Discovering the Delta

Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009 Discovering the Delta...

Bethel Traditional Chief Peter Jacobs and his grandaughter RaeLena Smith greet Obama Administration Cabinet Secretaries Arne Duncan (Education), Steven Chu (Energy), and Shaun Donovan (Housing & Urban Development) as they arrived at the Yupik Cultural Center in Bethel to learn about issues in Rural Alaska. Story on page 3. • Fish camp photo by Theresa Bean, YKHC Public Relations

INSIDE: Sr. Fitness Day, p. 4 • Immunization Mo., p. 6 • Breastfeeding, p. 8 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

YKHC Board of Directors Unit 1 Unit 5 Raymond F. Waska, Sr. Bill Kristovich Chuloonawick P.O. Box 46 P.O. Box 1037 Kotlik Unit 11 Emmonak Billmore Slough Alakanuk Hamilton R Emmonak, Alaska 99581 Bethel, Alaska 99559 Grayling E Nunam Unit 1 I V 907-949-1514 907-543-4151/2212 Iqua R O McGrath Anvik K Paula Ayunerak Henry Hunter, Sr. Mountain Village Shageluk O St. MaryÕs N P.O. Box 5 P.O. Box 632 Scammon N Paimute I Bay PitkaÕs Andreafski Point Alakanuk, Alaska 99554 Bethel, Alaska 99559 Chevak Pilot Station Hooper Bay Holy Cross 907-238-3212 907-543-7963 Marshall YUKON RIVER Unit 9 Unit 2 Russian Mission Ohogomuit Crooked Gloria Simeon Creek Georgetown Unit 6 Upper Kalskag Aniak Stony River Unit 2 P.O. Box 308 Lower Chuathbaluk Newtok Kalskag Red Sleetmute Unit 8 Napaimute Devil Ray Alstrom Bethel, Alaska 99559 Nunapitchuk KUSKOKWIM RIVER Tuluksak R Tununak Kasigluk Akiak E P.O. Box 8 907-543-5676 Mekoryuk Toksook BayAtmautluak Bethel Unit 3 Umkumuit Akiachak Unit 4 I V Lime Village Marshall, Alaska 99585 Nightmute Napakiak Kwethluk R Joseph C. Bavilla Oscarville A Napaskiak N Unit 5 T 907-679-6320 P.O. Box 6011 I Chefornak Tuntutuliak L O James C. Landlord Napaskiak, Alaska 99559 Eek Unit 10 Kipnuk H P.O. Box 32168 907-737-7665 Kongiganak Unit 7 Kwigillingok Mt. Village, AK 99632 Quinhagak 907-591-2531 Unit 6 Unit 3 Esai Twitchell, Jr. P.O. Box 121 Goodnews Bay Wayne Morgan Kasigluk, Alaska 99609 Platinum P.O. Box 234 907-477-6309 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4264 Unit 7 Unit 9 Unit 11 George S. Morgan David O. David Patrick Tall Marvin Deacon P.O. Box 54 P.O. Box 78 P.O. Box 196 P.O. Box 45 Upper Kalskag, Alaska 99607 Kwigillingok, Alaska 99622 Chevak, Alaska 99563 Grayling, Alaska 99590 907-471-2490 907-588-8484 907-858-7613 907-453-5195 James Hoelscher Unit 4 Unit 8 P.O. Box 189 Honorary Board Member James Nicori James R. Charlie, Sr. Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604 Paul John P.O. Box 41 P.O. Box 37012 907-758-4616 P.O. Box 37067 Kwethluk, Alaska 99621 Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637 Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637 907-757-6837 907-427-7114 Unit 10 907-427-74l4 Moses Peter James Sipary Sam W. Alexie P.O. Box 57 P.O. Box 37134 P.O. Box 57 Tuluksak, Alaska 99679 Toksook Bay, Alaska 99637 Eek, Alaska 99578 907- 695-6426 907- 427-7816 907-536-5428 Numbers to Call

