Alaska's rural and multi-cultural environment calls for multidisciplinary approaches
to defining health problems and identifying appropriate solutions. The Institute for
Circumpolar Health Studies (ICHS) was established by the Alaska Legislature in 1988 to improve the health of peoples
of Alaska and other circumpolar areas through instruction, information services, and
basic and applied research in health and medicine.
Our applied research focus supports public health planning and provides opportunities
for students to gain research experience. Our faculty and staff have expertise in epidemiologic study design, quantitative and
qualitative analysis, geographic information systems (GIS), community engagement,
evaluation, and facilitation.
Healthcare providers from across the state of Alaska recently completed specialized training through the Comprehensive Advanced Life Support (CALS) program, thanks to the Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce (ACRH-HW) at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Sand Point high school students participated in a variety of didactic and hands-on activities that introduced them to different types of careers in behavioral health, therapeutic modalities and self-care skills.
Students at the statewide HOSA - Future Health Professionals Leadership Conference participated in competitions showcasing their instructional knowledge in physical therapy, dental science, nurse assistant, sports medicine, forensics, vet science, and phlebotomy.
Alaska’s Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) are dedicated to providing engaging curriculum and activities for students interested in healthcare. Middle and high school students from Nulato, AK participated in activities focusing on the cardiovascular system, blood pressure, and basic emergency first aid.