Health programs & coverage

To request your SSMH medical records, get a Release of Information form from the hospital front desk or Health Information Management. Bring photo ID; guardians also need proof of guardianship. To obtain records from another hospital, contact that facility directly.

Contact SSMH Travel Services about provider-authorized medical travel. Scheduled travel requires coordination and prior authorization. Use the Medicaid Travel Office for routine requests; the Urgent Travel office handles provider-authorized urgent travel. Eligibility and escort approval depend on the travel program.

Aimaaġvik is a 12-bed assisted-living facility providing 24-hour supportive care, meals, help with daily activities and coordination with SSMH health care. Call the facility to discuss admission requirements, cost and current openings.

SSMH case managers help coordinate care and referrals. Use the contact for your situation: primary care, off-Slope referrals or prenatal care. The department lists hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital has an on-site Physical Therapy department for musculoskeletal pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, neurological conditions, dizziness/balance problems, and pelvic-floor dysfunction, for outpatients, inpatients and swing-bed patients; virtual speech-language pathology is also offered. Direct line 907-852-9162 (fax 907-852-9168), or the hospital main line 907-852-4611. Hours: Monday and Thursday 8am–6pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8am–5pm. Ask your primary-care provider or village health aide for a referral.

Contact the relevant SSMH department for lab, imaging or nursing questions. The appointment desk is a separate contact for booking help.

SSMH Registration can update your patient information, help change your primary-care provider, answer insurance questions and help you sign up for Medicaid or Marketplace coverage. Contact Patient Benefits for coverage help, the front desk for registration, or the appointment desk to book a visit.

SSMH Patient Accounts helps with bills, insurance questions, Purchased/Referred Care questions and Community Care Program applications. Contact the Financial Counselor about financial assistance or insurance questionnaires; use the appropriate billing department for an existing bill.

ASNA lists separate divisions for Child Welfare & Behavioral Health and Family Preservation & Development. Contact the division that matches your question. These are ASNA office contacts, distinct from North Slope Borough services.

Point Hope Clinic is operated by Maniilaq Association at 1729 Qalgi Avenue, Point Hope. Call the clinic for local care questions. Maniilaq Health Center and its appointment desk in Kotzebue are separate contacts. For an emergency, call 911.

For North Slope Borough village clinic contact information, call the Community Health Aide Program. Point Hope Clinic is operated by Maniilaq Association and has its own direct number. For an emergency, call 911.

help with medical travel and housing when no other funds are available

family travel when a relative is critically ill

There is no Social Security office on the North Slope. Apply for retirement, disability (SSDI/SSI), a replacement card, or Medicare online at ssa.gov, or call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday 8am–7pm; the nearest offices are Fairbanks and Anchorage. For free, unbiased help understanding Medicare (Part D, supplements, low-income subsidy) use the Alaska Medicare Information Office / SHIP through the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 1-877-625-2372. Iḷisaġvik College and the NSB Senior Program (907-852-0276) can help elders get online.

Fairbanks VA Clinic is at 2555 Phillips Field Road, Fairbanks; its listed facility hours are Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For VA health enrollment or coverage questions, use the health benefits hotline. Disability, pension and other benefit claim questions go to the separate benefits hotline.

