Settling in for a summer in Sitka

I think this is a pretty good place to be for the summer.  The weather is cool, occasionally gorgeous, and always slightly different than the prediction.  It is nice, and you always need to be ready for a shower.   I am always in a jacket with a hood, and so far that has been just what I needed.

Work is going very well.  I am working for the Southeastern Alaska Regional Healthcare Consortium (SEARHC).  SEARHC is a non-profit tribal health consortium of 18 Native communities, which serves the healthcare interests of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian and other Native people of SE Alaska. SEARHC is one of the oldest and largest native-run rural health organizations in the nation.

I am based at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka.  This hospital serves all SEARHC beneficiaries in SE Alaska.   The Hospital is named after Mt. Edgecumbe, an extiinct volcano on Kruzof island, the last barrier Island between Sitka and Japan.   (you cannot see Japan from Sitka!)   You can see Mt Edgecumbe most days, though.   Here it is:  

SEARHC decided a few years ago to pursue Joint Commission Accreditation for all of the operation. This means that the organization must meet the same standards as all accredited hospitals and health systems in the United States.  The organization achieved accreditation and now maintains accreditation for a Critical Access Hospital, Outpatient Clinics, Dental Services, and Behavioral Health Services.   It is an amazing organization.  On Wednesday I flew to Juneau for the day to see the large clinic and the dental clinic there.   It is very impressive to see these facilities.    My plane ride home from Juneau was a great experience.  I was on a Harris Airline six seater plane.  The views were fantastic!

Yesterday, I took a great hike with my new friend Mirinda, and a large group organized by Sitka Trail Works.   We took a boat ride to Kruzof Island, then a long hike to Sealion Cove.   It was a good, but very wet day.   My pictures let you know that.   it was quite an adventure. We did enjoy our time exploring around on the beach and saw one big starfish and some sea creatures in tidal pools.

Quiet day today on a rainy Sunday.   It was good to sit still for a day!   getting ready for a busy week!