Eastern Aleutian Tribes

NEW DENTIST FILLS SIX-MONTH CAVITY

Filling the cavity left behind when Dr. Jim Howell left EAT to complete a four-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residence in South Carolina, Dr. Ken Lim is scheduled to arrive in Sand Point in January as our new full-time dentist. He will travel throughout the region to provide dental services.
Dr. Lim says he is looking forward to coming to Sand Point and getting away from the fast-paced southern California smog and traffic lifestyle
After graduating with his Medical Technology B.A. degree in 1999, Dr. Lim just up and moved to Sitka on a whim . "I didn't know a single soul out there,” he explains, adding that it turned out to be one of the best experiences of his life. Ever since then he says he has always dreamed of returning to the 49th state to work and live.
Dr. Lim's interests include cooking, running, and motor scooters! While in dental school he ran five full marathons, and restored a 1985 Honda motor scooter, an avocation that might come in handy in Aleutian communities with little or no roads. Although he says he hopes to catch up some sleep in the Aleutians, he may be in for a surprise as he will be serving an estimated 1,800 people in villages and towns on the Aleutian Chain where the lack of preventive dental care often comes with a high price: Native Alaskans suffer more than their share of dental decay and tooth loss.
Dr. Lim is excited about the unique opportunity to serve the dental needs of the people of the Aleutian Chain. "I hope to bring not only good quality dentistry, but good customer service that will integrate well with the local communities, and culture "

Adak Pledgers Adam Ricker puts his “John Hancock” to the “Too Smart To Start” poster while Vuna Penitani, Jr. looks on and Lance Schilperoort checks out his schoolmate’s signature. Alex Flores signs at the far end of the table with their efforts monitored by Chris Diaz.

ADAK YOUNGSTERS ARE “TOO SMART TO START”

Pledging to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free and to encourage their peers to do the same, a group of youngsters from Adak recently had a great time during Wii Night at the community center while learning how to make positive choices for themselves.

One Friday evening in November though had an added element. Chris Diaz, CHP-C, Esther Bennett, CHIS, and Lacy Plummer, CHIS/PCT, provided a drug, tobacco and alcohol awareness presentation. The trio had a special opportunity to influence the decisions young people make concerning drug, tobacco and alcohol use. The youngsters signed a poster vowing to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free plus put their signatures to individual pledges. Lacy said the kids all loved the giveaways including anti-drug sports balls and beanies provided by EAT, which promoted lots of questions and suggestions.
Engaging youngsters in conversations about the tragic effects of addictions, correcting misperceptions, and remembering to support them as they choose not to use as minors are among the ways to help youngsters make positive, healthy choices, Lacy pointed out in describing the “Too Smart To Start” campaign. Pinky Pledge

As every youngster knows, a “pinky swear” is serious business. Sierra Schilperoort “seals the deal” by pledging to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free with Lacy Plummer as Geselle Nieves waits her turn.

This is an important age group to start prevention efforts because the age at first use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco has been found to be a powerful predictor of lifetime abuse and dependence. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) research reveals more than 40 percent of individuals who begin drinking before age 13 are classified with alcohol dependence at some time in their lives. The campaign focuses on the need to change our thinking about underage use from stopping use to preventing use—and continuing to take action to maintain
zero percent use.

The Adak Clinic has sponsored Wii Night since January after EAT provided Wiis to all its clinic in efforts to promote physical activity among staff and clients. Chris and community members Nicole Gordon and George Lopez wanted to create a healthy and safe environment for Adak youth, and Wii Night was born. The clinic has a flat screen TV on a rolling cart used for staff and patient meetings. Chris rolls the cart over to the community center, hooks up a Wii, and a second Wii to an existing large screen TV. George and Nicole bring their RockBand setup, complete with drum set, two guitars and games. A hot dog cooker, and popcorn machine rounds out baked goods and drinks brought in by parents. Chris explains that it’s a great time for kids to let off steam as well as parents to socialize and have peace of mind, knowing their kids are safe.

Jobs at EAT

> Clinician - Full Time - King Cove - Job Bulletin - Reporting to the Behavioral Health Lead Clinician, the Behavioral Health Clinician will develop and provide comprehensive clinical treatments and preventative services to individual and group community members.

> Dental Assistant - Full Time - Sand Point - Job Bulletin - Reporting to the Dentist, the Dental Assistant will, under direct supervision, provides chair side assistance to the dentist, dental clinic maintenance and patient record keeping. These services are provided in a variety of settings including all EAT clinics, remote communities, (over night travel required) using portable dental equipment.

> Primary Care Technician - Full Time - Sand Point - Job Bulletin - Under general supervision of the Regional Supervisor and the EAT Project Coordinator, provides basic patient care to all patients to include, but not limited to patient screening, assessment, care, care referral, care documentation and evaluation. Act as patient advocate, patient and family health educator, and overall assistant to clinic providers.

> IT Video Technician - Part Time - Open to All Sites - Job Bulletin - Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties under the guidance of the Director of Information Technology. Supports medical and other staff by monitoring and maintaining video systems, telecommunication systems and telemedicine systems to include Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, network security and integrity and other systems utilized by a full service telemedicine network. Provides excellent technical service for EAT. This position also under the supervision of the Director of Information Technology will manage its video equipment and the technical side of video scheduling.

> IT Web Technician - Part Time - Open to All Sites - Job Bulletin - Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties under the guidance of the Director of Information Technology. Supports medical and other staff by monitoring and maintaining computer systems, telecommunication systems and telemedicine systems to include Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, network security and integrity and other systems utilized by a full service telemedicine network. Provides excellent technical service for EAT. This position also under the supervision of the Director of Information Technology will conduct web design, web development, and web maintenance and training materials of the internal and external company website(s).

Eastern Aleutian Tribes is a mature and dynamic Alaskan Native health organization, providing excellent health care in remote sites in Alaska.

Our Mission
To provide and continually improve quality health care in a dependable manner that ensures that everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect, encouraging the well being of the people.