Health Committee Chairs
Amana Mbise
Amana Mbise is a member of ABC and an assistant professor of social work at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Amana brings vast experiences in global health (HIV/AIDs and Malaria), refugee integration, and community development. His research centers around migration, human trafficking, and health equity. In partnership with the Alaska Black Caucus, Amana led the first health needs assessment of Black Alaskans. The assessment—funded through the Anchorage Health Department—provides the first look at the overarching health status, needs, and strengths of the Black Community of Alaska.
Dr. Aderonke Akindipe, DNP, APRN, MBA, FNP-CCan
Committee Description
- work to promote, protect and maintain the health of Black Americans;
- assess the health needs of the people of color community;
- advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for people of color;
- sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to Black people; and
- support health initiatives of the Alaska Black Caucus.
Our Aim
The Health Committee aims to promote, protect and maintain the health of Black Alaskans through advocacy, education and research.
Black Alaskans Health Status Report 2022

Health February Report
Here’s what the health committee has been up to: The Health Committee is gearing up for the Bettye Davis Healthy Families Summit 2025. We’re expanding on
What health topic would YOU like to see us discuss?
Happy new year…The Bettye Davis Health Summit is coming up quickly. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 8 from 10am to 5pm. As always, it’ll
What’s happening in the Health Committee
We’re gearing up for our favorite time of year…The Bettye Davis Health Summit is coming up quickly. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 8 from
Men’s Health Matters
This month, we will host an important community conversation focused on BIPOC Men’s Health. Join us as we engage with the doctor on our panel
We’re Published…Again!
We are thrilled to announce that Black Alaskans Health Needs Assessment during COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Social Work has been published in the journal Health and Social
Welcoming Theresa Lyons, Our New Healthy & Equitable Communities Grant Administrator
Wow! Did we have fun in February. The Health Committee kicked off the month with The Bettye Davis Summit on February 10, hosted our first
Join Project Power with ABC
Tap anywhere on the flyer to visit the Project Power website and join as part of the ABC cohort. Remember to use Referral Code D-1007 to make sure you are part of the ABC cohort.
In 2022, The Alaska Black Caucus partnered with The University of Alaska Center for Human Development ECHO Project with support from grant funds awarded by the Municipality of Anchorage Health Department to explore health equity in Alaska.
This series of conversations includes deep dives into health equity and explores solutions and system change.
Alaska Black Caucus COVID-19 Vaccine Position Statement
We recognize and understand that there are fears in the Black community regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Our goal is to ensure you make an empowered and educated decision regarding receiving or not receiving this immunization. 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.
Some places to look include: