Our Region and People
Our Region Bristol Bay is a vast and ecologically rich region in southwestern Alaska, renowned for hosting the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery. The region features braided river systems, expansive wetlands, and tundra landscapes, creating a pristine environment that remains largely undeveloped and accessible primarily by air or water. Our People The region is home to three distinct Indigenous cultures with strong ties to salmon: Central Yup’ik, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, and Dena’ina. Deeply rooted Indigenous values such as quyurrluteng (i.e., taking care of each other, community, supportive) and piniq’ (i.e., ‘strength’ no matter what the obstacle, resilient, supportive community) are a foundational characteristic of Bristol Bay. The current population mix is characterized by a diverse ethnic composition. Racial distribution reflects a mix of indigenous heritage, Asian descent, and a range of other ethnic backgrounds. BBAHC Service Region BBAHC, a tribal health organization, provides a range of programs and services that support health and well-being in southwest Alaska. Our service region covers about 35,000 square miles and approximately 40 million acres. As a federally designated Medically Underserved Area and Health Professional Shortage Area, there is a recognized shortage of health care services overall. The region is challenged with provider availability, economic hardship, and geographic barriers to care, such as physical distance to health care facilities and availability of transportation options. The service region is comprised of four subregions with 28 villages scattered throughout. Dillingham, the largest village, is the health care hub. Our health care network includes the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation campus — home to Kanakanak Hospital, a regional Critical Access Hospital, the Dillingham Community Health Center, and other health care services. We operate 21 village clinics staffed primarily by Community Health Aides. As a recognized health care provider throughout Bristol Bay, BBAHC provides health care to Indian Health Service (IHS) beneficiaries and non-tribal persons.
BBAHC’s Mission
We provide quality health care with competence, compassion, and sensitivity.
Strategic Cancer Plan | 4
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