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Alaska ECHO Projects

"Moving Knowledge, Not People"

 

These virtual learning communities provide educators, service providers, case managers, administrators, families, and others access to expert advice from professionals throughout the state and country, building capacity in home communities to implement best practices and improve outcomes. 

 

Hub and spoke knowledge-sharing networks create a learning loop:

  • Community participants learn from specialists
  • Community participants learn from each other
  • Specialists learn from community participants as best practices emerge
 

ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses videoconferencing technology to connect a team of interdisciplinary experts with primary care providers, other health services professionals, and community members. The discussions with, and mentoring from, specialists help equip participants to support individuals and their families with health and disabilities related needs in their home communities.

  

What do I need to do to get started?

  1. Register for an ECHO in the "ECHO Projects" tab 
  2. High-speed internet connection
  3. A front-facing camera on smartphone, tablet, or computer (laptop or desktop)
  4. Access to Zoom web conference software (more information below)
  • Using Zoom

    Using Zoom for ECHO Sessions

    You can test your connection to Zoom prior to the scheduled time by visiting http://zoom.us/test

    1.  Once on the Zoom test page, click on the blue Join button to launch Zoom. Screenshot of Zoom "Join" button
    2. If you do not already have Zoom installed on your computer, follow the prompts to download and run Zoom. Click on the download file if it does not open automatically and follow the computer prompts to install.
    3. Once Zoom is installed, it will open the Zoom window. Screenshot of Zoom audio buttons
    4. You will then have the option to Join the Audio Conference by the Computer or to view the details to dial in by phone. If this is your first time joining a Zoom meeting, we recommend choosing the option Test your Computer Mic & Speaker. Screenshot of Zoom test audio
    5. Click Test Speaker and confirm that you can hear the tone. If it does not play, you may need to adjust the volume or choose a different speaker from the drop down menu.Screenshot of Zoom test speaker button
    6. Click Test Mic and speak into your microphone. Click the button Recording when you are done speaking and it will play your microphone test back to you. If you cannot hear your microphone recording, you can select another microphone from the drop down menu, or adjust the input level. Screenshot of Zoom test mic button
    7. Once you've confirm that your microphone and speakers are working properly, you can close out of the audio settings window. To continue using computer audio, now choose Join Audio Conference by Computer. You can also check the option Automatically join audio by computer when joining a meeting if you want Zoom to automatically connect to computer audio each time you join a Zoom meeting.
       Screenshot of Zoom Join audio button
     

    Zoom Desktop Systems

    Zoom conferencing from a desktop/laptop is good for 1-2 people to participate.

    • When video conferencing over a wireless connection, be aware of bandwidth usage and your system limitations. It is preferred that you connect virtually over a hard-wired connection for best connectivity.
    • Check to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera when utilizing the desktop system. If you do not have a microphone/speaker, dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.
    • Can’t see or hear participants? Check your system settings to make sure that you have a microphone/speaker and camera selected, and that you are not muted.

    Click here for more information about Zoom desktop.

    Zoom Room Systems

    • Zoom conferencing from a room system is preferred for larger groups of participants.
    • Arrive a bit early and make sure that the camera pre-sets are set to where your multiple participants will be seated.
    • Ensure the microphone/speaker are operational. If you do not have a microphone/ speaker, dial in by telephone for audio as directed in the clinic connection email.
    • If you cannot hear audio please check the television monitor volume and then the volume control on the room system (they are separate).
    • If the far site cannot hear your audio, make sure the microphone is not muted (red light is off).
 

  ECHO Projects

 
  • Alaska Public Health Science ECHO 

    https://www.facebook.com/alaskachd/live_videos/

    Join on Facebook Live

    Alaska Public Health Science ECHO
    Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST

     

    The Alaska Public Health Science ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for the general public to interface with our Public Health Leadership Team to explore the science of the COVID-19 virus, other public health topics, and current best practices. This is simultaneously broadcast via Zoom to Facebook Live. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST

    To join register for Alaska Public Health Science ECHO here.

    Experts include:
    • Anne Zink, MD, Alaska Chief Medical Officer
    • Joe McLaughlin, MD, Chief Epidemiologist
    • Anna Frick, MPH, CIC
    • Coleman Cutchins, PharmD
    • Louisa Castrodale, DVM, MPH

    Ask our experts a question in the Alaska Public Health Science ECHO Questions Form.  

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Alaska Pop Up ECHOs

    Please check our ECHO Calendar for upcoming Pop Up ECHOs

  • Alaska  Medical Providers ECHO
    The Alaska Medical Providers ECHO is a virtual learning network for healthcare professionals to connect with each other, share best practices, and resources. 
     
    When is this ECHO? 

    1st Tuesday each month, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for Alaska COVID-19 ECHO for Medical Providers. 

    Submit a question or case presentation for Alaska COVID-19

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Behavioral Interventions for Early Childhood ECHO

    The Behavioral Interventions for Early Childhood (BIEC) ECHO is a virtual learning network for professionals supporting children from birth through seven years of age whom experience challenging behaviors and need additional behavioral supports. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where complex situations are discussed with real-time advice from a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

    How will the Behavioral Interventions for Early Childhood ECHO help me?Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated facilitators will help participants increase knowledge about:
    • Access to information on developmental milestones in early childhood
    • National and state resources
    • Behavioral interventions to reduce disruptive behavior

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Brain Injury ECHO for Individuals and Family Members
    The Brain Injury ECHO for individuals and family members is a free virtual learning environment where a hub panel of Advocates and Providers share their knowledge through presentations and Q&A sessions.
     
    Who is on the hub panel?
    The rotating hub panel includes individuals with brain injury, family members, a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Long Term Care Ombudsman, a Case Manager, and Certified Brain Injury Specialists.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    Every 3 weeks on Tuesday from 2:00pm to 3:30pm (Alaska time).
    8 sessions will be held in 2022 from January 11th to June 7th. 
     
     
    What happens during sessions?
    Each session is designed to help increase knowledge in a supportive and positive environment. In fact, ECHO has an 'all teach, all learn' motto. We know everyone attending has had unique experiences and can provide helpful insights. Therefore, participants are encouraged to join in and offer their input alongside the hub panel.
    The first half of each session has a presentation on brain injury topics (e.g. accommodations, assistive technology, how vision is impacted by brain injury, potential therapies, exercise to help recovery, anxiety & coping skills after brain injury).
    The second half is for your questions. You can submit a Key Question in advance, such as a current concern or experience you/your family member is having. You present this question to the group during the session and then both participants and the hub team offer recommendations. If no Key Question has been submitted then the floor is open for all participants to ask any questions they may have.
     
  • Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO
    Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO
    Four main topic areas: Opioid Treatment, Stimulant Use, Integration, and Trauma and SUD.
     
     
    Who should join this ECHO?

    Behavioral Health Providers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers, Masters of Addiction Counselors, Chemical Dependency Counselors, Addiction Specialists, Behavioral Health Aides.

    When is this ECHO?
    1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
    12 sessions from November 3, 2021 through April 20, 2022.
    Please note that in months with a 5th Wednesday, there will be a gap between sessions.
     

    How will the Co-Occurring Behavioral Health, Opioid and Stimulant Use Disorders ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices in treating stimulant and opioid use disorders
    • Communication when working with a multi-disciplinary team
    • Treating people with co-occurring disorders

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • DATA Waivers ECHO
    The DATA Waivers ECHO facilitates a virtual network for clinical providers to learn and implement best practices for offering buprenorphine and other medically assisted treatment (MAT) services under a DATA waiver.
     
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    DATA waived providers or providers considering applying for a DATA waiver, this may include physicians, PA, APRNs, CNSs, CRNAs, and CNMs.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    2nd Wednesdays each month from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
    12 sessions from November 10, 2021 through September 14, 2022.
    Note the month of February will have two sessions, one on 2/9/22 and one on 2/23/22.
     
    How will the DATA Waivers ECHO help me?
    Each session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team. Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants:
    • Understand current Federal and State DATA Waiver application process
    • Increase proficiency in evidence-based practices in buprenorphine to treatment
    • Increase capacity to offer DATA waived services in their clinical setting

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Disability Abuse Response Teams (DART) ECHO
    The purpose of DARTs is to bridge the victim advocacy and disability service systems. DARTs work to increase accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services for people with disabilities across multiple networks.
     
