Senior Voice -

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to reduce the stigma associated with alcohol addiction and encourage people to seek help if they need it. Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans and can have serious consequences for their health, relationships and well-being.

There are many resources available in Alaska to help you find treatment and recovery support:

ARG Addiction Treatment Centers: This is a network of outpatient and residential treatment facilities that offer evidence-based programs for alcohol addiction. You can call them at 866-932-5985 or visit their website at https://addictionresourceguide.com/addiction-treatment-centers-anchorage-ak/.

Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention: This is a state agency that provides public health approaches to prevent and reduce substance use disorders and support community-based activities across Alaska. You can email them at osmap@alaska.gov or visit their website at https://health.alaska.gov/osmap/Pages/default.aspx.

You can also contact your health care provider or call a national helpline, 800-662-4357 (HELP), for more information on how to start your treatment and recovery journey.

At Alaska Health Fair, Inc., we offer a library of health education materials and exhibits, including information on alcohol addiction and substance abuse, that we make available to local organizations free of charge. Call us at 907-278-0234 or 907-374-6853 to learn more.

Alcohol addiction is not a moral failing or a personal weakness. It is a treatable disease that can be overcome with professional help and support. Don’t let stigma or shame stop you or your loved ones from getting help. Everyone deserves to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Upcoming health fairs and affordable blood tests

Walk-ins are welcome at all events. We recommend that you make an appointment online for faster service http://www.alaskahealthfair.org.

April 1, Salcha Salcha Elementary School, 8530 Richardson Hwy., 8 to 11 a.m.

April 1, Anchorage Spenard Community Health Fair, Willow Crest Elementary School, 1004 Tudor Rd., 8 a.m. to noon.

April 1, Wrangell Nolan Center, 296 Campbell Dr., 7 a.m. to noon.

April 7, Fairbanks Fairbanks 50+ Art & Science of Aging (focus on seniors, all ages welcome), Pioneer Park Civic Center, 2300 Airport Way, 8 a.m. to noon

April 8, Fairbanks Fairbanks 50+ Art & Science of Aging (focus on seniors, all ages welcome), Pioneer Park Civic Center, 2300 Airport Way, 8 a.m. to noon.

April 11, Fairbanks Alaska Health Fair Fairbanks Office Draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 15, Glacier View 65975 South Wolverine (Glenn Hwy. Mile 104) Chickaloon (45 miles past Sutton), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 15, Seward Avtec Gym, 519 Fourth Ave., 8 a.m. to noon

April 18, Fairbanks Alaska Health Fair Fairbanks Office Draw, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 21, Soldotna Peninsula Center Mall, 44332 Sterling Hwy., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 22, Soldotna Peninsula Center Mall, 44332 Sterling Hwy., 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

April 22, Two Rivers Pleasant Valley Community Center, 7234 Anders Ave., 8 to 11 a.m.

April 25, Anchorage Hope Resources Community Health Fair, 570 W. 53rd Ave., 8 a.m. to noon.

April 28, Healy Tri-Valley Community Center, .5 Healy Spur Rd., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

April 29, Willow Willow Community Center, 23625 W. Willow Community Center Cir., 8 a.m. to noon.

April 29, Gustavus Gustavus Community Center, 1295 Gustavus Rd., 8 a.m. to noon.

April 29, Fairbanks Fairbanks Community, 725 26th Ave., Suites 201 & 202., 8 a.m. to noon.

Free health education classes, with Q&A

Join our Alaska Health Fair Health Educator and RN to learn about important health topics, ask questions and get answers about health. All you need is a phone and 30 minutes of your time to participate. Visit http://www.alaskahealthfair.org and see the announcement above schedule to RSVP.

Volunteer today 

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Join the Alaska Health Fair family of volunteers, have fun and help Alaskans stay healthy. Both medical and non-medical duties are available. Volunteering at Alaska Health Fair meets continuing competency requirements for professional license renewal. Visit http://www.alaskahealthfair.org, click on Volunteer in site menu.

Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving Alaskans since 1980. Questions? Please call 907-278-0234 Anchorage/Statewide; 907-374-6853, Fairbanks; or 907-723-5100, Juneau.

Sharon Phillips is the Alaska Health Fair, Inc. Tanana Valley/Northern Region program director.