Alyeska brings health and safety message to Prince William Sound

For the last 7 years, Alyeska has led an effort to bring health and safety education to several remote communities in Prince William Sound. The company’s 2007 Prince William Sound (PWS) Traveling Health and Safety Fair brought a collection of state health agencies and community health care providers to the Sound. This is not your ordinary Health Fair, its a traveling health and safety fair which travels throughout remote Prince William Sound communities upon the Krystal Sea and Cordova Provider, a integrated Tug and Barge vessel owned by Bering Marine Services. Bering Marine Services, along with Alaska Marine Lines, partnered with Alyeska to co-sponsor the Traveling Health Fair. The PWS Traveling Health and Safety Fair was initiated by Alyeska and sought in order to support communities that do not have access to convenient health screening opportunities and other educational events.

This year the traveling health fair visited 5 communities with 13 providers over 9 days and, sponsored over 50 activities and met with over 1500. The theme was “Balance for Life” – designed to educate and demonstrate the importance of a complete incorporation of mental and physical health.

“It’s our belief that a healthy body provides individuals with a solid foundation and leads to greater stamina, energy and ability to focus,” said Ruth Black, Valdez Communications Manager who represented Alyeska during the fair. “Positive mental stability contributes to an overall wellness and peace of mind, and supports beneficial and encouraging relationships.”

“Balancing all aspects of life is critical for a good, healthy and safe life,” explains Sharon Marchant, Sr. advisor for Alyeska and coordinator for the health fair. “It is so awesome to see the positive impacts these health and safety fairs have made in the communities. In the last three years, we have saved 3 lives and positively influenced thousands to better health and safety,” said Marchant.

“This year we focused on emotional health well being and working through the steps of significant change, with opportunities to experience and acknowledge our feelings about change,” Marchant continues.

Communities involved in the health fair include; Valdez, Cordova, Chenega, Whittier and Tatitlek. General information on health and preventive measures will be provided, along with health screening such as vision, blood pressure, weight, etc. There are many other activities and events centered around a multitude of issues such as women’s wellness, children’s emotional health and well-being, fatherhood relationships, community potlucks / events and safety critters and skits.