YKHC Main Operator...... 543-6000 Subregional Clinic Appointments Toll Free...... 1-800-478-3321 Aniak...... 675-4556 Public Relations...... 543-6037 Emmonak...... 949-3500 Media Services...... 543-6038 St. Mary’s...... 438-3500 Office of Environmental Health & Engineering...... 543-6420 Toksook Bay...... 427-3500 Technology Help Desk...... 543-6070 Public Health Nursing...... 543-2110 Human Resources...... 543-6060 Pharmacy...... 543-6382 Administration...... 543-6020 Travel Management Center...... 543-6360 Hospital...... 543-6300 WIC Program...... 543-6459 Emergency Room...... 543-6395 Health Services...... 543-6024 Hospital Community Relations...... 543-6350 Village Operations...... 543-6160 Social Services...... 543-6225 CHAP...... 543-6160 Family Medicine Clinic Appointments...... 543-6442 ICEMS...... 543-6080 1-800-478-3321 Community Health & Wellness...... 543-6190 Dental Appointments...... 543-6229 Behavioral Health Services...... 543-6100 Optometry Appointments...... 543-6336 Phillips Ayagnirvik...... 543-6700 Audiology Appointments...... 543-6466 Village Services...... 543-6740 Home Care Services...... 543-6170 2 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

COMMUNITY & PARTNER SATISFACTION

YKHC Board Obama Administration officials (and & Committee Meetings many more) visit the Bush 2009 August 20 Finance Committee August 20–21 Executive Board September 22 Finance Committee September 22–23 Governing Body October Finance Committee TBA A meeting of dignitaries: Back row, from left: US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, October Energy Secretary Steven Chu, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan, YKHC Medical Director and Executive Board TBA Bethel Mayor Joe Klejka, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak, ONC Chair Ray Watson, Alaska Senator Mark Begich. Front: Bethel Traditional Chief Peter Jacobs, and YKHC Honorary November 17 Board Member Paul John. Finance Committee by YKHC Public Relations staff November 18 – 20 Full Board of Directors Four Obama Administration Cabinet Secretaries made a his- toric trip to Bethel and Hooper Bay on August 12 as part of a December 15 Finance Committee rural listening tour to learn more about how Washington D.C. can help sustain rural America. December 16 – 17 Executive Board After a four-hour delay due to fog and mechanical trouble, the Secretaries of Agriculture (Tom Vilsack), Education (Arne Duncan), Energy (Steven Chu), and Housing & Urban Develop- ment (Shaun Donovan) arrived at Bethel’s Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center around 12:30 p.m. The crowd, which had started gathering around 7 a.m., numbered about 300 and represented numerous entities and organizations throughout the state. The doors opened at 10 a.m. and The Messenger is produced by the feasting began prior to the Secretaries’ arrival, giving folks a chance to network with agencies Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation’s Public Rela- and other people for several hours. tions Department as a report to Tribal Members. It is published monthly on-line at www.ykhc.org/ A number of State officials were in attendance, including Education Commissioner Larry messenger and printed quarterly. For questions, comments, submission of articles, or subscription LeDoux and Governor Sean Parnell. Candidates who plan to, or are expected to, run for the information, write to Public Relations Senior Editor, Governor’s seat—Ethan Berkowitz, Bob Poe, and Hollis French—also attended. Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, P.O. Box 528, Bethel, Alaska 99559; or call 907-543-6035. E-mail: Some visitors took the opportunity to tour Bethel or mingle with representatives from entities [email protected]. Deadline is the last day of the such as the Rasmuson Foundation, the Denali Commission, the Alaska Native Health Board, month preceding publication. Publication is on the 15th of every month. Anchorage Office: and the Alaska Federation of Natives. 4700 Business Park Blvd. Suite E25, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. 907- Governor Sean Parnell attended the gathering for about 20 minutes while on his way to a pre- 677-2232. Please ask permission vious engagement with the Bethel Chamber of Commerce. He made a brief welcome speech to reprint articles or pictures. © and took the time to mingle with the crowd and speak to individuals in person. 2009, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. see VIP VISIT, p. 8 3 Community Health & Wellness Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

Did you know?

