CDPHP Collaborative News: Spotlight on Health and Disability in Alaska - DECEMBER 2013

Alaska Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

CDPHP Collaborative News

Move More, Eat Well, Stay Safe, Tobacco Free

Disability and Health Resources

> State of Alaska Health & Disability Program

> Alaska Health and Disability Facebook Page

> CDC Disability and Health Data System (DHDS)

> Alaska Disability Obesity Data

> Public Health is for Everyone

> The Arc HealthMeet project

> Assistive Technology of Alaska

> Statewide Independent Living Council

 > http://www.ncpad.org/

Aging and Disability Resource Centers Image.

Section Links

Living Well Alaska - Chronic Disease Management Education Program

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Play Every Day - Obesity Prevention Campaign.

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Adult Falls Prevention.

DECEMBER 2013


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Spotlight on

Health and Disability in Alaska

Close-up of a person sitting in a wheelchair.

Nearly 27% of Alaskans live with a disability and many times experience poor health outcomes as a result.[1] Depending on the nature of the health condition, people with disabilities can experience higher mortality rates and risk factors for chronic disease, fewer screenings, and less access to health care services. Health data for disabled populations in Alaska show the following:

  • 37.6% of Alaskans 18 and older experiencing a disability also are characterized as obese, as compared with 23.8% of all Alaskans.[1]
  • 41.1% of Alaskans 18 and older experiencing a disability do not meet physical activity recommendations compared with 30.1% of all Alaskans.[1]
  • 41.8% of Alaska adults with a disability have had high blood pressure compared to 27.3% of all Alaska adults.[1]
  • 42.6% of Alaska adults with a disability have had arthritis compared to 15.7% of all Alaska adults.[1]

In an effort to reduce health disparities in the disabled population, the State of Alaska’s Health and Disability Program aims to promote equity in health, prevent chronic disease, and increase the quality of life for people with disabilities. Currently in its second year, the program is one of only 18 nationwide funded through a 3-year cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Activities of the program follow:

  • Developing accurate and timely outreach for Alaskans experiencing disabilities, their families, and their care providers;
  • Building the capacity of a disability advisory council that reviews program activities, assists with sustainability plans, and provides recommendations for change; and
  • Providing technical assistance, training, and other support for existing community-wide initiatives designed to improve the health of Alaskans experiencing disability.

The grant is housed within the Section of Women’s, Children’s, and Family Health and is a collaboration between the State of Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services and the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education. Additional partners include Access Alaska, Hope Community Resources, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.

Based on results of a comprehensive needs assessment, work this year is focused on 4 health topics: increasing preventive screenings, promoting healthy eating and physical activity, decreasing tobacco use, and ensuring emergency preparedness among Alaskans experiencing disabilities.

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  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Questionnaire. Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, [2011].

Publications


> Alaska Obesity Facts: Sugary Drinks

> Alaska Obesity Facts: Local Foods

Save the Date


Alaska Public Health Association - 31st annual Health Summit

  • January 27-29, 2014
  • Captain Cook Hotel
  • Visit ALPHA website for more information

Key Section Publications


CDPHP Strategic Plan: Executive Summary (2012)

CDPHP Strategic Plan (2012)

Web of Chronic Disease Infographic (2013)