effective. www.mediak.net or call (907) computer animation and much Under the direction of three 258-5002. The CIRI Foundation more. youth-run media clubs, MEDIAK 3600 San Jeronimo Drive, Suite 256 “I saw a lot of creative and students produce movies and Anchorage, AK 99508 quality work in the films,” said documentary films, a weekly live (907) 793-3575 Out North’s Technical Operations radio show, news reports and (800) 764-3382 Manager Thomas Higgins. public service announcements, a Email: [email protected] MEDIAK, a collaboration of project website, and a quarterly Website: www.thecirifoundation.org Cook Inlet Tribal Council and magazine called Alaska Aloud. Koahnic Broadcast Corp., MEDIAK’s community part- Cook Inlet Housing Authority recruits Native youth to media nerships include the Anchorage 3510 Spenard Road, Suite 100 careers and inspires them to School District, Anchorage Anchorage, AK 99503 realize their unlimited potential. Museum at Rasmuson Center, the (907) 793-3000 (888) 667-2442 Email: [email protected] Website: www.cookinlethousing.org ANJC programs build stronger, healthier youth Cook Inlet Region, Inc. 2525 C Street, Suite 500 Through its three youth The next Prime for Life course involving the community and the Anchorage, AK 99509 programs, the Alaska Native will be held Feb. 19-23 at ANJC’s victim in the process,” Horvath (907) 274-8638 Justice Center (ANJC) is building office in Anchorage. said. (800) 764-2474 (shareholder relations) – and sustaining – stronger, ANJC’s Tribal Youth Diversion For youth serving detention in Website: www.ciri.com healthier Alaska youth. Effort (TYDE) attempts to reduce McLaughlin Youth Center, ANJC In response to the problem of recidivism rates by providing offers the Tribal Youth Re-Entry Cook Inlet Tribal Council underage drinking, ANJC became services to youth under 18 who (TYRE) program. The program 3600 San Jeronimo Drive a state-approved, itinerant are first-time offenders or have helps youth successfully Anchorage, AK 99508 Alcohol/Drug Information repeated minor offenses. transition from the facility back (907) 793-3600 School (ADIS) in 2005. As an Once youth enter the program into their home community by (877) 985-5900 ADIS, ANJC staff can travel through the Division of Juvenile identifying their needs and laying Email: [email protected] around the state presenting the Justice, they are paired with an the groundwork. Website: www.citci.com Prime for Life – Under 21 course, ANJC youth services specialist “These two strength-based a 15-hour, nationally recognized who connects them with programs create more responsible Koahnic Broadcast Corp. risk reduction program for people appropriate services. Services young adults who take KNBA 90.3 FM under 21. may include the ANJC family responsibility for their actions 3600 San Jeronimo Drive, Suite 480 “Youth do a lot of self- group conference talking circle or and make amends. That’s healthy Anchorage, AK 99508 reflection and self-evaluation,” referrals to drug/alcohol for the community,” said Horvath. (907) 793-3500 said ANJC Programs Coordinator treatment or family counseling. For more information on (888) 278-5622 Brenda Horvath. “They come out “This restorative justice ANJC’s youth programs, call Email: [email protected] with the knowledge and skills approach holds the youth (907)793-3564, email: Website: www.knba.org they need to make healthier accountable for their actions, [email protected] or A full non-profit directory of choices to protect the things they while addressing their individual www.anjc.net. services is available through The CIRI value.” and family needs, which include Foundation. Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 News Page 14 The CIRI Foundation scholarhips help bring success

“Without their support while I was in college, March 31 I would have had a difficult time completing my Annual Scholarships: degree without doubling my student loans or Howard Rock Scholarship Program taking time off to save money,” she said. “I’m June 1 very grateful for everything they’ve done, and Annual Scholarships: continue to do, to invest in my future.” The CIRI Foundation Special Excellence, Thiele will return to school as a graduate Excellence and Achievement Scholarships; Cap student pursuing a master’s in public policy in Lathrop Scholarship, George Miller the fall of 2007, followed by a degree in law. Management Fellowship, and Salamatof Native Thiele will work with The CIRI Foundation Association Scholarships until February 2007 after which she will travel Semester Scholarships: to South America with friends. The CIRI Foundation General Semester, Thiele is of Dena’ina and Yup’ik descent. Her Kenai Natives Association, Ninilchik Native family is from the village of Pedro Bay on Lake Association and Tyonek Native Corporation Iliamna and Alexander Creek near Mt. Susitna. Scholarships Scholarship and education grant deadlines December 1 The following is a list of The CIRI Annual Scholarships: Foundation's scholarship and grant deadlines for George Miller Management Fellowship 2007. The CIRI Foundation must receive all Semester Scholarships: applications with accompanying materials on or The CIRI Foundation General Semester, before the deadline in order for an applicant to Kenai Natives Association, Ninilchik Native receive priority consideration. All awards are Association and Tyonek Native Corporation Raina Thiele graduates from Yale University. subject to available funding. Scholarships Photo taken by First Alaskans Institute. Deadlines for applications to be turned in are For more information, contact The CIRI CIRI descendent and CIRI Foundation March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 1. Foundation office at 3600 San Jeronimo Drive, scholarship recipient Raina Thiele graduated Education Grants and Fellowships: Suite 256, Anchorage, AK 99508; (907) 793- from Yale University in the spring of 2005 and The CIRI Foundation Vocational Training, 3575; [email protected]. The CIRI is currently working as a temporary program Career Upgrade, Kick Start and Jump Start Foundation web site is www.thecirifoundation.org. assistant at The CIRI Foundation. grants; General and Cultural Fellowships, and The CIRI Foundation’s mission is to promote Thiele majored in political science while at Internship program. Vocational Grant programs individual self-development and economic self- Yale and credits The CIRI Foundation for of Kenai Natives Association and Tyonek Native sufficiency through education and to maintain helping her finish her bachelor’s degree in four Corporation. pride in culture and heritage among Alaska years. Natives who are original enrollees of Cook Inlet Region and their descendants.

Alaska Native Heritage Center Winter Calendar 2007 Celebrating Cultural Saturdays

The Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) presents an exciting offering of cultural programming all winter long. From music festivals to fashion shows, there is something for all. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

• February 3: Masks and Cultural Change. • February 24: Transportation in Alaska. games, and take part in Elder and youth Learn about the practices of mask making Traveling in Alaska has always had its roundtable discussion panels. and dancing; and how Alaska Native challenges. Learn how Alaska Native • March 17: Sixam Ieua: (Of the Air). people have adapted to a new way of life people and other Alaskans have adapted to Identify the birds of Alaska and their while maintaining their values and the harsh climates of Alaska's Bush; from symbolic meanings. Discover the traditions. snowshoes to snowmachines to airplanes. traditional methods of harvesting. Guests • February 10: Communicating Across The evolution of travel with the from the Bird Treatment and Learning Cultures. Experience the art of inter- perpetuation of values and practices, but Center will be at ANHC with live birds of cultural communication with presentations with the addition of new materials. Alaska. on cultural awareness, communication, • March 3: Spring’s Reawakening. March • March 24: Native Arts Festival. diversity and the human condition. has always been an important time for Contemporary Native arts, traditional Discover how Alaska Native people have hunting and gathering. Many animals Native arts and the evolution of arts and traded and communicated with other return during March and the majestic bear crafts in Alaska. Get a sneak-peak of the art indigenous Alaska Native cultures. begins to stir after its long winter slumber. created in the ANHC after-school program • February 17: Discover Alaska Native Join us at ANHC for the return of life and and of highlighted Native artists. History. Delve into Alaska’s fascinating light to Alaska. • March 31: Performing Arts Festival. Free history through Alaska Native Claims • March 10: Youth and Elder Exchange. admission. Storytelling and dramatic Settlement Act presentations. Learn about Come and play Alaska Native games. presentations highlighting cultural Alaska's civil rights advocate Elizabeth Compete with others and have fun learning connections among Native groups across Peratrovich’s legacy and her influence on how to balance, jump and kick at a ball the country. Alaska State legislation. View photos of days suspended in the air. Learn about the long past and help identify the people in them. practical purposes behind Alaska Native Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 Page 15 SCF Program News Southcentral Foundation is seeking applicants for the following jobs

