Research has shown that when the people receiving health services are involved in the decision-making process, or better yet, if they own their own health care, programs and services have a potential for enhancement and the people’s health statistics will improve. At Southcentral Foundation, Alaska Native people have been running their own health care system for over two decades.
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) is a serious problem faced by many combat veterans and first responders. To help deal with this problem, Southcentral Foundation has implemented the Soldier’s Heart program. Soldier’s Heart is a training and education program developed by veterans for first responders, combat veterans, and law enforcement to help them understand and address the effects of PTS and provide information, tools, and methods to help cope with symptoms.