CHAMPS National had the opportunity to conduct site visits across Alaska, including Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital, Norton Sound Health Center, and Alaska Native Medical Center!

Across all sites, staff and community members welcomed our team with openness, sharing their stories, ways of life, and both the challenges and strengths of providing care in their communities. Their commitment to culturally grounded care and improving outcomes was evident in every conversation.

In Bethel, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital team shared their work supporting families, including a tour of the hospital and pre-maternal home, as well as meaningful conversations about Yup’ik culture and community care.

In Anchorage, Alaska Native Medical Center highlighted the integration of culture and care, featuring Native Alaskan art throughout the hospital and a dedicated team. We were grateful to learn from Alaska Native Birthworkers, including insights into doula and birthwork across the region, and to connect with the WIC team.

At Norton Sound Health Center in Nome, we joined an infant feeding committee meeting with a multidisciplinary group, including pharmacy leadership, pediatric providers, WIC representatives, nursing educators, OB teams, and students, demonstrating a collaborative commitment to maternal and infant health.

These visits highlighted the importance of community-led, culturally grounded care. We are grateful to these teams for their partnership and look forward to continuing to uplift this work!