Administrative Support Training Program The Administrative Support Training Program is a Southcentral Foundation (SCF) training initiative to provide support staff with the knowledge and application information to transition successfully on the job. During the two-week training, candidates will develop knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures, competency folders, customer service, professional image, ergonomics, computer skills (Outlook, Word and Signature), medical terminology and disaster drill. Candidates will then transition on the job with continued training supervision. This training will allow the candidate to interview for an SCF administrative support position upon successful completion of this training program. Application Programmer I, II The application programmer I, II is responsible for the development, programming, testing and maintenance of new software applications and related database infrastructure. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or related specialty, and/or equivalent training and experience with programming languages. Clinical Associate I, II, III SCF is seeking experienced clinical associates to work in the Behavioral Services Division. Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related social science field required. Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Health Information Technicians SCF is seeking an experienced health information technician to join our team. One year of healthcare experience is preferred. Must have knowledge of basic medical terminology, and excellent customer service, organizational skills to work in a fast paced environment. Massage Therapist SCF is seeking a massage therapist in the Complementary Medicine, Medical Services Division. This person will provide massage therapy services to patients referred from the Primary Care Center within SCF. Must have a current Alaska license or certification. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required. ACLS, NRP, ATLS, ALSO and PALS as required for specialty. Project Manager SCF is seeking a project manager responsible for the management of all projects related to program needs, patient safety, JCAHO readiness, Quality Controls and other related duties in SCF’s Behavioral Health Services Division. This position will work under the supervision and guidance of the Division manager. BA/BS degree or equivalent academic training and work experience required. Program Manager/Systems Administrator SCF is seeking a program manager to manage and administer personnel policies and procedures at the Dena A Coy Program. This program is a residential treatment facility that provides services for pregnant or non-pregnant women experiencing substance abuse or mental health behaviors. This person must have strong clinical background experience. BA/BS degree or equivalent academic training and work experience required. RAISE Program Summer Interns The SCF RAISE Program is seeking Alaska Native or American Indian youth ages 14 to 19 for our summer RAISE Program. Participant must obtain the appropriate authorization from guardians to participate in extra-curricular activities. The summer program is in session from the middle of June until the middle of August each year. Teachers in Head Start SCF is seeking teachers for its Head Start programs. Teacher I: high school diploma or GED plus one year of experience working with groups of children preferred. First Aid/CPR certification, or must acquire within six months of date of hire. Must be able to obtain child development associate (CDA) credential within one year of date of hire. Teacher II: high school diploma or GED. A current CDA credential appropriate to program and age of children served. One year of experience working with groups of children. First Aid/CPR certification, or must acquire within six months of date of hire. Teacher III: two years of experience in teaching preschool children. Associate’s or advanced degree in early childhood education. Technical Writer The technical writer position will be split between the Planning & Grants and Public Relations Departments. Requires demonstrated ability to write and edit a wide range of document types including health and human services grants, news releases, reports to funders, and public information material. Must show proficiency in use of Microsoft Office applications. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in healthcare or equivalent experience. Five years of documented experience writing proposals. Human Resources Contact information All salaries are DOE with excellent benefits including 7 percent into pension, 5.2 weeks paid leave, 6.5 weeks leave after two years, employee medical, dental, vision, hearing and more. See full job descriptions and apply online at www.scf.cc or contact Tess Johnson at 729-5011 or [email protected]. For additional information please contact program staff at (907) 729-4977. Lester Lukin earns certification in health care compliance

SCF’s Compliance Department has another staff The CPC’s abilities include a demonstrated member who is certified in health care compliance knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical (CHC). Compliance Auditor Lester Lukin earned terminology along with ability to correctly code his credentials at the December Compliance provider services and diagnosis. Academy sponsored by the Health Care Lukin has worked for SCF since 1999 and has Compliance Association. The CHC is a been in the Compliance Department since 2001. professional with knowledge of relevant “I am grateful to Kevin Gottlieb for helping me regulations and expertise in compliance processes advance in my compliance career. Each area I sufficient to assist the healthcare industry to audit has different applicable laws, and I find SCF understand and address legal obligations, and is a great place to work because of the variety of promote organizational integrity through the services provided,” Lukin said. operation of effective compliance programs. Lukin attributes all of his success and Lukin is also a Certified Professional Coder achievements to his grandparents, Reggie and (CPC). A CPC is an individual who has passed a Irene Gundersen of Kodiak, for their support and coding certification examination sponsored by the encouragement, as well as his parents, Lester and American Academy of Professional Coders. The Lisa Lukin, who also live on Kodiak Island. Lukin examination consists of questions used for billing said. “I will continue to strive for success to Compliance Auditor Lester Lukin professional medical services to insurance continue to make my Grandma and Grandpa proud companies. of me!” Anchorage Native News January/February 2007 SCF Contact Information Page 16

25 years of family wellness Local organization recognized with EVI TANVRYYLI MAF support from national program

