Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) administers a health care delivery system for over 50 rural communities in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta in southwest Alaska. The YKHC is accredited by the Joint Commission. The YKHC system consists of a primary facility in Bethel and five sub-regional clinics in Aniak, Emmonak, Hooper Bay, St. Mary's and Toksook Bay. This system offers inpatient services at the Bethel hospital. Primary care, specialty services, pediatric care, emergency services, behavioral health counseling and treatment services, dental and optometry clinics, home care services, specialized programs for people living with diabetes , tobacco cessation, and many outreach/education programs to promote healthy living. Additionally, the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) provides village-based primary health care in 47 village clinics in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, including acute, chronic and emergency care, preventative services, and health promotion disease prevention activities to individuals, families, and their communities. Location and climate. Roughly the size of Oregon, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, or Y-K Delta, covers in the southwestern corner of Alaska. It is located where the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers empty into the Bering Sea on the west coast of Alaska. The delta, which mostly  consists of tundra, is protected as part of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Bethel – Within the heart of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta lays Bethel, a hub community for 56 surrounding villages, the gateway to the Yukon Delta, and home to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Roughly west of Anchorage, Bethel is charged by a maritime climate that averages 65–70 °F during the summer months, and a winter mean of 11 °F. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation also has five sub-regional clinics that can provide many of the same services found at the Bethel Hospital site. The  clinics are located in: Aniak – Located on the south bank of the Kuskokwim River and at the head of the Aniak Slough, northeast of Bethel. Emmonak – Only from the Bering Sea, Emmonak sits on the north bank of the Kwiguk Pass at the mouth of the Yukon River. Hooper Bay – The westernmost sub-regional clinic, Hooper Bay clinic rests west of Bethel. St. Mary's – Serving two cities, St. Mary's sub-regional clinic offers residents of both the namesake city and Andreafsky the wide range of services and treatments the predominantly Yup’ik community relies on throughout the year. This  clinic is located just from the confluence of the Yukon and Andreafsky Rivers and northwest of Bethel. Toksook Bay – YKHC's only sub-regional clinic not on the mainland, the Toksook Bay clinic is located on the Nelson Island of , northwest of Bethel. History. Formed by a group of tribal leaders and representatives from 48 villages of the Y-K Delta, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation was born from a vision of retaining more control over the provision of health care services and improving the retention of passionate providers. Incorporated one year after its formation, in 1969, YKHC's roots  date back to the inception of the Indian Health Service in 1955. YKHC has grown to become the largest employer in the Y-K Delta. Key Dates: Services. A complete health system, YKHC consists of the primary facility in Bethel, sub-regional clinics in Aniak, Emmonak, Hooper Bay, St. Mary's and Toksook Bay, and various Village Health Clinics throughout the 56 communities served. Services include: Unique illnesses. The diverse aspects of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta environment result in a number of diseases that are rarely seen in the lower 48 states. YKHC medical professionals diagnose and treat illnesses such  as: In addition to these rare diseases, YKHC medical professionals also diagnose diabetes, cancer, ear infections, respiratory syncytial virus, and other diseases that are commonly seen throughout the United States. External links. http://www.hospitalinspections.org/report/27954