Adolescent youth face many challenges today, including access to harmful substances. By offering guidance, connection to culture, and an ear to listen, we can make a difference and help build resiliency amongst our youth. Substance use in youth is a public health concern affecting communities throughout Alaska. One in five American Indian and Alaska Native young adults, aged 18-25 years, has a substance use disorder, including 10% with alcohol and 11% with illicit substances.

When holiday stress strikes, try these small moves to create a big difference in your mood:

Family and community are values deeply woven into the tapestry of Alaska Native and American Indian cultures. Elders keep cultural knowledge alive while children carry it into future generations, perpetuating prosperity of the people.

Southcentral Foundation’s Family Wellness Warriors meet people where they are, and part of their efforts is bringing healing to residents of Hiland Mountain Correctional Center. Of the 357 HMCC residents, 174 are Alaska Native or American Indian women. With 49% of the population being Indigenous people, it is important for SCF to grow this partnership.

There are many fun activities you can do while embracing the cold and soaking up the limited sunlight during winter. It can be hard to stay active with colder temperatures and fewer hours of daylight. Keep your body moving to beat the winter blues. After all, it’s only cold if you are standing still.

Health insurance coverage gives families options when it comes to their health and well-being. Many medical needs can be met using Indian Health Service, but third-party health insurance coverage for you and your family can include added benefits that are otherwise an out-of-pocket expense. For 10 years, the Tribally-Sponsored Health Insurance Program, supported by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, has assisted individuals and families obtain health coverage when other options are not available to them.

Southcentral Foundation and the Iditarod Area School District are excited to announce a collaborative effort and SCF’s receipt of the Health Resources and Services Administration Grant for School-Based Services Expansion. The grant, awarded to SCF for the first time, opens the door to crucial improvements to health care accessibility for children living in rural Alaska.

The future at Southcentral Foundation looks bright with more Alaska Native and American Indian health care professionals on the horizon. SCF is committed to hiring fully qualified employees in all positions and increasing the number of Alaska Native and American Indian individuals in all job categories.

Southcentral Foundation is pleased to announce the Virtual Nuka Conference, which will be held Feb. 14-16, 2024. Attendees from around the world will have the opportunity to share the successes and lessons learned from the Nuka System of Care. Nuka is a relationship-based system that was designed and built by Alaska Native people and has received worldwide recognition for the high quality of care it provides.

Elder Program participants embraced the arrival of autumn with the return of the annual Fall Harvest Potluck. Over 300 Elders gathered for a day of community, culture, and camaraderie.