June 15, 2007
Front, from left: Debbie Michael, YKHC Health Education; Dorothy Andrews with her granddaughter Jasmine Andrews, Akiak; Mary Berliner, Public Health Center; Carl Evans, Circle of Care Coordinator. Back Row: Tim Struna, Public Health Center; Dr. Dan Harman, YKDRH; Brian Lefferts, OEH.
Akiak ‘Healthy People' event increases HIV awareness
Prevention is on the minds of Akiak community leaders.On May 1, staff from YKHC and Bethel's Public Health Center gathered with Akiak residents at its Healthy People Community Education meeting to increase awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Encouraged by leaders of the Akiak Tribal Council, Community Health Practitioner Dorothy Andrews approached Public Health Nursing and YKHC's Health Education Department to put on the community-wide event.
For some Akiak community members, it was the first time the terms HIV and AIDS were heard. For others it reinforced the importance of safe sex.
"The community of Akiak took a proactive role in outreaching and using external resources to assist with providing education to their community," said Timothy Struna, Nurse Manager for Bethel's Public Health Center. "This meeting was focused on raising awareness about HIV before HIV becomes an issue."
Dr. Dan Hartman, Family Medicine Provider for YKHC, delivered the education, sharing a global perspective in relation to the Delta.
"Forty million people are living with HIV worldwide," said Hartman. "Unprotected sex is the primary way that HIV is transmitted from person to person."
HIV screening was also available at the clinic following the presentation. Circle of Care Program Coordinator Carl Evans administered the HIV Rapid Test, which delivers accurate results in just 20 minutes.
"People liked knowing the answer right away," said Evans.
With the establishment of the Circle of Care program in 2003, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital was the first facility in Alaska to offer the Rapid Test. Since then, the program has taken the rapid test to different villages.
"Acceptance of HIV testing has increased in our region and the number of HIV tests has increased tremendously among people in the Delta," said Evans.
Mary Berliner, public health nurse for Bethel's Public Health Center, provided STD screening at the same time. It was a great example of pooling resources for a common goal.
The rapid test is available at the Aniak Subregional Clinic and will soon be available at the Toksook Bay, St. Mary's and Emmonak SRCs.
This partnership between the Akiak community, Public Health Nursing and YKHC strengthened the delivery of education and the relationship between community residents and outside agencies.
For more information regarding community education visits, contact YKHC's Health Education department at 543-6542 or toll-free 1-800-478-3321 ext. 6542
What is HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)?
- HIV is a virus that can be treated, but not cured
- The virus is spread primarily through sexual contact
- A person can have the virus for 5-10 years and show no symptoms, but still infect their partner
- Early detection of HIV can result in less damage to the immune system
- Today's HIV medicines that protect the immune system are more effective and much easier to take than earlier treatments
- The anti-bodies for HIV can be detected with a blood sample from a finger stick or with an oral fluid sample.
What can you do?
- Know the facts about HIV/AIDS and other STDs
- Encourage community support for HIV/AIDS education
- Reduce risk for HIV transmission; speak to youth and others
- Get tested
- Support routine testing for HIV