Issuu

Maniilaq Association

Vision

Sayakturuat Iñuich, Pilluataġaqtut Nunaaqqiñi

“Healthy People, Thriving Communities”

Mission

Savaqatiġiiksugut

“Working together” to provide high quality, culturally relevant health, social, and tribal services

Strategic Plan

Our vision for 2026

Our people value the high-quality health, tribal, and social services we provide. Our workforce is thriving, and our employees are proud to serve our communities. Well-coordinated health and wellness services are provided close to home.

Strategic Themes

Improved Local Access to High-Quality Services

Improve access and quality of services so that our people receive the appropriate level of care in a timely manner.

Growing Our Own

Develop and care for our employees and providers today and for the future.

Healing Environments

Ensure we have facilities and resources that our staff and communities can be proud of.

Promoting Wellness and Prevention

Identify and deliver programs that support the improvement of the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our people.

Financial Sustainability as a Key Enabler

To deliver on our core strategic goals and achieve high-quality outcomes, Maniilaq Association recognizes the importance of being a financially sustainable organization.

Letter from our CEO & Chair

Greetings to our supporting Tribes, patients, clients, community members, and partners in and outside the Maniilaq Service Area. On behalf of the Maniilaq Association Board of Directors, we are pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report. This document highlights key achievements and progress in alignment with our Strategic Plan for 2024-2026. We made notable advancements across all four strategic themes: Improved Local Access to High-Quality Services, Growing Our Own, Healing Environments, and Promoting Wellness and Prevention in 2024. This report shares some of those successes.

One area we prioritized in 2024 was expanding services in our villages. In some ways, we are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, we got behind in providing colonoscopies for early detection/ early diagnosis of colorectal cancer as a result of the pandemic. As such, we increased colorectal cancer screening opportunities in 2024. We urge everyone to understand their risks and follow screening guidelines. We are committed to improving early detection efforts to reduce colorectal cancer-related deaths in our service area.

Additionally, under our Healing Environments strategic theme, we strengthened our capacity to develop the facilities needed to fulfill our Mission and Vision. We also welcomed Matt Bergan as our new Capital Projects Director and initiated several important projects in Kotzebue and the villages. We genuinely appreciate our Board of Directors for their unwavering support of these initiatives.

We hope you find the 2024 Annual Report insightful, and we thank you for your engagement. As we reflect on the past year, we eagerly look ahead to 2025!

Eva Kinneeveauk, Maniilaq Board Chair

Tim Gilbert, President/CEO

Board of Directors

Eva Kinneeveauk Aulagraq Chair, Point Hope

Jessica Snyder Panitchiaq At-Large, Noorvik

Roselynn Custer Anugaaq Member, Ambler

Herman Ticket Aumaaluk Vice-Chair, Buckland

Lorena Walker Masruaqluuraq Member, Kiana

Nellie Griest Maniilaq Member, Shungnak

Bonita Barr Qanailaaq Treasurer, Deering

Toni Raye Bergan Maqik Member, Kotzebue

Velma Jones Amainiq Member, Noatak

Johnetta Horner Unaviqsruaq Secretary, Kobuk

Isabelle Booth Keenavak Member, Kivalina

Vida Coaltrain Aûnniq Member, Selawik

Executive Leadership

Back row: David Vensko Chief Compliance Officer | Robert Onders Medical Director | Charlie Nelson Vice President/Administrator of Tribal Services | Chad Sheldon Chief Information Officer | Tim Gilbert Kutraluk President/CEO

Kobuk

Shungnak

Ambler

Selawik

Kiana

Buckland

Noorvik

Kotzebue

Deering

Noatak

Kivalina

Point Hope

Service Area Map

The Maniilaq Service Area encompasses a remote area of 39,000 square miles—about the size of the state of Indiana. Maniilaq Association represents 12 federally recognized tribes located in Northwest Alaska: Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana, Kivalina, Kobuk, Kotzebue, Noatak, Noorvik, Point Hope, Selawik, and Shungnak. The Association manages health and social services for over 8,000 people within the Northwest Arctic Borough and the village of Point Hope. Maniilaq also coordinates tribal and traditional assistance programs, and environmental and subsistence protection services. With approximately 593 in its workforce, Maniilaq Association is also the largest employer, with a Native hire rate of 61%.

