There are many changes occuring in the Arctic. Chemicals rarely used in Alaska are appearing in the air, water, fish, plants and wildlife. Contaminants of great concern are persistent organic pollutants (POPs)that are transported to Alaska by large-scale air and water currents and some migratory species.
The Alaska Natives have been living as a part of the Arctic ecosystem for millennia and in most areas, they still do. Subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering are integral parts of the culture, economy, and nutrtional intake of rural Alaskans. In recent years, the subsistence lifestyle has become threatened by POPs and other chemical contaminants. Subsistence users are concerned about the health effects of POPs in their diet. Yet, because of cultural and economic value, they do not want to and cannot give up this lifestyle.
The challenge, therefore, is assisting rural Alaskans in weighing and determining the value of their traditional diet as opposed to the risk of consuming foods that have become contaminated with chemicals. Developing health education messages that are appropriate to the special circumstances found in rural Alaska involves close interaction with each of the 229 federally recognized tribes both in identifying and responding to their needs. Delivering the message also requires a new look at innovative communication strategies.
This presentation will discuss the application of risk communication strategies as they apply to this very unique set of circumstances and population.
Learning Objectives: Participants will br able to : 1) identify 3 factors that make Alaska unique in environmental health; and 2) identify 2 risk communication challenges specific to the Alaskan subsistence lifestyle.
Keywords: Risk Communication,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.