Did you know that diabetes is one of the most serious health problems facing Americans today? Did you know that diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the nation and the 4th leading cause of death in the world? Did you know that there are about 23.6 million Americans with diabetes and another 57 million with pre-diabetes? Did you know that the number of Alaska Native people with diabetes nearly tripled from 1990 to 2004? Did you know that if current trends continue 1 in 3 children born today will develop diabetes in their life- August 19 time? The Diabetes Prevention and Control Program wants you to know! 12 – 2 p.m. We want you to know these and other facts about diabetes. Knowledge is power and we • Warm up at the Log Cabin have the power to prevent diabetes! • Walk around Pinky's Park Life on the Delta is good. Let’s keep in that way. Let’s use the power we have to prevent diabetes Boardwalk to ensure a happy healthy future for ourselves and our children.

If you have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, we invite you to attend the Diabetes Support Group every second Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Paul John Boardroom on the 3rd floor of the “New YK” or Community Health Services Building.

Hear about how others chose to manage their Diabetes Prevention & Control diabetes, how well it’s working for them, how they are Direct line 907-543-6133 For more information contact Debbie Michael, CWA, Diabetes Outreach Coordinator at 543-6133 coping and living with their diabetes. www.ykhc.org/diabetes

4 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

Hooper Bay Sub-Regional Clinic Grand The Board of Directors of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Opening Health Corporation is proud to announce the opening of our fifth August 18 Subregional Primary Care Health Clinic in the Yukon- Dedication 11 a.m. Kuskokwim Delta— Food served Bringing health care beginning at 11:15 closer to home! DOOR PRIZES! Meet our distinguished guests from the Denali Commission, the Indian Health Service, Sea Lion Corp., The Alaska State Legislature and many others...

5 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

August is a busy time for everyone from berry picking to back-to- school activities. Normally, we tend to focus on the school-age children, making sure all their immunizations are up-to-date just in time for the start of the new school year. The goal of the National Immunization Awareness Month is to increase awareness about immunizations across the lifespan, from infants to the elderly. Why are immunizations important? • Immunizations are one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century • Vaccines have eliminated diseases like smallpox and polio in the United States and significantly reduced the number of cases of Remember, Kusko says… “Stay Healthy… Stay Immunized” measles, diphtheria, rubella, pertussis and other diseases. • Despite these efforts, people in the U.S. still die from these and other vaccine-preventable diseases. More information on immunizations can be found • Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious dis- at the CDC website eases. http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ • Staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals or the state of Alaska website at protect themselves, their families and friends and their communi- http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/immune.stm. ties from serious, life-threatening infections. Who should be immunized? Locally you can call the YKHC Immunization • Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue Program at 543-6955. throughout life. • Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, To schedule an appointment for immunizations children, adolescents, adults of all ages and seniors, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to protect- In Bethel: ing ourselves and our communities from disease. YKHC 543-6442 When are immunizations given? Public Health Nursing 543-2110 • Most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. Bethel Family Clinic 543-3773 • Immunizations are also recommended during adolescent or adult In the villages, contact your local health clinic. years. • Booster immunizations are recommended for certain vaccines throughout life. Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin.

