Collaborative space for health education programs

ANTHC health education training programs have a new home designed to bring together health professionals
serving rural communities across Alaska. The new Education and Development Center (EDC) allows students
and educators to work together and across programs.

Opened in summer 2021, the EDC is an educational facility for students from the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), the Alaska Dental Therapy Education Program of Ilisaġvik College and the Behavioral Health Aide Program.

The building has expansive classrooms and training space, as well as student study space, common lounges and kitchen amenities. CHAP students have more training space to learn clinic practices such as blood draws and exams. Dental health aide students have new tools and technology in the facility that the program did not have access to before, such as negative pressure procedure rooms and a simulation lab for hands-on education and self-guided practice. Behavioral health aide students have expanded use of distance learning, but will have more classroom and consultation space once in-person learning resumes.

The Education and Development Center gives Tribal Community Health Providers a place to learn, collaborate and find empowerment and opportunity, and strengthen the foundation for rural Alaska care for a brighter, healthier future for Alaska Native people.