North Slope Borough, AK

North Slope Borough, AK

The North Slope Borough is the northernmost borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is located above the Arctic Circle and encompasses an area of 94,763 square miles, making it the largest county-level political subdivision in the United States by area. The borough's administrative center is Barrow, the northernmost city in the United States.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of North Slope Borough was approximately 9,800. The borough is diverse, with a significant percentage of the population being of Inupiat Eskimo descent.

Economy

The economy of North Slope Borough is largely based on the oil industry, with the Prudhoe Bay Oil Field being a significant contributor to the borough's revenue. Other industries include public administration, healthcare, and education.

Healthcare in North Slope Borough

Healthcare in North Slope Borough is primarily provided by the Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA), which operates the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Barrow.

Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital

Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital is a critical access hospital that provides a range of healthcare services to the residents of North Slope Borough. The hospital has 14 acute care beds and offers services such as emergency care, inpatient and outpatient care, dental services, behavioral health services, and more.

In addition to the hospital, ASNA operates several community health clinics throughout the borough, providing primary care services to residents in remote areas.

Public Health Challenges

Like many rural areas, North Slope Borough faces unique public health challenges. These include a high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, limited access to healthcare services due to the borough's remote location, and a high cost of living that can make healthcare unaffordable for many residents.

Healthcare Initiatives

In response to these challenges, ASNA and other organizations have implemented several healthcare initiatives in North Slope Borough. These include telemedicine programs to provide healthcare services to residents in remote areas, health education programs to prevent chronic diseases, and partnerships with other healthcare providers to improve access to specialized care.

Conclusion

Despite its remote location and unique challenges, North Slope Borough is committed to providing quality healthcare services to its residents. Through the efforts of ASNA and other organizations, the borough is working to improve the health and well-being of its residents and ensure that they have access to the care they need.