The Emergency Room at Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (SSMH) in Utqiaġvik can be reached at 907-852-9229. In an emergency, please call 911. Besides emergency medical care, the SSMH Emergency Room provides emergency psychiatric assessments, medication management, and coordinates Title 47 involuntary placement when needed. The hospital's main number is 907-852-4611. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The North Slope Borough Department of Health & Social Services serves all North Slope Borough residents, regardless of tribal status. Main line: 907-852-0344; website north-slope.org/departments/health-social-services. HSS runs Integrated Behavioral Health (907-852-0366), the 24/7 Crisis Line (907-319-3040), Children & Youth Services (907-852-0263), Arctic Women in Crisis (907-852-0261), the Prevention Crew (907-855-8501), WIC (907-852-0410), Public Health Nursing (907-852-0270), the adult Emergency Case Management Shelter (907-852-0436), the Senior Program (907-852-0276) and the Community Health Aide Program (907-852-0256). (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) provides outpatient therapy and psychiatric services to adults and children across the North Slope — individual, family and couples counseling; dual-diagnosis care (mental health plus substance use); walk-in crisis support in Utqiaġvik; case management and care coordination; and psychiatric medication assessment and management. Call 907-852-0366 to walk in or schedule a visit in Utqiaġvik, or ask through your village clinic — telehealth appointments are available for village residents. IBH is the only walk-in behavioral health provider open to all residents regardless of tribal affiliation. The 24/7 North Slope Crisis Line is 907-319-3040. Services are confidential and protected by law. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The Prevention Crew is a North Slope Borough community coalition focused on reducing alcohol misuse and promoting youth wellness: school and community prevention programs, family nights, youth events and wellness campaigns, and culturally relevant prevention curricula, in collaboration with ICAS, IBH and tribal partners. Call 907-855-8501. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Public Health Nursing supports wellness across the villages with immunizations and school-based health screenings, sexual and reproductive health services, disease prevention such as TB and STI testing, and health education and referrals for families. PHN staff visit villages with schools, CYS and village providers. Call 907-852-0270. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The NSB Community Health Aide Program trains and supports the village-based Community Health Aides (CHAs) and Behavioral Health Aides (BHAs) who deliver basic health care and behavioral-health support, emergency response, triage and referrals, and preventive care in each village. BHAs are the link between residents and clinical services, especially in villages without permanent providers. CHAP main line: 907-852-0256. NSB supports CHAP in every village except Point Hope, where Maniilaq Association runs the clinic. Village clinic numbers: Anaktuvuk Pass 907-661-3914, Atqasuk 907-633-6711, Kaktovik 907-640-6413, Nuiqsut 907-480-6720, Point Lay 907-833-2526, Wainwright 907-763-2714, Point Hope 907-368-2234. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The Gathering Place is a North Slope Borough Health & Social Services program in Utqiaġvik, listed in the Borough's wellbeing resource guide alongside its other health services. Call 907-852-0402 to ask about hours and what is offered. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

ASNA (907-852-2762, arcticslope.org) is the tribal health organization for Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Wainwright, Utqiaġvik and Point Lay under the Alaska Tribal Health Compact; Tanana Chiefs Conference serves Anaktuvuk Pass and Maniilaq Association serves Point Hope. ASNA operates Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (907-852-4611) and provides social services to enrolled tribal members of all eight North Slope villages no matter where they live (Social Services 907-852-9379). ASNA also offers grief support circles, individual support and parenting classes by telehealth. Being in ASNA's area does not stop you from using NSB Integrated Behavioral Health (907-852-0366), which serves all residents. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiaġvik, run by ASNA, is the regional hospital for the Arctic Slope. Main number 907-852-4611; Emergency Room 907-852-9229 (call 911 in an emergency). It provides inpatient and outpatient care with a walk-in lab and pharmacy, psychiatric medication management, physical therapy, and hospital case management and referrals (907-852-9380). The SSMH Specialty Clinic (907-852-4611) hosts visiting specialists in allergy, audiology, cardiology, colonoscopy, dermatology, diabetes, ENT, upper endoscopy, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynecology, hepatology, neurology, nutrition, ophthalmology, orthopedics, chronic pain management, pediatric cardiology, podiatry, pulmonology, rheumatology, sleep medicine, surgery and urology. More at arcticslope.org/services/hospital-services. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital has a Dental Clinic, 907-852-9221, and an Eye Clinic, 907-852-9291, in Utqiaġvik. The hospital main line is 907-852-4611. Private dental options in town are Kennedy Dental Group (907-852-4544) and 71°17' North Family Dentistry (907-479-3326). (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Kennedy Dental Group is a private dental office in Utqiaġvik: 907-852-4544. Other dental options are the SSMH Dental Clinic (907-852-9221) and 71°17' North Family Dentistry (907-479-3326). (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

