Eastern Aleutian Tribes received notice May 16th of acceptance into the Quality Improvement Learning Network of Indian Health Services. This is an extension of the Improving Patient Care Initiative, which the Indian Health Service has been involved in for the past seven years. Eastern Aleutian Tribes was one of the first tribes in America to participate in this initiative, and have since become very knowledgeable and skilled at implementing this model for improvement. Michael Christensen, EATs Executive Director, was recently asked to present this program for improvement to all the tribes in the United States during the tribal self-governance conference held in New Orleans. Tara Ferguson, Director of Quality Improvement has also been asked to present information about IPC to other community health centers during the Northwest Regional Community Health Center Association annual spring conference.
Eastern Aleutian Tribes is excited to be part of the Quality Improvement Learning Network. This will give us even more opportunity to learn new methods for improvement and to strengthen other organizations and tribes as they implement the model for improvement.
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EAT Behavioral Health Services has begun instituting a program partnering with community members to address issues within their communities. Funded by a grant from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Community Readiness Assessments in addition to educational brochures have been sent to Sand Point community members, and will be sent to all the other communities soon.
On May 16th, the first Substance Abuse Coalition meeting took place at the City Chambers in Sand Point. Gary Williams, Behavioral Health Director, facilitated the meeting. 25 community members attended, three of which were youth, and an open exchange of information ensued. Mr. Williams reported that EATs has already received some of the Community Readiness Surveys and shared some of the results with participants.
Mr. Williams informed the participants that the coalition will be organized and facilitated by community members, with strong support from behavioral health and the EATs organization in general.
A community member expressed concern that there had been two months since the last meeting. The participants were informed that EATs had working “behind the scenes”, so to speak, in preparation for the coalition. One of the things shared with the participants was that during this period, EATs applied for a grant from ANTHC which has allowed for the distribution of Community Readiness Surveys, with the remaining money being used for the coalition effort. EATs was the first in the state to apply for this grant, and was delighted to hear the grant had been awarded to our agency.
Community members expressed a desire to meet every two weeks. Laresa Moses was elected Chair-person, and Karen Johansen was elected Vice-Chair.
Several community members volunteered to be on a subcommittee that will plan activities for local children and their families. Some of the suggestions for activities were family movie nights, potlucks, and structured activities such as an exercise classes for the community children.
Community members expressed a desire to have a presentation on commonly used drugs and effects on the body. Mr. Williams assured them that EATs can provide education information to them. The community will be notified as to the date of the presentation.
The next meeting will be on May 23rd, at 6:00 PM at the Sand Point Clinic.
If you believe you have a need for Behavioral Health Services, please contact your Community Clinic or call Behavioral Health directly at
Emergency COPE Line—800-478-2673
King Cove Clinic – 907-497-2311
After Hours –907-497-8203
Sand Point Clinic – 907-383-3151
After hours – 907-386-1227
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Congratulations to our own Senta Lockett, CHP in Sand Point. Senta was selected by the Association of Alaska Community Health Aide Program Directors’ as an Annual Community Health Aide/Practitioner “Shining Star” for Outstanding Accomplishments in 2012.
EAT CHAP Director Susan Shoemaker, CHP said "Senta is an energetic, dynamic health aide, an EMS instructor and a mentor of newer health aides. She has been involved in trauma and rescue response, in medical emergencies, and in every kind of drama with all kinds of conditions. She has handled it all with grace, courage, and a sense of humor. Senta fully meets the criteria of being Outstanding year after year with an insightful, can do attitude. She is a real asset to the health aide community and we are proud to award her this highest honor."
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Clinic News
The following Southcentral Foundation providers will be in the Region:
Dr. Rodica Popescu, Dentist will be in Akutan May 19—May 25. Please call the Anesia Kudrin Memorial Clinic at 698-2208 to schedule an appointment.
Sarah Taygan, Certified Nurse Midwife will be in Sand Point May 21—May 25. Certified Nurse Midwives provide gynecological, pregnancy, and post-partum care. Please call the Sand Point Community Health Center at 383-3151 to schedule your appointment.
