Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor and celebrate individuals, departments, and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the Alaska Tribal Health System.

HANF’s Board of Directors is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Raven’s Ball Luminary Awards.

Legacy & Leadership Award: Kimberly Strong

Ms. Strong, from Klukwan, has spent over four decades advocating for equitable healthcare access. As Chair of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, she led initiatives like opening opioid treatment clinics and expanding healthcare facilities. Her advocacy extends to telehealth, COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and increased access to specialty care services and traveling clinics. Ms. Strong's dedication is pivotal in improving rural Alaska's healthcare access. 

Outstanding Rural Health Champion: Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) Quality Team

The NSHC Quality team has raised cancer screening rates above state and national averages in the Bering Strait region, despite challenges in remote areas. Their innovative outreach strategies connect patients to vital care, and during COVID-19, they've maintained patient health metrics effectively, surpassing many institutions nationwide. Their dedication has made a lasting impact on the region's health. 

Distinguished Provider: St. Michael Community Health Aides

The St. Michael Community Health Aides exemplify their dedication by going above and beyond for their patients, as demonstrated during an unexpected labor and delivery in their community. With no access to prenatal care, they faced a critical situation when a pregnant patient required immediate assistance. Three health aides, including one CHA IV and two CHA IIs, responded to deliver the baby, who was born breech, with the remote guidance of a doctor in Nome. Despite operating beyond their usual scope, they remained professional, competent, and calm, ensuring a safe delivery and healthy outcome for both mother and baby.

The 2024 Luminary Awardees have shown exemplary dedication to their work of going above and beyond to provide the level of care the patients they serve deserve.