71°17' North Family Dentistry is a private dental practice in Utqiaġvik: 907-479-3326, info@7117north.com. Other dental options are the SSMH Dental Clinic (907-852-9221) and Kennedy Dental Group (907-852-4544). (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Arctic Chiropractic offers chiropractic care and massage in Utqiaġvik: 907-852-3099. Dealing with pain is stressful, and caring for your body is part of caring for your mental health. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Tanana Chiefs Conference is the designated tribal health provider for Anaktuvuk Pass. Its Behavioral Health team is available 24/7 at 907-459-3800 — call to schedule a screening, and select option 2 after hours. Services, in person when available and by telehealth: individual therapy for ages 4 and up (usually a 12-week cycle); psychiatric evaluation and medication management for children and adults; case management and supportive housing for adults with serious mental illness; outpatient substance-use treatment by telehealth (with Fairbanks Native Association) and referrals to residential treatment such as the Old Minto Family Recovery Camp; and village-based Behavioral Health Aides. Anaktuvuk Pass residents can also use NSB Integrated Behavioral Health, 907-852-0366. Website: www.tananachiefs.org. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Maniilaq Association's Behavioral Health Services serves Point Hope. Main line 907-442-7640, www.maniilaq.org. The Counseling and Recovery Center (CRC), 907-442-7640, offers individual, family and marital therapy, crisis response, play therapy for young children, outpatient and enhanced outpatient substance-use treatment, the J/ASAP program for court-referred alcohol offenses, and telepsychiatry medication management with monthly therapist check-ins. The Social Medicine Program, 907-442-7603, brings behavioral health into the primary-care clinic. The Wellness Program, 907-442-7640 ext. 6150, runs suicide prevention, Recovery Support Leaders, talking circles and sober gatherings rooted in Iñupiat teachings. Point Hope residents can also use NSB Integrated Behavioral Health, 907-852-0366. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

RAP is Maniilaq Association's youth prevention program for ages 9–20 in Point Hope and the Northwest Arctic. Funded by ANTHC and SAMHSA, it works with schools, families and local partners to reduce alcohol and marijuana use and engage youth in healthy choices. Call 907-442-7691. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Native Village of Barrow tribal members age 13 and older who are in a substance-abuse or behavioral-health treatment program may qualify for help with housing, food, supplies or online counseling — up to $750 per person, once a year, first come first served while funding lasts. Submit the application with a letter from your case manager or counselor confirming you are in treatment and a copy of a government ID (a parent/guardian ID for minors) to application@nvb-nsn.gov. Separately, NVB tribal members age 14 and older can apply for Talkspace online therapy with a licensed therapist (two 30-minute sessions a month; accounts available until December 31, 2026; applications accepted since March 17, 2025). Questions: call (907) 852-4411 and ask for the ADD's Department. NVB main office: 6090 Boxer St, Utqiaġvik. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Access Alaska is a statewide organization, not a North Slope office. It supports Alaskans with disabilities in building self-confidence, getting assistive technology and gaining independence, and works to reduce barriers in housing, communication and the workplace. Toll-free: 800-770-4488. On the North Slope, ICAS Vocational Rehabilitation (907-852-4227) helps residents with a disability find and keep work. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

This is a statewide State of Alaska resource, not a North Slope office. The Department of Health's Division of Behavioral Health website, health.alaska.gov, is the central place for state programs: searching for mental-health and substance-use treatment through FindTreatment.gov, finding providers that accept Alaska Medicaid, suicide and substance-abuse prevention, FASD programs, and treatment and recovery grants. For immediate help call or text 988, or call the North Slope Crisis Line at 907-319-3040. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

ICAS Community Services, 907-852-4227, runs a Homemaker Program in Point Lay and Anaktuvuk Pass — in-home help with household tasks, personal care and daily living so people can stay healthy and safe at home. In Point Lay, ICAS also helps families involved in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases connect with their tribe or the State, coordinate documents and keep children connected to culture and extended family. ICAS also offers grief groups, cultural connection groups and veterans' services. Even in a small village, ICAS services can often be reached by phone or virtual appointment — call Community Services to ask what is available to you. Website: www.inupiatgov.com. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The ADRC is a Fairbanks-based statewide resource, not a North Slope office. It helps seniors, caregivers and people with disabilities find long-term services and supports — transportation, home modifications, meals and care planning. Call 907-452-2551. Locally, the NSB Senior Program (907-852-0276) serves elders 60+ and ICAS Community Services (907-852-4227) runs a Homemaker Program in Point Lay and Anaktuvuk Pass. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The North Slope path from crisis to care for an adult. Step 1: An adult experiences a behavioral health event. If there is danger to anyone, call 911 immediately. A community member should clear the area, or stay for support only if it is safe and appropriate. Step 2: A first responder arrives for assessment and support. EMS and/or Police secure the scene and provide initial support: medical screening, transport and any immediate medical intervention. Step 3: Medical professionals evaluate for medical clearance and Title 47 screening. The person will likely be taken to the hospital Emergency Room for medical clearance and a psychiatric evaluation. If needed, this can include psychiatric stabilization and holding the adult for placement (24+ hours). Providers then review options with the adult and family supports to identify next steps of the adult's own choosing, such as a referral to IBH or another behavioral health provider. Step 4: The adult is connected to a care provider for ongoing support. If referred to NSB Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH, 907-852-0366), IBH does a "meet and greet" in the hospital when possible, then works directly with the adult to coordinate ongoing services, which may include therapy, case management and psychiatry. Step 5: Complete the care plan and have stable behavioral health with supports. Not sure where to start? The 24/7 North Slope Crisis Line is 907-319-3040. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The North Slope Borough School District pathway when a student needs support. Step 1: A student, parent or staff member becomes aware a student needs support. However it is disclosed, the school administrator or guidance counselor is notified and coordinates with the District's Student Services Team. Step 2: The first responding staff make sure the student is immediately safe, for themself and others. If in immediate danger, the school calls first responders (911), who may screen, transport and provide immediate medical intervention. Step 3: The Student Services Team partners with the student's parents or guardians to create a plan. They reach out to the student, then contact the guardian to come to the school. Step 4: The team decides with the student and guardian whether a behavioral health connection is needed. If not, they create a Safety Plan for home and school. If yes, they review the options together. Step 5: If needed, the school connects the family to IBH (NSB Integrated Behavioral Health, 907-852-0366): initial connection, student assessment, and assignment to a provider. If the guardian completes a Release of Information (ROI), the District team keeps monitoring and makes additional connections. Step 6: The District team keeps following up, checking in and reassessing the student's status and needs, helping the family, holding sessions with the student as needed, and updating the care plan. NSBSD Student Services: 907-852-9651. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

