This Utah hospital is bringing cancer care to native populations in Alaska

MURRAY, Utah (ABC4) — A new partnership between a Utah hospital and a non-profit is bringing cancer care to remote villages in the interior of Alaska.

Intermountain Health and the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) recently formed the “Telehealth Oncology” collaboration with the goal of bringing comprehensive cancer care to an underserved area of Alaska through telehealth.

TCC is a non-profit organization that provides services to over 20,000 Alaska Natives and American Indians. According to an Intermountain press release, TCC serves populations spanning 235,000 square miles of Alaska who need health and social services.

The partnership aims to reduce travel time and expenses for cancer patients in remote areas, allowing many remaining at home during treatment.

Both TCC and Intermountain announced the new program during an event Tuesday morning.

According to TCC’s website, the organization also focuses on promoting sovereign tribal governments by strengthening education, socioeconomic development, and physical wellness of the Interior Alaska Native people.