ECOMMUNI TYNEKWO The Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund has awarded a $60,000 one-year grant to Southcentral Foundation (SCF) to increase PROVI DERSTVSECWawareness of the life-saving benefits of early detection of breast TSHMDNI NDI ANEL N cancer. It is the sixth year that the program has received Avon Foundation funding to support its work on this important health AHDSMOOTFL OL NEE issue, and in recognition of continuing excellence of Southcentral Foundation’s program. NASI SI I YAI ENNWR The Breast and Cervical Health Program at SCF educates Alaska Native women in the Anchorage-area and refers them to ARREVTTATBEOETS organizations that provide low-cost or free mammograms and clinical breast exams in their own communities. LEEAENVMRI I LI EP Since October of 2000, the Breast and Cervical Health Program ADMVEENAESLAEAI at SCF has reached more than 10,000 women with information about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and has CVOWTVTNSNRAERR screened over 10,000 women for mammograms and clinical breast exams. IHTLAEHIEOTMUCI Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Alaska Native women and the leading cause of cancer death. According to STSYI RMSLPI AMQT the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, Alaska Native people die of YDUI RPSARSEI LSU cancer at higher rates than any other Alaskans. The Avon Foundation, an accredited 501(c)(3) public charity, HI CEYRASREVI NNA was founded in 1955 to improve the lives of women and their families. Now past the half-century milestone, the foundation PRI MARYCAREMNML brings this mission to life through the Speak Out Against Domestic Violence program and the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. Find these words forward, backward or diagonal that celebrate For more information on SCF’s Breast and Cervical Health Southcentral Foundation’s 25 years of family wellness. Program, please call Kate Landis at (907) 729-8891. For more information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Alaska family owners responsibility Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org, or the National anniversary health physical shared Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER or www.cancer.gov. celebrate Indian prevention spiritual To learn more about the Avon Foundation, call 1-866-505-AVON commitment Mental primary care twenty-five or visit www.avonfoundation.org. Community mission providers vision customers Native quality wellness

Southcentral Foundation contact information 4501 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508 Phone (907) 729-4955 • Toll-free (800) 478-3343 www.scf.cc Knik Tribal Council ...... (907) 373-7991 Alaska Native Health Resource Advocate ...... (206) 575-6757 Maternal Child Health Program ...... 343-4800 Anchorage Native Primary Care Center ...... 729-3250 McGrath Health Center ...... (907) 524-3299 Audiology...... 729-1400 Nikolai Clinic ...... (907) 293-2328 Behavioral Health Program ...... 729-2500 Nilavena Subregional Clinic – Iliamna...... 729-5400 Breast and Cervical Health ...... 729-2194 or (907) 571-1818 Chickaloon Village Health ...... (907) 745-0704 Nutaqsiivik ...... 729-3260 Children’s Clinic...... 729-1000 Office of the President ...... 729-4955 Complementary Medicine ...... 729-4320 Optometry Clinic ...... 729-8500 Customer Service Representatives...... 729-3299 The Pathway Home ...... 729-5020 Dena A Coy Residential Treatment ...... 729-5070 ANPCC Pharmacy ...... 729-2150 Dena A Coy Outpatient Treatment...... 729-6300 Public Relations and Communications ...... 729-4953 Prenatal Support Services ...... 729-3141 Quyana Clubhouse ...... 729-6550 Alaska Women’s Recovery Project ...... 729-5090 RAISE Program ...... 729-5015 Infant and Child Advocacy Project ...... 729-5070 Sunshine Community Health Center – Talkeetna . . . . (907) 733-2273 Dental ...... 729-2000 Takotna Clinic ...... (907) 298-2214 Elder Program ...... 729-6500 Traditional Healing ...... 729-4958 Family Health Center – Palmer ...... (907) 745-1777 Traditions of the Heart...... 729-3298 Family Health Center – Wasilla ...... (907) 357-7771 Transitional Living Program ...... 729-6390 Family Medicine Clinic ...... 729-3300 Tribal Relations and Village Initiatives ...... 729-4975 Head Start – Chugach Square Mall ...... 729-6100 Urgent Care Center ...... 729-1729 Head Start – Northway Mall ...... 729-6170 Valley Hospital Emergency Room – Palmer ...... (907) 861-6620 Health Education Department ...... 729-2689 Valley Native Primary Care Center ...... (907) 352-6000 Home-Based Services ...... 729-2490 Village Service Management Team ...... 729-4975 Human Resources ...... 729-4977 Women’s Health Clinic...... 729-3100