Diabetes Awareness month is just around the corner, but you don’t have to wait to take advantage of free resources available now at Alaska Health Fair (AHF) events this fall. Thanks to our partnership with the State of Alaska Department of Health (DOH), we’re making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.
Understanding Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when your body struggles with insulin production or usage, leading to high blood sugar levels and potential complications. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. Early detection and intervention can prevent progression to full-blown diabetes.
Symptoms and Screenings
Common symptoms of diabetes/pre-diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, and slow-healing sores. At AHF events, we’re offering the $25 A1C test – a valuable tool in managing your blood sugar levels.
The A1C test provides an average of your blood sugar control over the past two to three months, unlike regular tests that measure glucose at a specific moment. It helps you understand how well your current lifestyle choices and treatment plan are working.
Free A1C Tests this Fall
This fall, AHF continues its partnership with the State of Alaska DOH to offer free A1C tests at health fairs across the state. To qualify:
- Take our short self-assessment survey at the event.
- If your result indicates a risk and you’re not diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes, you’re eligible for a free test.
- The free tests are available to individuals 18 years and older.
So far, AHF in partnership with State of Alaska DOH has distributed around 1000 free A1C tests and delivered hundreds of one-on-one consultations. We’re excited to continue making these tests available to qualifying Alaskans free of charge.
Additional Resources
To support your health journey, we’ve gathered additional resources for you:
- Toll-free voicemail: Call 1-833-800-1292 for assistance understanding your blood test results or with any questions about diabetes/pre-diabetes. An AHF Health Educator & RN will return your call.
- Local and national resources guide: Download our free guide featuring local and national resources for diabetes, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Online programs: Visit the State of Alaska DOH’s Fresh Start Program (http://freshstart.alaska.gov) for no-cost online resources to help you manage your health. Handout: https://health.alaska.gov/dph/chronic/documents/freshstart/FreshStart_OneSheet.pdf
Join Us at the Health Fairs
We encourage all Alaskans to take advantage of these resources at the fairs this fall. Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend scheduling an appointment for quicker service. Please call us with questions – (907) 278-0234 in Anchorage/Statewide, (907) 374-6853 in Fairbanks and Tanana Valley, and (907) 723-5575 in Juneau and Southeast.
More fair dates and locations can be found on our website.
Anchorage – October 5, 2024: Make It Alaskan Day 1, 10:00am–6:00pm, Egan Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Anchorage – October 6, 2024: Make It Alaskan Day 2, 12:00pm–5:00pm, Egan Center, 555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Palmer – October 9, 2024: Mat-Su College Community Health Fair, 9:00am–1:00pm, 8295 E. College Road, Palmer, AK 99645
Anchorage – October 10, 2024: Community Fair at Hope Community Resources, 8:00am–12:00pm, 570 W 53rd Ave, Anchorage, AK
Anchorage – October 12, 2024: Enlaces Hispanic/Latino Health Fair, 8:00am–12:00pm, Our Lady of Guadalupe, 3900 Wisconsin Street, Anchorage, AK 99517 (Bilingual)
Girdwood – October 12, 2024: Girdwood Community Health Fair, 9:00am–1:00pm, 250 Egloff Dr., Girdwood, AK 99587
Delta Junction – October 12, 2024: Delta Junction Community Health Fair, 8:00am–11:00am, Delta Junction Elementary School Gym, 2659 Nistler Rd., Delta Junction, AK 99737
Wasilla – October 19, 2024: Wasilla Area Seniors (WASI) Health Fair, 8:00am–12:00pm, 1301 S Century Circle, Wasilla, AK 99654
North Pole – October 19, 2024: North Pole Community Health Fair, 8:00am–11:00am, North Pole Plaza Mall, 301 N Santa Claus Ln., North Pole, AK 99705
Fairbanks – October 22, 2024: Fairbanks Office Draw, 8:00am–1:00pm, 725 26th Ave., Suite 201, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Anchorage – October 29, 2024: Anchorage Museum Health Fair, 9:00am–12:00pm, 625 C Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
Together, let’s make diabetes awareness a lifelong commitment. We hope to see you at the fairs!
AHF Team
Affordable Blood Tests Available at All Health Fairs
- 27 panels – Comprehensive Blood Chemistry Screen – covers infection, anemia, liver disease, clotting ability, kidney and adrenal function, liver function, bone disease, tissue disease or damage, heart function, liver function, muscle function, coronary heart disease, & more – $45
- Thyroid Screen – $40
- Prostate Disease Screen – $25
- Vitamin D Screen – $55
- A1C diabetes – $25
- Blood Typing – $25
- Vitamin B12 – $40
- Ferritin – $40
- Testosterone (men) – $55
Details on our website, www.alaskahealthfair.org.
About Alaska Health Fair, Inc.
Alaska Health Fair is a nonprofit organization providing health education and affordable blood screenings. It has been a trusted resource for the Alaska community since 1980. Every year, thousands of Alaskans attend AHF events in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and many other communities. With questions please call (907) 278-0234 Anchorage/Statewide, (907) 374-6853 Fairbanks, or (907) 723-5100 Juneau.