In 1995, a small cohort of clinic administrators and clinicians visualized an organization that would advocate and work towards ensuring every Alaskan had access to basic health care. They hoped that, despite geographic, financial, and cultural barriers, medical under service would be of the past. That organization became the non-profit, Alaska Primary Care Association which advocates for health policy for Alaskans, provides technical training and assistance to Community Health Centers, and teaches and supports the rising generation of Community Health Workers.
Alaska’s network of safety-net providers provides high quality primary care services to more than 100,000 Alaskans. Twenty-nine organizations employ over 2,600 people and operate more than 200 clinic sites across the state. These numbers continue to grow rapidly but do not take into account safety-net providers who provide their services without the benefit of stable, federal funding.
OUR MISSION
Alaska Primary Care Association (APCA) is not a medical facility, rather it’s an organization with the mission to create Advance Alaska’s Wellness through the support of vibrant and effective Community Health Centers. APCA works with Alaska’s Health Centers and many partners to promote, expand, and optimize access to primary care for Alaskans.
Since its founding in 1995, APCA has grown to serve 29 Federally Qualified Health Centers and Look-Alikes in addition to safety-net providers, and stakeholders across the state of Alaska.
APCA’s nearly eight million dollar operating budget allows APCA to provide a broad range of member services such as technical assistance, policy surveillance and dissemination, health policy education and analysis, group purchasing benefits, and healthcare education. APCA’s operational costs are supported by HRSA’s Bureau of Primary Health Care, member dues, and other grants and contracts. APCA has created a mutually supportive community of providers and stakeholders who work together to reach their goals.
APCA has an eye to the future. Leadership watches trends across the country and creates initiatives for the betterment of Alaskan health care.
Alaskan health care providers have many struggles, and with the help of APCA they can overcome some of those struggles. APCA provides a variety of services and technical assistance to support members in offering quality, cost-effective care, and to operate more efficiently. Further, APCA assists members in securing federal grant funds. The goal is that Community Health Centers can provide care to Alaskans for less.
