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Alaska Natives have increasingly assumed management of the Alaska Native health care system from the federal government. The Alaska Tribal Health Compact is the umbrella agreement that sets forth the terms and conditions of government-to-government relations through the Indian Health Service. Twenty-two tribes and tribal organizations belong to the compact. (Click here for list of Compact members.) The Compact authorizes tribes and Native health organizations to operate health and health-related programs. Each tribal organization retains its autonomy with regard to health priorities, services, and policies in their respective service areas.

Extensive library of tools and resources about dental therapy. Dental therapists are mid-level practitioners (think PA) who can provide dental services to under resourced populations. It is especially relevant to rural areas. Much of the work was led by tribal groups in Alaska who had a desperate need for dental care. The American Dental Association fought hard against this program - seeing it as a threat to their profession - but without providing any reasonable solution to the rural dental health desert. I attended this congressional hearing and it was HEATED. Senator Al Franken called out the ADA, which I can say was quite satisfying. Good example of a structural intervention.

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium's needs for the future

The Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association: provides legislative and regulatory advocacy at all levels of government; acts as a steward of resources by supporting fiscally responsible initiatives; provides health information to members and the public; promotes opportunities for networking among our members; works to improve the health status of all Alaskans; and remains committed to advancing knowledge about health through education and training.

The Rasmuson Foundation is a private foundation that works as a catalyst to promote a better life for Alaskans. Since its founding and first grant of $125 in 1955, the Rasmuson Foundation has supported Alaskan non-profit organizations in the pursuit of their goals, with particular emphasis on organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, clarity of purpose, and cautious use of resources. The vision and values established by Elmer Rasmuson continue to guide the Foundation today. The Foundation awards approximately $20 million annually to help improve the quality of life in Alaska. The Foundation Board, with its statewide perspective and expertise, focuses on requests that allow an organization to become more efficient and effective in improving the quality of life for Alaskans. The Board looks favorably on organizations which demonstrate broad community support, superior fiscal management, and matching project support. The Foundation recognizes the long-term benefit of developing partnerships between funding agencies and strives to leverage funding from multiple sources.