After a large-scale event, widespread feelings of grief, anxiety and stress are common and may need a coordinated support response. The NSB Health & Social Services resource guide describes how that works on the North Slope. Step 1: A community-wide event happens, such as a natural disaster, a tragic community accident, or another event that causes widespread distress. Step 2: Someone in the community asks for help responding. Any community member can ask for support for themselves or for others. Don't know where to start? Call the 24/7 North Slope Crisis Line at 907-319-3040. Step 3: A coordinated response team, led by NSB Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH), is identified and sent to the community. IBH begins to coordinate a response team and identifies the specific resources, providers or tools most needed. This may be one organization or several working together. Step 4: The response team arrives in the community to provide help. They make a plan with community leaders to support community members, provide resources and services, and share information. Step 5: Community members receive the support they need to feel stabilized. The team keeps partnering with the community and emergency responders until stabilization occurs, and then works to maintain it. Support is here for you and your community, whether you are asking for yourself or for someone else. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Everyone experiences stress, grief or overwhelm at times. The NSB Health & Social Services wellness guide offers two simple tools you can use anywhere, on your own. Breathe in calm, breathe out stress (4-7-8 breathing): slow, steady breathing can help calm your body and mind. Inhale through your nose for 4 counts. Hold your breath for 7 counts. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 counts. Repeat 3 to 5 times. Feel your feet: when anxiety hits, grounding yourself can help you feel safe in the moment. Sit or stand with both feet flat on the floor. Wiggle your toes and notice how your feet feel. Then name 3 things you can see, 2 things you can touch, and 1 thing you can hear. The guide also suggests saying to yourself: "This feeling will pass. I am safe right now." These tools help in the moment, but you do not have to get through hard times alone. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to reach out. For confidential support any time, call or text 988 (Alaska Careline), or call the 24/7 North Slope Crisis Line at 907-319-3040. In an emergency, call 911. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Whether you are facing a crisis or just trying to get through a hard day, small tools and practices can make a difference. These tips come from the NSB Health & Social Services wellness guide. Stress: take a short walk outside and focus on the horizon. Talk to someone you trust; don't keep it all inside. Make time for rest, even if it is just 5 minutes. Avoid skipping meals or relying on caffeine. Grief: grieving is not a straight path, so let yourself feel what you feel. Keep a small item or photo of the person you miss close by. Write a letter to someone you've lost and say what's on your heart. Reach out; you don't have to go through this alone. Anxiety: try a warm shower or a cup of tea to calm your senses. Focus on one task at a time. Say to yourself, "This feeling will pass. I am safe right now." Use grounding techniques to stay in the present. The guide also suggests journaling ("Today, I feel...", "Three things I'm thankful for today are..."), drawing or coloring, and simple family conversation starters like "What was the best part of your day?" If you need someone to talk to: NSB Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) takes walk-ins or scheduled visits in Utqiaġvik or through your village clinic, 907-852-0366. The Alaska Careline is 988 (call or text, 24/7). The North Slope Crisis Line is 907-319-3040, 24/7. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Iñupiaq values and teachings hold deep wisdom for keeping individuals and communities well. Whether it is through time on the land, connecting with Elders, practicing subsistence, or embracing cultural values like aviktuaqatigiigñiq (sharing with others), these traditions support strong minds and hearts. The NSB Health & Social Services wellness guide lists examples of Iñupiaq wellness practices: spending time outside on the tundra or sea ice; preparing traditional foods with family; sewing, beading or carving; attending cultural events, singing, dance or drumming; storytelling with Elders; teaching youth how to be safe, skilled and respectful hunters; practicing forgiveness and gratitude; and fishing, hunting and subsistence activities. Sometimes the best way to care for our emotional health is through expression, reflection and connection with traditions, on your own, with family, or as part of a healing journey. For parents and families, the guide describes the Positive Indian Parenting curriculum, which reconnects Native families with traditional child-rearing practices, blending timeless cultural teachings with modern parenting challenges to nurture strong families, preserve traditions and empower future generations. The guide also notes that the North Slope Borough School District grounds student wellness in Iluaġniq, balancing the physical, spiritual, social, cultural and emotional domains of the whole child through Iñupiaq values. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Plain-language meanings of behavioral health words used on the North Slope. IBH (Integrated Behavioral Health): a program, part of NSB Health & Social Services, offering therapy, psychiatric care, case management and substance use support. Walk-in: you can show up without an appointment (for example, NSB IBH in Utqiaġvik). CHAP: the Community Health Aide Program. Behavioral Health Aide (BHA): a village-based provider trained to offer mental health support, education and referrals, working closely with clinicians and tribal health systems. Case manager: a person who helps coordinate your care, referrals and follow-up, and navigate systems like housing, healthcare or the courts. Crisis intervention or stabilization: immediate help or short-term care during a mental health emergency to get safe, calm and connected to longer-term support. Title 47: a legal process for placing someone in emergency mental health care when they are a danger to themselves or others. Outpatient: services with no overnight stay. Referral: a provider sends you to another person or program. Dual diagnosis: mental health challenges and substance use at the same time. SMI: severe mental illness. Substance use recovery: help to reduce or stop alcohol or drug use. Acronyms: ASNA (Arctic Slope Native Association), SSMH (Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital), AWIC (Arctic Women in Crisis), ICAS (Iñupiat Communities of the Arctic Slope), NVB (Native Village of Barrow), PSO (Public Safety Officer). If you're unsure what a word means, ask a provider. You deserve to understand your care. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

