Another damp, joyful Prince William Sound Traveling Health Fair
On October 11, nine health and wellness providers from around Alaska stepped onto the working deck of the tug Ross Chouest, marking the beginning of the annual Prince William Sound Traveling Health Fair.
The tradition spans more than two decades, and began when the Valdez area public health nurse approached Alyeska with a quandary. She needed to visit communities in her area, but the ferry didn’t work for her schedule. She knew SERVS had boats (it is the Ship Escort Response Vessel System, after all) and logistical expertise. Could Alyeska help? Yes, we could!
Today, Alyeska and key community leaders start planning months ahead of time to ensure the six-day trip meets the needs of Tatitlek and Chenega. The event focuses on a slate of key activities: health and wellness education in the schools that addresses school district targets, community meals and outreach, and a booth-style health fair where kiddos and adults alike can stop for health screenings, vaccines and information about healthy lifestyles.
Though providers caught glimpses of sun and stars in both Tatitlek and Chenega, the adventure was marked by typical October weather – blustery, rainy and raw. But the storms couldn’t dampen the fun!
The team broke the ice with an animal-movement activity where students and providers moved through an obstacle course like a bear, gorilla and crab. Other highlights included building a pipeline individual paper “segments” and using it to move a ping-pong ball across the gym, making overnight oats with kids and family members, and delicious community meals provided by Chef Sherwyn and Edison Chouest Offshore. In Chenega, elder and PWSRCAC board member, Michael Vigil, provided a meaningful tour of the village Russian Orthodox Church for visitors.
What began as a transportation solution has become a lasting collaboration — bringing providers, teachers and neighbors together around health, learning and a shared meal. Special thanks to partner organizations including: Chugachmiut, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, SouthCentral Foundation, Alaska Native Medical Center, Providence Valdez Medical Center, State of Alaska Division of Public Health and Edison Chouest Offshore.