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    Professionals working with survivors of domestic violence and/or people with disabilities, including survivor advocates, shelter directors and staff, disability providers, brain injury resource facilitators, independent living advocates, or housing/homelessness providers.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    2nd Tuesday each month from 12:00pm to 1:30pm
    7 sessions from November 9, 2021 through May 10, 2022
     
    How will the DART ECHO help me?
    Each session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases or systems issues, and open discussion facilitated by a team of subject matter experts. Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:
    • How abuse affects survivors with complex, multi-layered issues and best practices for supporting them
    • Providing accessible services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who experience disabilities

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • EMS ECHO 
    The EMS ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for Emergency Medical Services and related personnel in Alaska to amplify best practices. Sessions are topic-driven and typically include a guest presenter or a brief lecture with an interactive case or process discussion. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    1st & 3rd Wednesday each month (beginning in September), 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm AKST

    To join register for EMS ECHO. 

    Submit a question or case presentation for EMS ECHO

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Family ECHO

    The Family ECHO is a virtual learning network for family members and those supporting individuals with disabilities who also need higher support and care levels. Learn from field experts including other family members, social workers, behavior analysts, and parent navigators. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where you can discuss complex situations for real-time advice from experts. 

    When is this ECHO?

    2nd & 4th Wednesday each month, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for Family ECHO. 

    Submit a case presentation.

    How will the Family ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment
    • Common systems navigation and support concerns to address

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Head Injury for Medical Providers ECHO
    The Alaska Head Injury ECHO is a virtual learning network for medical providers to learn best practice care through real-time access to Head Injury experts, including a board certified brain injury specialist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, and peer advocate. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning; discuss complex Head Injury cases in your practice for real-time advice from experts. 
     

    Why should Head Injury ECHO matter to you? Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated experts will help providers increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for Head Injury screening, treatment, and medication management
    • Common medical symptoms and behavioral health concerns in patients with Head Injury
    • Successful therapies for rehabilitation
    • Alaska has one of the highest rates of brain injury in the country
    • There is limited capacity in Alaska to provide specialty care for brain injury
    • The majority of injuries are mild and individuals often end up seeking treatment in a primary care office
    • 70% of Alaskans with a Head Injury severe enough to require hospitalization are discharged home with no assistance
     
  • Health Equity Grand Rounds ECHO
    The Alaska Black Caucus & UAA's Alaska ECHO Project present Health Equity Grand Rounds: a six part ECHO series exploring racism in medicine, health equity, and COVID-19 in Alaska. 

    Each 90 minute session will be an opportunity to explore clinical skills and best practices critical to the Black community, in an interactive forum guided by expert clinicians. The target audience for the series includes interdisciplinary healthcare providers, administrators, leaders, members of the allied health team, and health professions trainees in Alaska. 
     
    When is this ECHO?
    6:00pm-7:30pm AKST

    February 17th
    History of racism in medicine---implications for COVID-19 outcomes, and the influence of racism on healthcare and ethics

    March 10th
    Race-based medicine during the pandemic---how the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated systemic racism in healthcare

    April 14th
    Trauma-informed care---the impact of collective, race-based trauma on individual health and pathways to collective healing

    May 12th
    Healthcare access experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)---conversations between healthcare providers, community leaders, and BIPOC individuals

    June 9th
    Building health equity and envisioning a culture of change Part I---stories of systems change, and frameworks for applying successful best practices to create health equity

    June 23rd
    Building health equity and envisioning a culture of change Part II---envisioning health equity for Anchorage and beyond
     
     
     
     
  • Local Government Public Health Analysis ECHO
    The Local Government Public Health Analysis ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for local Alaska government leaders to interact with the State Public Health Leadership team and focuses on pandemic mitigation tools available, and how to use them. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    3rd Wednesday each month, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for Local Government Public Health Analysis ECHO. 

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Media ECHO

    The Alaska Media ECHO invites media representatives to participate in live Question & Answer sessions with Alaska Public Health Leadership regarding the Alaska COVID-19 response.

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities ECHO
    Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities ECHO offers a virtual network of real-time access to experienced experts in the field of mental health for people with developmental disabilities.
     