6 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

A Little EMS History by Dave Springer

et’s look at artificial respiration. Most of us are quite familiar with the modern method of pinching the victim’s nose closed, using a barrier device & sealing your mouth over the victim’s mouth, or the one-way valve on a mask, and hard enough to force air out of the lungs. You then grasped the Lblowing enough to make the chest rise. We blow for about one upper arms just above the elbow & pulled them toward you to get air second every five seconds or so. into the lungs. The cycle was then repeated. Again this was done at 16 breaths per minute. We used to use the now obsolete chest pressure / arm lift method of artificial respiration otherwise known as the Silvester Method. It was As an instructor, I have never taught those methods, but as a stu- named after the inventor of the method, Dr. Henry Robert Silvester. dent I did learn both of them. Dr. Silvester was a London-born physician of the late 1800s and In the 1700s and 1800s a person would sometimes be thrown early 1900s. across the back of a horse, and then secured for a good gallop to In this now obsolete method the patient is placed on his or her back, get their system going again. You know, it even worked on very rare with arms raised to the sides of the head, held there temporarily, occasions. then brought down in a folding motion and the crossed arms are Another method that worked without much success was to put the pressed against the chest. This movement was repeated 16 times victim, literally, over a barrel to try to roll the life back into them. per minute. Yet another method I have seen documented from the olden days There was another competing method called the Holger Nielson is to use a fireplace or blacksmith’s bellows stuck into someone’s method. Holger Nielson was a Danish army officer who published mouth. The concept was good enough, but I just don’t think I’d his method in 1932. In the Nielson Method the patient was placed want all that ash & soot blown into my lungs. Should I survive the on the ground with their arms crossed, and then their head was first problem I would imagine that the result of the soot & ash being placed to one side on the crossed arms. You knelt at the patient’s blown into my lungs could not lead to a very good ultimate outcome. head, applied firm pressure with the hands on the back with your fingers spread, just behind the collar bones. The idea was to press That’s it for now. Stay safe, happy berry picking and Quyana for reading this month’s column.