Our Services

MEDICAL SERVICES

Patient

SOCIAL SERVICES

Maniilaq Association

Organizational Chart

Health Services Social Services

MHC Administration

• Health Information Services

• Local Health Initiatives

• Accreditation & Quality Management

Facility Support Services

• Central Stores

- Central Sterile Services

• Food Services

• Environmental Services

• Laundry

• Security

• Maintenance

• Safety

- Village Clinic Safety

Community Health

• Community Health Centers

• Community Health Aide Program

• Eye Care

• Women Infant Children

• Emergency Medical Services

• Public Health Nursing

• O ce of Environmental Health

- Injury Prevention

Nursing Services

• Inpatient Services

- Utilization Review

- Emergency Room

• Outpatient Services

- Specialty Services

- Case Management

• Cancer Care

• Diabetes

• Nutrition

• Patient Travel

• Infection Prevention/ Employee Health

• Social Patient Advocacy

• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)

• Nurse Education

- School of Nursing

Medical Services

• Medical Sta

• Radiology

• Pharmacy

• Laboratory

• Physical Therapy

- Tribal Doctor

• Dental

• Credentialing & Privileging

Utuqqanaat Inaat

• Long Term Care/Skilled Nursing

Behavioral Health Services

• Maniilaq Counseling & Recovery Center

- Outpatient Services & Behavioral Health Aides

- Crisis Respite

- Psychiatric Services

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Integrated Care

• Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP)

Prevention Services

• Rural Alcohol Prevention

• Alaska Native Education

• Putyuk Children’s Home

• Social Medicine

• Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation (TVR)

• Wellness

- Tobacco Prevention

Senior & Disability Services

• Elder Services

- Chore/Respite Services

• Elder Meals/Transportation

• Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

• HCB Waiver

- Group Home Services

- In-Home Supports

- Respite

• Developmental Disabilities Resource Connection (DDRC)

• Traumatic Acquired Brain Injury (TABI) Program

• Hardship Mitigation Project

Tribal Governments

Board of Directors

President/CEO

Tribal Government Services

Tribal Services

• Administrative Services

• Realty Services

• Probates & Estate Services

• Natural Resource Advocacy

• Traditional Foods/Hunter Support

• Agriculture/Food Preservation

Tribal Assistance Programs

• Child Advocacy Center

• Family Services

• Family Crisis Center

• Indian Child Welfare

• Housing Improvement

Workforce Development Program

• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Employment & Training

- Adult Vocational Training (AVT)

- Child Care (CCDF)

- Job Placement & Training

- General/Burial and Emergency Assistance

- Higher Education

- Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Compliance Administration

Office of the President

• Administration Services

• Capital Projects

• Legal

• Compliance

• Public Communications Facilities Services

• Extended Facilities

• Vehicles/Repairs

• Village Clinic Maintenance

• Remote Maintenance

• Housing Services Finance

• Accounting

• Beneﬁts

• Patient Financial Services

• Risk & Contract Management

Human Resources

Information Technology

• EHR/RPMS/CERNER

• Network

• Telecommunication

• Bio-Med

Planning & Development

Program Highlights

Home-Based Family Treatment

The Home-Based Family Treatment (HBFT) program provides vital behavioral health services directly to families within the comfort of their own homes, schools, or other confidential community locations. This approach is especially crucial for rural or remote areas where access to health services can be limited. The program is tailored to meet the unique needs of Alaska families grappling with challenges such as mental health concerns, substance abuse, family conflict, and trauma.

Launched in 2023, the HBFT program initially provided 64 services. In 2024, we experienced remarkable growth, delivering 386 services—a more than 500% increase year-over-year. Currently, our dedicated team includes two itinerant children’s therapists and a Children’s Team Lead, who visit various villages weekly. We are excited to announce plans to hire two additional therapists to extend our reach in these communities further.

The success of the HBFT program is evident not only in the number of clients served but also in the positive impact on families facing critical challenges. Many families are now more willing to address sensitive issues that might have been difficult to discuss in traditional therapy settings. Enhanced collaboration and communication with schools, state agencies such as the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) and Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and local villages have significantly bolstered our efforts.

A notable highlight of our program is the increasing engagement of younger children, enabling earlier interventions to prevent negative experiences from compounding over time. With the anticipated addition of two new children’s therapists, we are enthusiastic about our potential to expand services even further and elevate the support we deliver to families in our communities.

HEALTH SERVICES

New Mammography Unit

Cancer remains a significant health disparity in the Maniilaq Service Area, ranking as the second leading cause of death, with breast cancer identified as the third most prevalent type. The implementation of our Mammography Unit plays a crucial role in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, which is vital as the chances of survival increase dramatically with early diagnosis.

Recognizing the importance of this service, we prioritized the replacement of our outdated mammography unit in FY24, which had served us for over a decade and was well beyond its optimal lifespan. With the support of a $300,000 funding award through the State of Alaska’s Capital Legislative Finance Capital Project Submission and Information System (CAPSIS), we successfully acquired a state-of-the-art Mammography Unit.

The new equipment incorporates advanced technology that minimizes patient exposure to radiation, enhances imaging quality, reduces appointment durations, and improves the early identification of microcalcifications. Additionally, the accompanying software will provide greater assurance in determining whether a lump is benign or malignant. This upgrade will benefit mothers, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, and nieces and contribute to our entire community’s overall health and well-being. By enhancing our screening capabilities, we are committed to saving lives and improving health outcomes across the region.

