The AcuTribe vision
AcuTribe is a Limited Liability Company that began with a vision to bring affordable, accessible, effective acupuncture to Alaska communities. Although the primary location and office are based in Fairbanks, our goal is to extend out to rural communities around to state. We are especially interested in setting up mobile clinics in the villages and working with Native Communities. Acupuncture is currently available to Alaska Natives through the
South Central Foundation in Anchorage but unfortunately due to the high demand for acupuncture there, they are currently only able to treat acute conditions. Those with chronic conditions are left to find providers to treat their existing conditions. Patients often have to travel a great distance from rural communities to seek a treatment which substantially increases the already expensive cost of healthcare. Although the acupuncturists working at SCF are trained and qualified to offer all aspects of their Oriental medicine degrees, they are currently unable to prescribe any herbal remedies due to restrictions from the establishment.
In an effort to make acupuncture and oriental medicine more accessible, AcuTribe is working hard to set up a foundation of community acupuncturists who would be willing to travel to rural communities to provide temporary mobile clinics around the state. We are currently seeking all interested Licensed Providers. If you are currently certified by NCCAOM and would like to find out more about temporary work in Alaska, please click AK Working Vacations!
What we need from you and your community
Because community acupuncture requires a room large enough to hold 5 to 10 reclining chairs, it is essential that we find a space in each community that offers this. Restrooms must be available and water accessible. Community Centers and Tribal Halls are generally a perfect setting for community acupuncture however gymnasiums and other large spaces are always an option. AcuTribe currently provides 12 zero-gravity reclining chairs at its Fairbanks location. Depending on the estimated number of patients being treated within a community, patients may be asked to bring their favorite lawn chair, camp chair, bean-bag, etc. Patients are always welcome to bring their favorite pillow and blanket to enhance their relaxation!
How you can help bring AcuTribe to your community
If you are interested in having a licensed practioner come to your community please contact us. In an attempt to reduce the cost of treatments, community acupuncture relies on word-of-mouth for its advertising, volunteers, and the help of the community. Contributions are always welcome and greatly appreciated. We strongly urge you to speak with the leaders of your community as well as community members to increase the probability of an AcuTribe mobile clinic being established.