Vital Signs returns to Alaska One

Submitted by Ann Dowdy
Phone: 907-474-1890
10/08/04

Alaska One and KUAC TV and the University of Alaska are plesaed to announce the 2nd season premiere of Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans. Each of the six half-hour segments will feature three stories related to a common health issue affecting Alaskans. Episode One airs on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. The topics in the first episode of the 2nd season include: Firefighting, Commercial Fishing and Aviation.

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 the multi-media approach.

Vital Signs: Caring for Alaskans, 2nd season, is a six-episode series slated to air on public telelvison 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 behavorial 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. Working together with the University of Alaska on this 2nd season assures that more Alaskans can access vital health-related information," said Petrowich of the collaboration with the UA Health Programs Office.

"We are 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./Alaska One TV 9/KUAC DT 24, 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.