HEALTH SERVICES

Tribal Doctor Program

The Tribal Doctor program reopened this past April under the Physical Therapy clinic. Cheryl Richards started as a Tribal Doctor Trainee in 1999 and was then promoted to Tribal Doctor in 2001. Over the last two decades, Cheryl has seen hundreds of patients each year in the Maniilaq Service Area. In FY24, Cheryl saw 374 patients from April to September.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screenings

CRC poses a significant health disparity in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic region. Mortality due to Colorectal cancer is high due to inadequate screening and catching colon cancer at later stages. To address this need, Maniilaq has worked with Alaska Native Medical Center to increase our screening rates from 52% (FY23) to 67% (FY24) by increasing the number of in-region scheduled colonoscopy clinics. Additionally, we have increased outreach by sending birthday cards as soon as someone turns 40 to remind them to schedule a colonoscopy and sending out regular reminders about the value of early detection through screening.

To schedule a colorectal cancer screening, call us at 907-442-7454.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Social Services Christmas Toy Drive

The 2024 Employee-Sponsored Toy Drive was a tremendous success. Last year, the program impacted 679 children in our region through the generous donations of our employees. For FY24, donations raised an impressive $10,725, enabling us to provide toys for 755 children in our region. We thank our employees for your dedication to making the holiday season a joyful one for many families, presenting a special opportunity for our organization to embody our Inupiaq values, particularly our deep-rooted “Love for Children.”

Social Medicine Program

In FY24, the Social Medicine program conducted vital outreach efforts in our region. Through various initiatives, they traveled to villages to host family game nights, community dinners, engaging games for children, and lively bingo nights. These initiatives not only brought families together but also created opportunities for meaningful connections, fostering community bonds in our villages. During these visits, Social Medicine also encouraged families to identify their needs, helping to link them with essential services available in the region.

Social Medicine also collaborated with the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation program to offer parenting classes enriched with hands-on cultural activities like sewing traditional fur hats, mukluks, mittens, beading, and gaff hook making. These classes provide valuable traditional skills while strengthening family dynamics. Additionally, the families in our region were successfully connected with services for assistance with home utilities, including heating and electricity, as well as resources for food and warm clothing for their children. Referrals to various services within Maniilaq further ensure that families get the support they need, highlighting our commitment to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.

SOCIAL SERVICES

BHS Wellness Center Opening

We are pleased to announce the opening of our new wellness building, which will serve as the home for the Maniilaq Behavioral Health team. This facility is designed to offer a comprehensive array of programs and services dedicated to supporting our community members’ emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

At the heart of our approach is client-centered care. All services are provided on a voluntary basis, with treatment being considered complete once individuals achieve their personal goals. To ensure accessibility, services can be accessed in person, by phone, or via Zoom. For those lacking phone or internet connectivity, we provide support through local clinics, making it easier for everyone to seek help.

Key offerings include thorough mental health and substance use assessments that help identify individual needs and guide treatment recommendations, with referrals to external care available when necessary. Our skilled clinicians, equipped with master’s level qualifications, provide psychotherapy for all ages, addressing a range of mental health issues. Additionally, we offer walk-in individual grief counseling every Monday afternoon, requiring no paperwork, to assist anyone in the community needing support.

We also facilitate skills-building sessions focused on teaching coping strategies and educating participants about mental health. Group sessions addressing anxiety, anger management, and substance use recovery further enrich our program alongside outpatient treatment options for substance use. The Alaska Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) plays a critical role, offering substance abuse screening, case management, and support for those affected by alcohol and drug-related challenges. Community-based recovery groups meet weekly, welcoming all community members to participate.

Moreover, we provide medication management services in collaboration with a psychiatrist, as well as comprehensive case management aimed at connecting individuals with essential resources related to employment, life transitions, and basic needs. These varied services are designed to cater to children, teens, and adults, ensuring holistic support for our entire community. To set up an appointment with Behavioral Health Services, call us at 907-442-7640.

TRIBAL SERVICES

Hunter Support Program

This year, we proudly highlight our successful partnership with NANA, which generously contributed $500,000 to support our Hunter Support program. This significant contribution enhanced our previously approved budget of $300,000, enabling us to extend our outreach and services to our elders. We have made remarkable progress in assisting our regional elders in their traditional hunting and fishing activities. Below is a summary of support provided across various communities:

*Along with various amounts of seal oil, dried ugruk meat, blubber, and seal meat Gas costs were covered for 643 elders, at an average of $9.46 per gallon.

We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and community members, allowing us to provide vital resources to our elders and uphold our commitment to traditional practices and community wellness.