We’ve been doing some pretty neat things in diabetes world at ANTHC. Essentially, the Diabetes Team here travels to all the hub villages (like Bethel) and provides specialty clinics for hubs that don’t have their own diabetes program. So far I’ve gotten to see Barrow - renamed it’s traditional name, Utqiavik, the northern most city in America, Dillingham - fishing port and hub for Bristol Bay area, and Kodiak - the island, nature preserve, and home of the Kodiak brown bear.
Utquiavik Whale Bone Arches, “The Gateway to the Arctic”:
Whale bones symbolize gateway between modern ways and tradition of subsistence whaling.
(L-->R: Ellen Krava, FNP; Sandy Grahm, PT; Judy Thompson, Director and PharmD; myself; Kena Desai, MD)
large colorful additions to store fronts and siding to honor the importance of the salmon run in the community.
Kodiak’s Abercrombie State Park:
Historical monument Fort Abercrombie, converted into a trail system, state park and nature preserve. Gorgeous overlooks of the bay, cliffs, and tide pools.
Upcoming hub travel: Metlakatla- just north of BC on Annette Island and St. Paul- 40 square miles, historic island of seal harvest and fur trade.
I am thankful every day for the opportunities I have here.