    When is this ECHO?
    Every Thursday (beginning Jan 20th), 9:00am - 10:30am.
     
     
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO

    Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO is a virtual learning network of providers offering real-time access to developmental and behavioral experts. Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO takes the principles of ECHO and adds the components of interdisciplinary expertise, including the integration of parent expertise. Our interdisciplinary team includes a developmental pediatrician, child neuropsychologist, advanced nurse practitioner, licensed clinical social worker,  and a parent advocate.

    When is this ECHO?

    Thursdays (dates below):September 23, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    October 14, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    November 18, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    December 9, 2021, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    January 20, 2022, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    February 17, 2022, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    March 17, 2022, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time
    April 21, 2022, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time    May 19, 2022, 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm AK time

    To join, register for Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO. 

    How will the Neurodevelopmental Disabilities ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to UAA CHD affiliated experts will help participants increase knowledge about:
    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns in children with autism
    • Successful office visits for children with autism and other behavioral concerns
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized autism experts

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Pain & Opioid Management ECHO 
    Pain & Opioid Management ECHO offers a virtual network for medical providers to learn best practice care through real-time access to experienced specialists including an addiction medicine physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, family medicine physician, and anesthesiologist. Through the use of a hub and spoke model, ECHO gives participants the opportunity to take an active role in rich dialogue with the hub team and with their fellow spokes in an interdisciplinary teaching and learning environment. Each session includes a brief lecture, deidentified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by an interdisciplinary team. CMEs are available to participants at no cost.  
     

    How will the Pain & Opioid Management ECHO help me? Regular, convenient access to field experts will help participants increase knowledge about:

    • Evidence-based practices for screening, diagnosis, and treatment
    • Common medical and psychiatric concerns to address
    • Care for your patients in your own practice with the support of recognized field experts

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Palliative Care ECHO 
    The Palliative Care ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals in the field of palliative care to amplify best practices in care related to palliative care practices in Alaska. ECHO clinics include didactic and case-based learning where complex situations are discussed with real-time advice from a multidisciplinary team of specialists. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    1st Tuesday of each month (beginning in August), 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for Palliative Care in COVID-19. 

    Submit a question or case presentation for Palliative Care ECHO

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Peer Support ECHO
    The Peer Support ECHO creates a virtual learning network to support and connect peer support providers throughout Alaska. Peer support providers bring a different perspective, empathy, and empowerment when it comes to recovery and helping others through their own journeys, and is an important part of the recovery journey and its success.
     
     
    Who should join this ECHO?
    Behavioral health peer support staff and supervisors, self-advocates, community support providers, community advocates, brain injury peer mentors
     
    When is this ECHO?
    Every Friday from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
    6 sessions from October 29, 2021 through December 10, 2021.
    There will not be a session the week of Thanksgiving. We are planning 6 additional sessions for 2022.
     
    How will the Peer Support ECHO help me?
    Each session includes a brief lecture, de-identified case presentation for participants to receive feedback on complex cases, and open discussion facilitated by a team of subject matter experts.
    Regular, convenient access to field experts to help Peer Support Specialists in
    • Supporting peers experiencing mental health and or substance use disorders
    • Self-care and advocacy in the workplace

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Perinatal ECHO
    The Alaska Perinatal ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for medical providers caring for pregnant patients and their newborns. This series provides up to date information and support for Alaskan healthcare stakeholders. 
     

    Submit a question or case presentation for Alaska Perinatal ECHO

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • School Health ECHO
    The School Health ECHO is a virtual learning network intended for professionals in the education setting (administrators, school-based nurses, etc) to interface with a team of medical and education experts in Alaska. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    Every Monday, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for School Health ECHO. 

    Submit a question or case presentation for School Health ECHO

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

  • Situational Awareness ECHO
    The Healthcare Specific Situational Awareness ECHO is is a virtual learning network intended for healthcare professionals to interface with our Public Health Leadership Team to explore current best practices and the most recent information related to Public Health. 
     
    When is this ECHO?

    Thursdays, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AKST 

    To join register for Healthcare Specific Situational Awareness ECHO. 

    Email ECHO coordinator with questions

ECHO Calendar