07/14/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/14/2025 19:03
YKHC knows that it's not always convenient for customers to come to Bethel for appointments. That's why our teams are focused on providing care closer to home for our village and SRC patients.
In early July, the St. Mary's sub-regional clinic (SRC) staff made sure customers from St. Mary's and nearby communities had a chance to see a dentist, get a mammogram and take care of other health needs-all in one visit. The staff organized charters to bring patients to the SRC and offered healthy drinks and snacks to customers while they waited for appointments. YKHC Board Member Geraldine Beans was also on hand to hear from customers in her unit-and share more on what YKHC is working on.
(L-R) Fr. Stanley Heckman, Anna Heckman, Maria Nick, and Susie Makaily from Pilot Station visiting St. Mary's Subregional ClinicFor one family from Pilot Station, the opportunity to get these services close to home was too good of a chance to miss. When their flight was on weather hold due to fog in Bethel, Fr. Stanley Heckman, a Behavioral Health Aide at YKHC, fueled up his boat and take his wife Anna and their daughter Maria along with their friend Susie Makaily down the Yukon River to the clinic in St. Mary's.
There, the women and many others from the community were screened for breast cancer by mammographer Amie Meloche using YKHC's mobile mammography unit-affectionately called "Sophie"-which was flown into the clinic for the week. "When it comes to breast cancer, early detection can make all the difference," said Rebecca Sanders, Director of Diagnostic Services. "For most women, screening starts at age 45 and continues every year. However, based on your personal or family history, your provider may recommend starting earlier or getting screened more frequently."
St. Mary's isn't the only stop for Sophie. By the end of the summer, Sophie will have made her way to all five sub-regional clinics!Also at St. Mary's SRC to provide care last week was Dr. Victoria Hardwick, a long-time YKHC dentist. Hardwick worked with Kevin Andrews, Jr. and Taezah Akaran from St. Mary's to ensure that visiting customers received dental checkups or care. Hardwick and others from YKHC's dental team regularly work with the SRC dental staff, as well as travel to villages more than ten times per month.
Special thanks to St. Mary's resident Geraldine Beans who represents Unit 2 on YKHC's Board of Directors and took the time to model as a patient for our services.Early screening saves lives. In Bethel, if you're over 45, not experiencing breast symptoms, and it's been at least a year since your last mammogram, you have options. Call the Women's Health Case Manager at 907-543-6557 to schedule, or contact the imaging team at 907-543-6998 for same-day availability. If you have new breast symptoms or concerns, don't wait-schedule a visit with a YKHC provider.
Dental care in Bethel can be scheduled by calling 907-543-6229. Learn more about what's going on at YKHC on our website, https://www.YKHC.org, or follow us on Facebook at @ykhealth.