The North Slope Social & Emotional Wellbeing Resource Guide was created to support the emotional, mental and behavioral wellness of residents across the North Slope Borough. It is part of a larger effort led by the Nunaaqqiurat Tumitchiaŋit Social & Emotional Wellbeing work group, with NSB Health & Social Services (main line 907-852-0344), to make it easier to understand what services are available, where they are located and how to access them. Inside the guide: crisis numbers, including the 24/7 North Slope Crisis Line (907-319-3040); plain-language explanations of behavioral health terms; who does what across NSB Health & Social Services, Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA), the North Slope Borough School District, ICAS, Tanana Chiefs Conference (Anaktuvuk Pass), Maniilaq Association (Point Hope) and the village tribes; step-by-step pathways for an adult in crisis, a student who needs support at school, and a community-wide event; village-by-village phone numbers for every North Slope community; statewide and national help lines; and wellness activities such as breathing and grounding exercises, journaling prompts, family discussion ideas and traditional Iñupiaq wellness practices. OlenHub has loaded the guide's phone numbers and services into Ask Olen, so you can ask for any of them by name. You can also open or download the complete guide below. (Source: North Slope Borough Health & Social Services resource guide.)

Denali KidCare provides health coverage for children from birth through age 18 and pregnant women who meet the State’s income and eligibility rules. Apply using the Alaska public assistance application or follow the official Denali KidCare instructions. DPA can help with application and case questions.

Emergency, medical travel, rent/mortgage, appliances, elder, landline & bereavement aid for NVB tribal members — application PDFs.

Alaska Medicaid provides health coverage for people who meet the State’s eligibility rules. Apply through the State’s public assistance application or use the official Medicaid instructions. For questions about an application or your case, call the Division of Public Assistance.