Alaska Nursing Expansion Initiative - Department of Labor Grant

Geographic Scope: Alaska (statewide expansion)

Focus Areas:

• Nursing workforce diversification and expansion
• Rural healthcare workforce development
• Alaska Native healthcare provider support
• Culturally safe nursing care

Program Goals:

• Address workforce needs of Tribal Health system
• Support rural healthcare providers
• Promote better health outcomes in underserved communities
• Increase culturally competent nursing workforce

Eligible Applicants:

• Alaska Pacific University and nursing programs

Program Details:
Award made to Alaska Pacific University to support the Alaska Nursing Expansion Initiative. APU offers the only fully accredited Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program in Alaska.

Geographic Expansion Plans:

• Existing programs in Fairbanks (partnership with Denali Center and Foundation Health Partners)
• Existing programs in Bethel (partnership with Yuut Elitnaurviat and Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation)
• Planned expansion to Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley, and Juneau within one year of award

Curriculum Focus:

• Culturally safe, evidence-based, patient-centered nursing care
• Integration of cultural competence training

National Context:
Part of larger Department of Labor initiative providing $78 million in grant funding to 25 public-private partnerships across 17 states to address nursing workforce shortages in the care economy.

Key Contacts:

• Marianne Murray, Director and Professor of Nursing, Alaska Pacific University
• Janelle Vanasse, President, Alaska Pacific University
• Connor Farrar, Media Contact, 907-564-7923, cfarrar@alaskapacific.edu