December 15, 2007
YKHC Commission Corps Officers with the Surgeon General. From left: Mardie Smitth, DDS; Jeff Conner, Assist. Safety Mgr.; Brek Steele, Environmental Health Officer; Rear Adm. Steven Galson; Ealsay Hastedt, Environmental Health Officer; Sue Hoeldt, Aniak SRC Manager; Jane Russell, Village Operations Administrator; Karl Powers, Village Operations.
Surgeon General pays special visit to YK Delta
YKHC Office of Public Relations
Rear Admiral Steven Galson, Acting U.S. Surgeon General, traveled to Bethel December 4 and met with YKHC representatives to discuss health concerns and challenges facing people in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Joining Galson for the visit were two members from the IHS Area Health Office, CAPT Tom Coolidge, Director of the Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, and James Armbrust, Director of Tribal Affairs. The group toured the McCann Treatment Center and the village of Napaskiak, where they met with YKHC Board Member Joe Bavilla, who gave them a first-hand look at village life.
Acknowledging the brevity of his visit, U.S. Surgeon General Galson said he would like to return to spend more time with the people.
Galson's concerns surrounded public health issues facing the region. A roundtable discussion allowed YKHC staff to bring these health priorities to light. The issue of sanitation needs, which includes water and sewer projects in the region, was a top concern. Alternative and renewable energy and Elder care were also mentioned.
Spreading the message of prevention, Galson stated its importance in battling major health concerns facing the American people. "We view prevention as one solution," said Galson. "We are focusing on prevention all over the country."
Other health issues that were discussed included HIV, tobacco control, suicide and alcoholism. The Surgeon General also mentioned his special interest in underage drinking, expressing that it is a thread causing unintentional injury nationwide.
"I am impressed with the challenges facing your region and am amazed at how organized you are," said Galson at the meeting.
Since October, Galson has served as the nation's top public health physician as Surgeon General. He communicates the best science, evidence and data in order for Americans to make healthy choices that impact health, safety and security. Additionally, he serves as the operations Commander of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Heatlh Service, a uniformed force of health professionals, which includes a select group working here at YKHC.