Dr. Elizabeth Clawson, Family Medicine Provider, will be in King Cove June 4 – 8. Family Medicine provides a full spectrum of primary health care for adults and children. Please call the King Cove Community Health Center at 497-2311 to schedule your appointment.
Dental clinics will be conducted in May and June in Adak, Akutan, Cold Bay, False Pass, King Cove, Nelson Lagoon, and Sand Point weather permitting.
May 21 – 25, Erik will be in King Cove, and Dr. Costa, Becky, and Chelsea will be in Akutan.
May 29 – June 1, Becky and Chelsea will be in Sand Point, and Dr. Costa and Erik will be in King Cove.
June 4 – 8, Becky & Erik in King Cove, and Dr. Costa and Chelsea in Sand Point.
June 11 – 15, Dr. Costa in King Cove, Chelsea in Sand Point, and Erik and Becky in Adak.
June 19 – 22, Dr. Costa in King Cove, Chelsea in Sand Point, and Erik and Becky in Adak.
June 25 – 29, Dr. Costa and Erik in King Cove, and Becky and Chelsea in Sand Point.
The services they provide are as follows:
Michael Costa DDS-Dentist: Fillings, most extractions, root canals, full dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges.
Becky Howe RDH-Hygienist: Cleanings, sealants, fluoride application.
Chelsea Shoemaker DHAT-Dental Therapist: Fillings, simple extractions, above the gum line cleanings, sealants, and fluoride application.
Erik Linduska DHAT - Dental Therapist: Fillings, simple extractions, above the gum line cleanings, sealants, and fluoride application.
Please call your clinic to make an appointment: Adak: 592-8383, King Cove: 497-2311, Sand Point: 383-3151.
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Employee News
Nellie Roehl, Clinical Applications Coordinator, has moved from Sand Point to Anchorage. She can be reached at 277-1440. 
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Emergency Medical Service trainings continue to take place throughout the communities Eastern Aleutian Tribes serves. We encourage people considering a career as a community health aide to become active in their local EMS, and to talk with their local providers about their career in health. EAT’s EMS instructors are Melinda Johnson, Senta Lockett, and Susan Shoemaker. If you are interested in taking an EMS class, please contact Tara Ferguson, EMS Coordinator for Eastern Aleutian Tribes at 277-1440 extension 507.
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Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants needed for the Eastern Aleutians of Alaska. We are a combination Community Health Center (CHC) and Indian Health Service (I.H.S.) Tribal health care organization, and serve seven Aleutian Island communities. Our NP’s and PA’s see primary care patients from newborn to geriatric, suturing, air medevac to Anchorage for trauma care. X-ray reading skills are necessary. Operation hours are M-F, 8am-5pm, with a call schedule.
Provider has access to ER and Specialty physicians, and Radiologist for telephone consults 24/7. Telemedicine is widely used. Salary is based on experience; 7% of salary is paid by employer into a 401(a) retirement account, eligible after six months employment and vested in three years. Fabulous benefits package, 26 days of vacation, $2,500 for CME plus travel leg to/from Anchorage paid.
EAT sites are National Health Service Corps (NHSC) and Indian Health Service (I.H.S.) eligible loan repayment. New grads welcome to apply, will need boards and AK licensure before starting work. Relocation allowance of up to $10,000.
As one of the core disciplines on the medical team, NP’s and PAs expand the reaches of health services to our patients by practicing in isolated settings where the nearest medical center is hours away. EAT values the high-quality and effective care provided by NP’s and PAs. Alaska Natives suffer from many illnesses and diseases at rates several times higher than the overall US population. If you desire to be part of a healthcare team dedicated to decreasing health disparity to our Nation's First People then utilizing your skills as a NP or PA with EAT is the career choice for you!
Please send your resume and/or inquiries to Eastern Aleutian Tribes, Inc., 3380 C Street Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503 Attn: HR Recruiting or email: hr@eatribes.net
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