Maniilaq Health Center

Facility Description

This Health Center is a 17-bed hospital with a low-volume Emergency Department and an outpatient clinic that covers primary care and women’s health (and has 14,000 annual encounters). There is no surgery. Their OB department consists of four beds in a separate obstetric/labor and delivery unit that includes a newborn nursery and two birthing rooms. Three quarters of all deliveries are ‘risked out’ to Anchorage. All deliveries are with midwives; very rare emergency c-sections. Providers work with a care team including Community Health Aids (CHAs) or Practitioners to deliver primary care services in surrounding remote village clinics. The hospital has a Radio room where one provider supports CHAs with telemedicine consults and the option to do direct patient care. ED and inpatient are solo staffed, one each, usually by FM. ED is straightforward – requires autonomy, comfort dealing with SUD, and trauma. The area is a beautiful coastal town located 33 miles above the artic circle. The town gives access to Noatak National Preserve, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Cape Krusenstern National Monument. Activities nearby include backpacking, hiking, rafting, wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, and hunting. Practicing in Kotzebue gives the opportunity to learn about the rich indigenous culture and history.

Facility Information

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