“This is the first big distribution of funds on behalf of the Foundation,” said Carrie Brown, director of the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation. “The Foundation itself is not that old and it’s impressive that it is already paying these kinds of dividends to help further our cause.”

Funding for the Foundation is generated through donor funding, the annual Raven’s Ball black-tie event, ANTHC employee contributions and ANTHC direct funding.

The following programs were selected for funding based upon need and alignment with the Foundation’s key initiatives:

• Contract Health’s Behavioral Health Department’s Mindy Schloss Memorial Fund, to help fund a statewide meth/suicide prevention campaign: $23,000
• Alaska Native Medical Center Oncology Department, for cancer care: $21,000
• Dental Health Aide Therapist program: $37,700
• Division of Community Health Service’s Wellness and Prevention program: $3,500
• HIV/STD Prevention Center’s wellness and prevention outreach: $3,500
• Division of Community Health Elder Care program: $2,700
• Employee Development and Training Department’s Native educational assistance scholarship fund: $5,700
• Injury Prevention Center’s Healthy Village Environments Fund: $3,000

If you would like to make a donation, please click here.

Funds from the Raven’s Ball help pay for key initiatives endorsed by the Foundation in the areas of wellness and prevention, healthy communities and medical care improvements such as cancer screening and treatment, in addition to other health initiatives. The elegant affair was attended by more than 500 individuals and included a special paddle-raise auction that raised $36,400 for the purchase of a mobile ultrasound unit at the Alaska Native Medical Center’s Ear, Nose and Throat clinic.

Dr. Robert Wiggins, who works in the ANMC ENT clinic, says the new unit will increase accuracy and add convenience for the patient. The previous system required that patients travel to the radiology department for ultrasound procedures. “By performing the [ultrasound] studies ourselves, we can evaluate the patients in ‘real time,’ which gives us more accurate information and saves the patient an additional visit,” Dr. Wiggins said. “We will also be able to perform ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy when indicated.” The new equipment can also reduce the number of CT scans, particularly for children, thus reducing unnecessary exposure to radiation.

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The Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation thanks the sponsors who helped make this year’s Raven’s Ball a successful event.

The 3rd Annual Raven’s Ball will take place on Friday April 2nd 2010 at the Hotel Captain Cook.

The annual Raven’s Ball has quickly become one of Alaska’s premier black tie events — raising more than a half million dollars in just two years. The 3rd annual Raven’s Ball is set for Friday, April 2, 2010 at the Hotel Captain Cook. This year’s event will continue a tradition of success that benefits the Foundation and its health and wellness initiatives.

The theme for this year’s ball is “Raven brings the light of wellness to the world.” As Carrie Irwin Brown, Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation Director explains, the theme fully supports the vision of the Foundation. “Our goal is to bring resources and awareness to the many health challenges Alaskan Natives face every day, and to help them overcome these challenges,” said Ms. Brown. “And, the Foundation also works to bring wellness and prevention to our communities all across the state. Like Raven, the Foundation brings light and hope to keep families healthy and strong,” she continued.

The celebrity guests attending the 2010 Raven’s Ball include U.S. Snowboardercross Racer Callen Chythlook-Sifsof and athlete / actress Ariel Tweto. Entertainment will be provided by the King Island Dancers, Allison Warden and Marc Brown and The Blues Crew.

For more information or to register for this year’s Raven’s Ball, call 907-729-5652.