In the News

Top Alaska workforce leaders discuss barriers to retention and building a strong foundation for the healthcare workforce

Earthquake Park Anchorage View

In a recent analysis of the state’s healthcare workforce, the Alaska Hospital and Healthcare Association found that job vacancies are increasing, and not enough people are entering the workforce to make up for it. Leaders in Alaska discussed the pressing healthcare workforce crisis in the state and ways to support and retain providers at the 2023 Alaska State of Reform Conference last month.

ECU partnership with UAA brings rehabilitation services to remote communities

Erin Baginski

A partnership between East Carolina University and the University of Alaska Anchorage is bringing speech-language pathology rehabilitation services to remote communities.

Alaska’s domestic violence council explores restorative justice methods in court sentencing

gold scales on dest next to computer

Restorative justice is a form of resolution that allows victims of crimes to work with the criminal justice system to address and correct the harm caused. UAA’s Ingrid Johnson from the Justice Center and Rei Shimizu from the School of Social Work spoke to the Alaska Beacon about how restorative justice can be used in cases of domestic violence.

Alaska Municipal League is helping rural communities qualify for climate change funds

icecap in front of blue sky

Rural Alaskan communities are seeking grant funding to address health risks related to climate change. Associate Professor Micah Hahn from the Institute of Circumpolar Health Studies spoke to Alaska Public Media about her team’s efforts to help communities create climate adaptation strategies.

College student homelessness discussed at Housing Action Summit

Tall buildings in downtown Anchorage at sunset

The Housing Action Summit in Anchorage featured a week of events that draw attention to Anchorage’s housing crisis. Faculty and staff from across UAA spoke to Alaska’s News Source about barriers some students face, including food insecurity and homelessness.

Women account for the largest growing veteran population, yet many don’t apply for the benefits they earned

military boots and helmet on floor

Alaska is tied for the highest number of female veterans in the United States, but many of them do not use services through the VA in Alaska. Alaska’s News Source spoke to UAA Assistant Professor and veteran, Vanessa Meade, about potential obstacles related to the issue.

New statewide data tells mixed story about crime in Alaska

hands in handcuffs

This year's annual Crime in Alaska report was recently released. Brad Myrstol, Justice Center Professor and Alaska Justice Information Center Director, discussed the data compiled from police agencies across the state with Anchorage Daily News.

UAA dental clinic assists 52 young Alaskans with oral care

Dental students talking to boy in dental chair

The UAA dental hygiene program provided free preventative dental care for youth ages 3-17 on Oct. 27 during its annual UAA Cares for Kids Day (formerly UAA Children's Day).

WWAMI Wilderness Medicine Retreat Fosters Team Building and Readies Med Students for Local Challenges

students preparing a simulated bear attack victim for transportation

In Alaska's vast wilderness, medical emergencies can occur anywhere. The WWAMI School of Medical Education hosts an annual Wilderness Medicine Retreat at Alyeska Ski Resort to train first-year medical students in essential skills and teamwork through simulated scenarios.

Program highlights need for physician assistants in Alaska

A PA holding a stethoscope

On the campus of UAA, the University of Washington Anchorage Physician Assistant Program is helping recruit and retain healthcare workers in Alaska. The Kaiser Family Foundation says 22% of primary care needs are being met in Alaska. The need for physician assistance is critical, especially in rural Alaska.

College of Health News Archive