State of Alaska, Department of Health, Division of Public Health (DPH)

HOW TO RESPOND TO AN OPIOID OVERDOSE | Knowing how to respond to an opioid overdose can save a life. 1) Shake the person and shout at them to try to wake them up 2) Call 911 if they are unresponsive 3) Give naloxone 4) Perform CPR 5) If there is no change in 2-3 minutes, then repeat steps 3 and 4. Stay with them until emergency personnel arrive. Taking the time to learn how to respond now can save a life. Learn more through our online naloxone training at https://lnkd.in/gBydwVgN.

NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY | Today, June 27, is National HIV Testing Day! Getting tested for HIV is easy! HIV testing can be included in routine blood work during your annual health check-up or any other visit. If you don’t have a primary healthcare provider, you can schedule a new appointment or visit a community organization that provides FREE walk-in testing like Four As in Anchorage, Juneau, and Mat-Su and Interior AIDS Association in Fairbanks. Don’t live in those areas? Visit your local public health center (find one near you at https://lnkd.in/gRBj85kT) for low cost or free testing or go online to iknowmine.org to order a free at-home HIV test to be mailed to you.

KNOCK OFF SYPHILIS MYTHS | You can’t get syphilis from touching surfaces after someone who has syphilis. Syphilis is spread through sexual contact, not through the air or on surfaces. Learn more about syphilis and where you can get tested on our website: std.alaska.gov

Exciting Announcement for All Alaskan Veterans and Care Providers! | Join us on May 31st for a groundbreaking Virtual Road Tour dedicated to advancing veteran oral health in Alaska! The Alaska Dental Coalition and the American Institute of Dental Public Health are teaming up to bring you this important event. Designed to deliver cutting-edge insights and resources directly to you, wherever you are in Alaska, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss! 📅 Date: May 31st 🕒 Time: 12 P.M. 💻 Location: Online (Link provided upon registration) Register here: https://lnkd.in/gMyHEf8h #AlaskaVeterans #OralHealth

BIRTH DEFECTS DATA UPDATED | For nearly 30 years, the Alaska Birth Defects Registry has collected and maintained data on the state’s reported congenital disorders (birth defects) identified in Alaskan children from birth to age three. The Birth Defects Registry is a central hub for national organizations, local hospitals, providers, and researchers to track birth defects in Alaska. By creating a central repository for data, we help support and improve the health of people living with these conditions and widen the available support network. The registry is free and available to the public at: https://lnkd.in/gX_3bjBw For new data, click “Data and Reports,” then Prevalence Rates, Prevalence Trends, or any condition-specific report.

LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS| There is one week left to submit nominations for The Immunization Champion Award, hosted by the Association of Immunization Manager (AIM). If you know an Alaskan doing an exemplary job promoting or fostering immunizations in our community, we encourage you to nominate them to be recognized for their hard work! Submit a nomination on AIM’s website at: https://lnkd.in/gd_Sq3up For additional questions,email: champions@immunizationmanagers.org.

IT’S EMS WEEK | This week marks the 50th anniversary of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. EMS Week is a time to show our gratitude toward EMTs and paramedics who provide lifesaving care across the nation every day. EMS Week is also a time to educate the public about EMS and the essential service we provide to communities. Learn more about Alaska EMS at https://lnkd.in/g_ma_rcm

SYPHILIS 101 | Anyone can get syphilis! A common myth is that only men can get syphilis, but that is not true. Anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, which is why it is important to be tested for syphilis whenever you have a new sexual partner. STD testing is free at Alaska’s Public Health Centers. Find a state public health center near you here: std.alaska.gov

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY | #DEATakeBack offers a safe and free opportunity to dispose of old medications. On April 27, from 10am to 2pm, bring your unused prescription drugs to a nearby collection site. Visit www.DEATakeBack.com to find one near you.

DON'T MISS OUT! | Just 1 week left to have your say on the Alaska's Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Draft Plan! Please visit: Comp Plan: https://lnkd.in/gPQraHGi Public Comment Portal: https://lnkd.in/eEzpjwgM Comment period ends on April 30, 2024