7 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

Breastfeeding

reastfeeding is one of the best things you can do Make healthy for your baby. Breastmilk has the right balance lifestyle choices of nutrients for your baby, is easier to digest than B Your lifestyle choices are just formula, and the antibodies in breastmilk will help your baby fight colds. Breastfeeding is not always easy, and as important when you are you may need more practice and patience than you might breastfeeding as they were have thought. Here are some tips on how to make it eas- when you were pregnant. ier for you to breastfeed. • Eat plenty of whole grains, Feed your baby often fruits, and vegetables For the first few weeks, most newborns breastfeed every • Drink 8 cups of water, juice, two to three hours. Breastmilk is digested more quickly or milk than formula so breastfeeding is needed more frequently. • Nap when tired, you need at You can tell that your baby has had enough if he has 8 to least 9 hours of sleep each 12 feedings in 24 hours, has 6 to 8 really wet diapers per day day, and is gaining weight appropriately (about 1 pound each month). Watch your baby for early signs of hunger, • Only take medication that such as stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip has been approved by your movements. Fussing and crying are later cues that your doctor baby is hungry. • Do not smoke Hold off on a pacifier, at first Give it time Giving your baby a pacifier too soon may cause you to If breastfeeding is tougher than make less breastmilk. The American Academy of Pedi- you expected, try not to get discouraged. Call your health aide provider or atrics recommends waiting to introduce a pacifier until a WIC for support. Talking about your concerns can help motivate you to keep baby is 1 month old and breastfeeding is going well. going. Breastfeeding will begin to feel more natural as you and your baby get to know each other. Nipple Confusion Sources: The human breast and nipple are very different from a bottle and nipple. A baby has to learn to adapt to the type http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/breast-feeding/PR00003/METHOD=print of nipple used. Early exposure to a rubber nipple can http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002453.htm cause confusion for your baby and may make breastfeeding more difficult, especially during the first two weeks. VIP VISIT, from p. 3 A pre-event included Ayaprun Immersion ments, had a chance to speak directly to the the No Child Left Behind Act. students singing America the Beautiful in panel. Among those who had a chance to During the press conference the Secretaries Yup’ik, and a blessing invocation from Tok- share issues of importance to the state were focused on the importance of available fund- sook elder Paul John. Myron Naneng of AVCP, Nicholas Tucker, Sr. ing through the Recovery Act (Stimulus) and of Emmonak, Calista CEO Matthew Nicolai, When the Secretaries arrived, Bethel Tradi- working through their cabinet departments and Barbara Angaiak, President of NEA for tional Chief Peter Jacob, dressed in a tradi- to ensure that federal monies are actually Alaska. tional men’s qaspeq and headdress, spoke reaching communities as they are intended with humor and started the session on a light After the hour was up, the Secretaries met to. note. Ray Watson, executive chair of ONC, with the press. Some topics of discussion: The HUD Secretary shared recent Congres- shared touching remarks to welcome the economic funds for those who were hard sional appropriations that would funnel mil- Secretaries and likened their visit to that of hit on the lower Yukon and were not able to lions of dollars into more energy-efficient Senator Ted Kennedy’s visit that took place subsist in this year’s king salmon harvest, homes in rural communities. The session in 1971, which the community will “never preservation of funding through the Denali was moderated by Senator Mark Begich forget and resulted in improved housing for Commission for rural infrastructure needs, who accompanied the White House entou- the region.” erosion and climate change, high energy rage for a large portion of the rural tour as costs and efficient housing availability, and When it was time for the public to take the well as their visit to the community of Hooper recommendations for incorporating flexibility mic, only eight individuals, who were lim- Bay for another brief stop and session. into the nearly impossible requirements of ited to three minutes to convey their senti- 8 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009 Revenue team EMPLOYEE FOCUS tackles account back-log Jessica Petersen, Coding & Entry Man- ager, led the Revenue Management team to move more than $2 million of back-log to “billable status”—largely due to help from 10 summer hires who worked with the regular revenue staff team to help increase revenue for the corporation. They were able to reduce the back-log by 60 percent, eliminate over 17,000 accounts from charge-entry, and over 30,000 accounts from MIRA data entry all within one month! Coding & Entry staff along with Summer Hires When the initiative began in June, their WOW YKHC Revenue and SLT leadership goals were simple: reduce backlog, through the summer coding and data entry Congratulations to Jacqueline Renfro on team initiative! passing the OBGYN National Registry Ex- increase charge-entry, and do it FAST! amination AND the Physics and Instrumen- Joe DeMeo, CFO, said, “this achieve- tation Examination. Jacquee is Bethel’s first ment for 2009 is remarkable and should be remembered as an important accomplishment 100 percent on-the-job trained Registered for all who were involved. It was a team effort that spanned across many departments and Sonographer. Way to go Jacquee! had very immediate results.” A special pizza luncheon, partly sponsored by Brother’s Pizza, was held to recognize the Years of Service Recognition team for their achievement. President/CEO Gene Peltola attended a portion of the event The following YKHC employees were rec- and expressed his appreciation by saying, “to catch up on back-log and move accounts to ognized with their five and ten year pins a billable status is crucial in helping YKHC preserve the financial integrity of our hospital’s at a YKHC Years of Service luncheon in daily operations.” Thank you, and great job to all of you! the Paul John Executive Board Room on July 29. Five year recipients: Heather Huckert, Getting on a Boat? Be sure to Float! Wear your PFD! Russell Huckert, Brenda Lamont, Chris- Personal Flotation Device tina Pekar, Sahmi Pellumbi, Joel Simon, Summer in the YK Delta means Kevin Wilson, Jolene Nukusuk, Kathleen fishing, boating, swimming, travel, Float Coats & PFDs Brink, Hazel Alstrom, Ann Willard, and and recreation. This year, beat the odds; get a PFD and wear it. Injury Control & EMS Sales Matthew Willard. Today’s PFD’s fit better, look better, Ten year recipients: Kathy Katongan, and are easy to move around in. Safety Equipment Sales Shop Some PFD’s are made to protect you Madrona Noes, and Margaret Westlock- from cold water. A PFD with bright YKHC’s Injury Control & EMS, Sales Shop offers a variety of Harpak. YKHC appreciates you for your colors is easier to see and may safety equipment such as: PFD’s, ice cleats, off-road helmets, hard work and dedication over the years! increase your chances of rescue. snowmachine helmets, goggles, and first aid kits. A PFD must fit comfortably and snug. Make sure your PFD is made for The products we purchase are directly from the manufacturer. your weight and size. Which means we purchase the items at wholesale cost and But, no matter which PFD you choose, the best PFD is the one you wear. Remember, spending a little time now can save you a lifetime later. consumers buy them for less than what the stores charge! In Bethel? Call us today for product availability! Stop by and see what we have! We are located at the “New YK” Building 1-800-478-6599 ext. 6085 2nd Floor, Suite 223 or Hours: M–F, 8 a.m.—5 p.m. 907-543-6085

Technology Services Director David Hodges recognizes Joel Simon for five years with the IT Dept. 9 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

YKHC Safety Equipment Sales Shop YKHC’s Injury Control & EMS, Sales Shop offers a variety of safety equipment such as: PFDs, ice cleats, off-road helmets, snowmachine helmets, goggles, and first aid kits. The products we purchase are directly from the manufacturer. Which means we purchase the items at wholesale cost and consumers buy them for less than what the stores charge! Call us today for product availability! 1-800-478-6599 or 907-543-6085 In Bethel? Stop by and see what we have! We are located at the “New YK” Building 2nd Floor, Suite 223. Hours: M–F, 8 a.m.—5 p.m.

ICEMS Sales Shop PFD Price List ICEMS Sales Shop Order Form MJ6214 Bomber Jackets $150 Item # Size Color Qty. Price Subtotal Sizes: Small—3X-Large Weight: Over 90 lbs. ______Colors: Navy, Green, Camouflage ______*NEW* $150 7007 Floating Jacket ______Sizes: Large – 2X Weight: Over 90 lbs. ______Colors: Red, Black Order total: ______MA7136 Hood $20 Size: One Size Shipping: FREE! : Navy, Orange Color Total: ______4142 Vest—Adult with Zipper $25 Ship to: Sizes: Sm/Med, Lg/XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4X/7X (navy only). Weight: Over 90 lbs. Name:______Colors: Navy, Green, “Wilderness” Camo Address:______s $20 5311 Vest—Adult with Buckle City, State, Zip:______Sizes: Universal and Oversize Weight: Over 90 lbs. Phone:______Colors: *NEW* Navy, Tan, Blue, Red, Yellow, “Army” Camo Method of Payment 3060 Vest—Youth $20 o Check o Money Order Size: Youth o American Express o MasterCard Weight: 50-90 lbs. o Visa o Discover Card Colors: Blue, Silver, Yellow, Barbie, Spiderman 3040 Vest—Child (no collar) $20 Credit Card #:______Size: Child Exp. Date:______Weight: 30-50 lbs Colors: Barbie, Blue, Silver, Dora, Diego, Spiderman, Name on Credit Card:______Red Billing Address:______3002 Vest—Child with Collar $20 Size: Child Weight: 30-50 lbs Signature:______Colors: Spiderman, Barbie, Ships Ahoy, ScoobyDoo Please make checks payable to: YKHC—ICEMS 3303 Vest—Infant/Child with Collar $20 Size: Infant/Child Mail payment and Order Form to: Weight: Less than 50 lbs. YKHC—ICEMS Sales Shop Colors: Blue, Red, Dora, Diego, Spongebob attn: Teresa Markham 3001 Vest—Infant with Collar $20 P.O. Box 528 Size: Infant Bethel, AK 99559 Weight: Less than 30 lbs. Credit Card Orders— Colors: Orange, Summer Friends, Skate Fax your order in for expedited service! FAX: 907-543-6425 10 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009

July 2009: Billy Rivers of Scammon Bay The YKHC Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) recognizes Billy Rivers of Scam- mon Bay as the 2009 July Health Aide of the Month. “He is really good with kids and I appreciate how he works with them during exams by explaining what he is doing while providing care, ” said Supervisor/Instructor Debbie David. “He is calm and collected during emergencies,” most notably when two emergencies took place. Field Supervision Coordinator Marshall Vanscoyk was able to observe Billy during recent emergencies and said that Billy was “professional, quick to act, and is very considerate towards others.” The CHAP staff said they appreciate his great sense of humor in making them laugh. YKHC is thankful to have someone like Billy Rivers as an employee. Billy, thank you for your dedication and great job!

