Alaska One to Broadcast Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans

Submitted by Gretchen Gordon
Phone: (907) 474-1891
09/10/03

Alaska One and KUAC-TV and the University of Alaska are pleased to announce the premiere of Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans. Beginning Sept. 18, 2003, Alaskans can tune in to their public television stations all across the state and take an in-depth look at some of the research projects, healing programs and health related problems facing the 49th state and its people.

Alaska One and KUAC-TV collaborated with Karen Perdue, Associate Vice President for Health at the University of Alaska’s Statewide Health Programs Office. The team determined the best way to reach the most people was to take a multi-media approach.

Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans is an eight-episode series slated for airing on public television stations in Alaska as well as the Alaska Rural Communications Service. Radio companion pieces and internet components will also allow Alaskans to learn more about cutting edge medical technology, creative solutions to health and behavioral problems, and the people committed to finding the causes and implementing treatments for health issues that affect Alaskans.

"Vital Signs meets our public service mission," said Alaska One President and KUAC General Manager, Greg Petrowich. "We are committed to bringing educational and enlightening programming to our audience and working with the University of Alaska was a natural fit. Together, we are making sure that more Alaskans can access vital health-related information," said Petrowich of the collaboration with the UA Health Programs Office.

"We were excited to develop a project that could have such a significant impact. The University of Alaska and Public Broadcasting have a commitment to community service and health care is one area where there is an urgent need for information to reach all areas of the state," said Perdue.

Serving Interior Alaska, KUAC 89.9 FM/Alaska One TV 9, is a multiple-media organization with a mission to provide quality noncommercial programming and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain. KUAC is licensed by the FCC to the University of Alaska.

University of Alaska Statewide Health Programs Office works with UA campuses and Alaska’s health community to provide coordination and capacity building in response to the state’s most significant health and social science needs.