Planning and Resource Development for Substance Abuse Services in Northern Alaska

Abstract

I practice medical anthropology in health planning and resource development in Alaska as a staff member of the Northern Alaska Health Resources Association (NAHRA). As one of five professional staff, my position with NAHRA is Director of Planning and Implementation. My administrative role, accounting for about one-third of my time, includes supervision of the programmatic functions of the organization—development of the organization's work program and allocation of staff resources. The majority of my time is spent in health planning. I have worked in several diverse areas including mental health, substance abuse and hospital planning; development of school health education programs; and coordination of emergency medical services. My specific duties are varied. Organizing effective meetings is critical since the recommendations from board committees result in the most tangible products of the organization, such as plans, reports and position papers.