Brunk Named Head of College of Rural Alaska’s’ Health Programs

Submitted by Blanche Brunk
Phone: (907) 474-6640
07/23/03

Blanche Brunk, former director of vocational programs at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Rural Alaska, has been named to the newly created post of director of CRA’s health programs. The allied and behavioral health programs have experienced significant growth over the past year, due in part to an $800,000, three-year grant from the Department of Health and Social Services. The grant has also allowed CRA to attain Health Education Training Center status.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved the health care reimbursement certificate program last year and already there is a demand for the statewide program. The first group of 15 students from the Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel has completed the first section and an additional 15 have signed up. The Chukchi Campus in Kotzebue recently completed a health career exploration course with a section on medical terminology and another one is being planned for the Bristol Bay Campus.

"Word about the program is growing like wildfire and we’re working hard to keep up with the demand," Brunk said. "I’m excited about my new position. The health care industry is the largest employer in rural Alaska and it’s wonderful to be part of a team that is intimately involved in providing solutions and long-term employment for our students."

The rural human services certificate program is also growing. There are 136 trained counselors and students working in 88 communities across Alaska through a statewide partnership with the Alaska Native Health Consortium and health corporations.

"Thanks to support from Senator Ted Stevens, there will be a significant increase in the number of trained counselors throughout rural Alaska," said Bernice Joseph, CRA executive dean. "We are working on a plan with the consortium and the health corporations to ramp up training to meet the needs identified by our villages."

Joseph also credits Karen Perdue, UA vice president of health programs, for her efforts to promote and solidify partnerships that ensure the university can play an important role in responding to critical health care needs in the state.

CONTACT: Blanche Brunk, allied and behavioral health programs, at (907) 474-6640 or e-mail blanche.brunk@uaf.edu, or Bernice Joseph, CRA executive dean, at (907) 474-7143 or e-mail bernice.joseph@uaf.edu.

For more information on allied health programs visit the UAF catalog online at http://www.uaf.edu/catalog/current/programs/allied_health.html.