Norton Sound Health Corporation would like to congratulate Beverly Nakarak and Helena Otton for obtaining their certificates to become a Community Health Practitioner (CHP). After many years of hard work as a health aide, completing four basic training sessions, and advancing through the final preceptorship, Nakarak and Otton will continue to work in their village and provide health care to those who reside there.

Nakarak grew up in Elim, and began working for NSHC in December 2012. Initially, she thought she would not work for more than a week, but things quickly turned around when she realized how great her team was, and how much she cared for her community.

“If you have CHA openings in your village, go apply!” Nakarak shared. “Help your community and your CHA’s…it’s been nine years and I’m loving my job, so you never know if you can do it unless you try.”

In the last few years, some of the hardest challenges Nakarak faced at work included the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning from paper to electronics, and learning how to use Cerner. However, having the support of her coworkers made it easier to overcome those hurdles and focus on her training.

In addition, Helena Otton wrapped up her final preceptorship this week and is officially a CHP in Koyuk.

Otton's inspiration to become a health aide stemmed from her children. Her top priority has always been to support them, so in 2016, she decided to apply and become a health aide.

As a single mother, Otton expressed that she was always worrying about her children while she was at work. With the help and support of her family, her parents and her brothers, she was able to accomplish her career goals.

Some of her favorite tasks are performing blood draws and taking IVs. She also enjoyed all of her trainings and looks forward to helping her community in this new position.

In May, Nakarak and Otton will fly to Nome and attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus graduation ceremony.

Congratulations to Beverly and Helena!

NSHC’s Produce Market provides bushels of variety and fresh offerings, but there is more to the wellness program than meets the eye.

As one of the CAMP department’s newer programs, produce market staffers aim to integrate nutritional education into the experience. The produce market is not on the scene to compete with local stores, but rather to make life easier for shoppers. The market allows people to learn more about the foods they encounter at local stores and how to combine the food items with their current pantry stock to create new meals.

At every produce market, volunteers give out “Nome-Friendly” educational material and modified recipes, which include ingredients that are most likely found in local stores, and steps are simplified to accommodate more people. With modified recipes, CAMP hopes that when people walk away from the market, they feel encouraged to try new recipes and feel more comfortable with food literacy skills in the kitchen.

Keep an eye out for monthly produce markets when CAMP announces an order and its arrival. CAMP staffers will be ready to greet shoppers with a smile and tips on enjoying your fresh goods. Cash, Veggie Bucks, and credit cards are accepted.

Join our Team! NSHC is offering a $5,000 hiring bonus for permanent, local hires as well as out-of-region hires for the following, but not limited to, hard-to-fill positions:

Environmental Services Positions, Food Services Positions, Materials Management Positions, Laundry Worker, Direct Care Attendants, Security Officer, Health Information Technician, Recovery Coach, Laboratory Technicians, Pharmacy Technicians, Patient Driver, Certified Nursing Assistants, Registered Nurse, Dental Assistants, Health Aide Trainees, and Maintenance Workers

In addition, NSHC is paying an additional $5/hr to all direct hire employees through May 31, 2022.

Job Vacancy List: https://www.nortonsoundhealth.org/careers/vacancy-list/

Apply at https://www.nortonsoundhealth.org/careers/

If you are unvaccinated, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Everyone in the region who is 5 years and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. In a village, residents may contact their local clinic to arrange a vaccination. In Nome, vaccinations are available at the following places and times:

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

The Nurse Call Line - a free, Nome-based medical advice service - is available at 443-6411.

To schedule an appointment, visit picktime.com/NSHC. In regional villages, residents can contact their local clinic to get tested.