HEALTH
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:
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.
Thea Agnew Bemben
Thea Agnew Bemben is a principal and co-founder of Agnew::Beck Consulting, a planning, policy and community development firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. Thea has 27 years’ experience working with statewide and community organizations to bring about real improvements in the health and social conditions of the people they serve. Thea couples her expertise in health and human services planning with strong experience working with Alaska Native communities and Tribal organizations. Thea is an experienced facilitator of decision-making dialogue on a wide range of public policy issues. She has worked with many Tribal health corporations and statewide and community organizations to expand services for Elders, people with behavioral health issues and disabilities, and to strengthen vulnerable families.
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
Committee Updates
Building Momentum
The Health Committee has many exciting projects and a great group working on them. If you want to help grow the health and well-being of
Building a Network of Black Healthcare Providers in Alaska
The Health Committee is an active group that meets every three weeks on Tuesdays from 7-8 pm. We are currently working on developing and expanding
What’s Next: Black Alaskans Health Status Report
The ABC Health Committee and Allies Health Workgroup have been working with the ABC leadership and the authors of the Black Alaskans Health Status Report
Making Black History: BIPOC in Health
On Feb 27th, the ABC Health Committee hosted a robust panel of experts and leaders for a Community Conversation focused on the health system in
ABC’s Mark on Healthcare Advocacy
On Friday, February 11, 2022, Jacki Oliver, B.S.W., M.A.E.L. attended and actively participated in a Healthcare Advocacy Panel for the Alaska Pharmacists Association, ISU and
BHM 2022: Black Health & Wellness
As this year’s theme for Black History Month is Black Health and Wellness, the Health Committee is proud to highlight a few of our ongoing projects.