Kusilvak Census Area, AK

Kusilvak Census Area, AK

Kusilvak Census Area, previously known as Wade Hampton Census Area, is a census area located in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,923. The census area is part of the unorganized borough and therefore has no borough seat. Its largest community is the city of Emmonak.

Healthcare in Kusilvak Census Area, AK

Healthcare in Kusilvak Census Area is primarily provided by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), a Tribal Organization that administers a comprehensive healthcare delivery system for 58 rural communities in southwest Alaska. The system includes community clinics, sub-regional clinics in five of the area villages, a regional hospital, dental and optometry services, behavioral health services, substance abuse counseling and treatment, health promotion and disease prevention programs, and environmental health services.

Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital

The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel is the main healthcare facility serving the Kusilvak Census Area. The hospital provides a range of services including acute, emergency, inpatient and outpatient care. The hospital also serves as a referral center for village clinics in the area.

Community Health Aide Program

The Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) is a unique and critical part of the healthcare system in Kusilvak Census Area. CHAP provides village-based primary healthcare in 47 village clinics throughout the YKHC service area, including the Kusilvak Census Area. Health Aides/Practitioners are local residents who are trained to provide acute, chronic and preventive healthcare services, as well as emergency care.

Sub-Regional Clinics

In addition to the main hospital and village clinics, healthcare services in Kusilvak Census Area are provided by five sub-regional clinics located in the villages of Aniak, Emmonak, Hooper Bay, St. Mary’s, and Toksook Bay. These clinics provide a variety of services including primary care, urgent care, chronic disease management, prenatal care, dental care, and behavioral health services.

Health Challenges in Kusilvak Census Area, AK

Despite the efforts of YKHC and other healthcare providers, Kusilvak Census Area faces significant health challenges. These include high rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, high rates of substance abuse, and high rates of suicide. The area also faces unique challenges related to its remote location, including limited access to healthcare services, high cost of healthcare, and difficulties in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Healthcare in Kusilvak Census Area, AK is a complex issue that involves a combination of traditional and modern medical practices. Despite the challenges, the area's healthcare system continues to strive to provide comprehensive, culturally appropriate healthcare services to its residents.