Pharmacy Co-Pay Now Accepted They leave their families at The Hospital Admissions Department any hour to help you and yours… is pleased to announce that we are offering a new service— We are now accepting payments for Pharmacy from our non-IHS patients. We accept most methods of payment—including credit card, check and cash.

If you have any questions Martha Yohak,CHP, Chefornak, examines young patient. Photo by Janet Erik, CHP. on your pharmacy balance, please call 543-6284. Health Aides – There for You Show you care. Thank you, Thank your Health Aide today —Karen Sidell, YKHC Admissions Director for the work they do. Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health Working Together to Do you know an outstanding health aide? Contact the YKHC Field Supervision Achieve Excellent Health Coordinator at 543-6357 to nominate your health aide for an award!

11 Volume XIV No. 8 • August 15, 2009 Who do I call

Dangers of Sharing 911 Life-threatening emergency... State...... ? Trooper Active suicide attempt, overdose, incident Medications 1-800-764-5525 involving weapons, possible serious harm to somebody, person threatening to kill or or Village VPSO seriously hurt themselves or somebody else With today’s increasing prescription prices, many people are beginning to share medications with 543-6300 Mental health situation... family and friends. Although it may seem like a or 1-800-478-2642 Somebody might need to be committed to money saver at the time, sharing medications psychiatric hospital in Bethel or Anchorage— can have very costly effects, not to mention, it’s YKHC Emergency acting bizarre, out of touch with reality, maybe illegal. Services for Behavioral seeing/hearing things that are not there, “talking crazy,” maybe talking about suicide If a person is taking medications without consult- Health on-call Clinician ing a provider, they could be doing great harm to Personal or family problems... their body. A highly trained provider will be able 1-866-465-8930 A YKHC employee or family member needs to select the best medication to fit the specific ComPsych Employee help dealing with an alcohol or drug problem, needs of a patient and this is often based on Assistance Program depression, job stress, marriage or financial characteristics such as age, weight, race, medi- problems, grief issues, domestic abuse, or cal history, and other diseases. Even though similar problems. two patients sharing medications could have the same disease, the drug may be safe for one, but 1-800-478-3321 After a disaster or tragedy cause a potentially dangerous event for the other. or 543-6093 in Bethel There’s been a terrible event in my village—a Women should also keep in mind that many suicide, bad accident with injuries, multiple drugs can cause serious birth defects. Whether Behavioral Health deaths, etc. and we need help coping with all or not a woman is planning on becoming preg- Critical Incident of this nant, it may be a possibility; therefore, it is neces- Stress Management sary that the provider know what medications are Program being taken. Working Together to Achieve Excellent Health Children often believe that if a medication is okay for one person to take, then it is okay for them to take, no matter what the condition being treated. Explain to children the dangers of sharing medications with their friends and also the dangers of taking another person’s medication. Check school policies to ensure that medications brought on school grounds are properly stored. All medications have the potential for side effects. Medications can interact with certain foods, other medications, or cause allergic reactions. Only a provider is capable of prescribing the appropriate drug therapy for any given condition. By talking with a pharmacist, a person can learn about the potential dangerous effects of taking certain medications, but feel confident that the medications prescribed are helpful for their disease state. With the increasing prescription advertisements on television that claim to be a “cure all,” it is easy to forget how dangerous medications can be if not taken properly and for the correct condition. No matter what the circumstance, never take another person’s prescription medications, and don’t forget, it’s illegal!