Alaska's rural and multi-cultural environment calls for multidisciplinary approaches
to defining health problems and identifying appropriate solutions. The Institute for
Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) was established by the Alaska Legislature in 1988 to improve the health of peoples
of Alaska and other circumpolar areas through instruction, information services, and
basic and applied research in health and medicine.
Our applied research focus supports public health planning and provides opportunities
for students to gain research experience. Our faculty and staff have expertise in epidemiologic study design, quantitative and
qualitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), community engagement,
evaluation, and facilitation.
Students in fall's EMT 130 — Emergency Medical Technician I burnished their clinical and decision-making skills in a trio of rapid-fire trauma simulations, thanks to a first-time partnership between the Fire and Emergency Services program and the Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center.
Anchorage’s new Mobile Crisis Team — which includes fire service administration alumnus Michael Riley — responds specifically to mental health emergencies, saving traditional first responders crucial time and resources.