Spring 2017
Alaska Christian College to Offer Degree Program in Behavioral Health in Fall ‘17 Alaska Christian College (ACC) will offer a new Associate in Arts The report also concluded that a “culturally sensitive approach with degree in Behavior Health, as the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary understandings specific to Alaskan Native traditional practices were Education (ACPE) issued approval for the program in January after best behavioral care practices in rural settings.” more than a two-year process of research, exploration and curriculum It was also noted that cultural insensitivity of treatment providers development. The curriculum will be in continued to present a barrier to quality place this fall with graduates anticipated as care in rural settings. Norton Sound early as 2018. Health Corporation, through consumer “Our team worked enthusiastically to build feedback, recently concluded that one this curriculum, and we are excited about of the four most important how it will increase opportunities to enhance improvements to be made in the the lives of rural students and the behavioral health field in rural Alaska communities they serve,” said Beatrice would be to “improve cultural Sagoonick, who served on the curriculum sensitivity and delivery of culturallydevelopment team. Beatrice is an ACC relevant care.” alumnus from Unalakleet, AK, and currently The ACC proposal to ACPE works at ACC in student services. Beatrice explained that “cultural membership received her A.A. in Human Services from was one of the leading reasons for the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2008. creating a Behavioral Health Aide Having grown up in a village and choosing (BHA) credential, because consumers to enter a service profession, Beatrice wanted to be served by culturally brought critical perspective to the process. responsive individuals. Rural life is CURRICULUM APPROVED Jeff Siemers, Vice President for Academic unique and each rural community has Affairs for ACC, and Chris Stuive, Associate unique features.” Professor of Counseling at Kenai Peninsula There are more than 180 villageCollege, brought educational and practitioner based health clinics in rural Alaska, and Beatrice Sagoonick and Jeff Siemers of expertise to the extensive project. The team’s sometimes the BHA may be the only Alaska Christian College were architects goal was to design a program that would give local resource for behavioral health. of the recently approved A.A. in students training equivalent to that received “In these small villages it is important Behavioral Health curriculum to be by behavioral health aides in rural to have an insider perspective or at least communities. understand the nature of village life in offered at ACC in the Fall of 2017. In 2016, ACC received a grant from the order to serve in an effective manner,” ACC currently offers associate degrees Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Siemers explained. “Thus the goal of in Christian Ministry and (AMHTA) to fund the research and the BHA program is to recruit development of this endeavor. individuals who are willing to serve in Paraprofessional Education, as well as a “A 342-page report prepared for the village health clinics—and who are certificate in Biblical Studies. AMHTA on the status of behavioral health ideally Alaskan Native—or have lived in Alaska was a key resource, and it included in a village. We believe that anticipating convincing evidence of the need for more five graduates in the behavioral health individuals to be trained for behavioral program by May of 2020 is attainable.” health-type positions,” Siemers explained. Brenda Dock, of Kipnuk, AK, attended ACC from 2008-2010. She According to the report, the term “behavioral health” refers to subsequently worked as an administrative assistant with Yukon“a state of mental and emotional being and/or choices and actions that Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel and worked directly with affect wellness. Behavioral health problems include substance abuse or behavior health aides, arranging travel and lodging when their work misuse, alcohol and drug addiction, serious psychological distress, required them to travel within the region. suicide, and mental and substance use disorders.” (Continued on page 6)
From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16