If you can’t attend via Zoom you can join us Live on our Facebook Page.
Health Committee Chairs
Amana Mbise
Amana Mbise is a member of ABC and an assistant professor of social work at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Amana brings vast experiences in global health (HIV/AIDs and Malaria), refugee integration, and community development. His research centers around migration, human trafficking, and health equity. In partnership with the Alaska Black Caucus, Amana led the first health needs assessment of Black Alaskans. The assessment—funded through the Anchorage Health Department—provides the first look at the overarching health status, needs, and strengths of the Black Community of Alaska.
Thea Agnew Bemben
Thea Agnew Bemben is a principal and co-founder of Agnew::Beck Consulting, a planning, policy and community development firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. Thea has 27 years’ experience working with statewide and community organizations to bring about real improvements in the health and social conditions of the people they serve. Thea couples her expertise in health and human services planning with strong experience working with Alaska Native communities and Tribal organizations. Thea is an experienced facilitator of decision-making dialogue on a wide range of public policy issues. She has worked with many Tribal health corporations and statewide and community organizations to expand services for Elders, people with behavioral health issues and disabilities, and to strengthen vulnerable families.
Committee Description
- work to promote, protect and maintain the health of Black Americans;
- assess the health needs of the people of color community;
- advocate for equal access to health education, care, treatment and research for people of color;
- sponsor health-related activities such as health forums, fairs and workshops highlighting issues of importance to Black people; and
- support health initiatives of the Alaska Black Caucus.
Our Aim
The Health Committee aims to promote, protect and maintain the health of Black Alaskans through advocacy, education and research.
Black Alaskans Health Status Report 2022
Bringing Project Power to Life
Here’s what’s happening in the Health Committee. Project Power: Following a successful cohort with Project Power (The American Diabetes Association program), the ABC Health Committee seeks
Supporting Healthier Alaskans
Supporting Healthier Alaskans The ABC Health Committee is committed to supporting the health of all Alaskans. Here’s what we’re doing. Project Power: Following a successful cohort with
New! CMS Releases Sickle Cell Disease Action Plan
CMS Releases Sickle Cell Disease Action Plan The Health Committee is sharing this important information from The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding
Creating Great Health
The ABC Health Committee is committed to helping Alaskans improve their health. To help you do that, we invite you to join us and help
Preventing Diabetes with Project Power
The Health Committee hosted a fascinating Community Conversation focused on Suicide Prevention in our community. You can watch the replay of this conversation on Facebook. We
The Latest from The Health Committee
What’s Happening in the Health Committee The Health Committee is busy, and we love engaging with the community. Here’s what we’re currently working on. Funding
Join Project Power with ABC
Tap anywhere on the flyer to visit the Project Power website and join as part of the ABC cohort. Remember to use Referral Code D-1007 to make sure you are part of the ABC cohort.
Health Equity Grand Rounds ECHO Series
In 2022, The Alaska Black Caucus partnered with The University of Alaska Center for Human Development ECHO Project with support from grant funds awarded by the Municipality of Anchorage Health Department to explore health equity in Alaska.
This series of conversations includes deep dives into health equity and explores solutions and system change.
Alaska Black Caucus COVID-19 Vaccine Position Statement
We recognize and understand that there are fears in the Black community regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Our goal is to ensure you make an empowered and educated decision regarding receiving or not receiving this immunization. We strongly recommend that you receive this vaccine since people in our community have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. We see this as a way to protect our people, our businesses, and our legacy.
We encourage you to seek COVID-19 resources that are rooted in science and not fear.
Some places to look include: