In 2002, after a phone interview with Boys and Girls Club of Alaska (BGC), UAA alumna Natasha Pineda bought a backpack and a pair of boots, booked a ticket out of PDX to Anchorage for what she calls, “a classic Alaska story.” The M.P.H. ’15 grad worked for BGC for a couple of years, ended up returning to Portland before moving to Mexico to live with her dad when she decided it was time to get serious about her career.

How can we support older adults during this COVID-19 outbreak? Britteny Howell, professor of population health sciences, recommends maintaining social contact with elders, having a plan to determine what happens if they get sick, as well as keeping them aware of COVID-19-related scams.

Epidemiologic modeling with Alaska data provides support for new measures implemented by state and municipal leaders to "flatten the curve" and buy additional time for preparation.

If you have pets, Ashley O'Connor, School of Social Work assistant professor, has some tips for how to care for them during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only is it important to practice social distancing between other people and your pets, but it's also recommended to interact with them to alleviate stress. She also advises anyone considering getting a new pet to help animal shelters by fostering them.

Amana Mbise, postdoctoral fellow in the UAA College of Health School of Social Work, talks about how to support families during a crisis, including providing accurate information about how to stay safe and helping people experience normal conversations.

What is mindfulness, and how can it help us when we're caught up in our thoughts or emotions? Vanessa Meade, assistant professor in the College of Health School of Social Work, explains the importance of being in the present and recognizing habits we've created out of what we have done in the past.

University of Alaska Anchorage School of Social Work Professor Mary Dallas Allen and Term Assistant Professor Alexa Filanowicz discuss helping your family cope with school closures and provide resources for responding to children's emotional needs.

Alina Shen always dreamed of working in health care. After high school, she still wasn’t sure what path she should take, but a chance meeting with an advisor sparked her interest in dentistry. Now she’s taking her first big step toward her future career: earning a dental assisting certificate at UAA.

UAA students have launched the Health Professionals Student Organization to support each other and share resources as they prepare for health careers and graduate programs.

As a lifelong ice skater, Oksana Deyneka has always known the role nutrition plays in an individual’s performance. Now as a dietetics alumna, she also knows how proper nutrition can benefit an entire community.