A Look Back

It has been a full year for the ABC Health Committee. We started off 2021 by drafting a resolution adopted by the Alaska Public Health Association, “Racism is a public health crisis in Alaska.”  

The ABC was also awarded a 1.15 million dollar grant  through the Municipality of Anchorage for health equity and COVID-19 related initiatives. A highlight of 2021 funded through this grant was the Bettye Davis African American Summit on COVID-19. Additional projects associated with this grant will continue into 2022.

The ABC continues to host Community Conversations on topics related to health equity and COVID-19. November’s topic in this series, COVID-19 Vaccinations for Kids and Youth, featured speakers: Dr. Anne Zink, Chief Medical Officer for the state of Alaska; Dr. Deena Bishop, ASD Superintendent; Dr. Rachel Lescher, MD; and Dr. Michele Andrasick, PhD. Thank you all for sharing your time, expertise, and insights with the community. Also thank you again to Theresa Bervell for skillfully moderating this conversation and to the many ABC members who come together to put on these events. If you missed this conversation, you can find it archived on the ABC Facebook page.

Looking Forward

As we move into 2022 and continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, ABC encourages every eligible person to receive the vaccine. The ABC vaccine position statement can be found on the ABC website. “We strongly recommend that you receive this vaccine since people in our community have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. We see this as a way to protect our people, our businesses, and our legacy. We encourage you to seek COVID-19 resources that are rooted in science and not fear.”

Join the ABC on December 12th for an important Community Conversation on end-of-life care during the pandemic. All are welcome.

As we move into 2022, there is so much work to do. The Health Committee is currently seeking a Co-Chair. Please contact thealaskablackcaucus@gmail.com with inquiries and referrals. As always, we welcome new members to the health working group.