May 2010

The expected and unexpected rewards...

then...

Epidemic rabies in wildlife was a concern in Alaska and remote areas didn't have access to rabies vaccination. As a result, in 1978 the state of Alaska established the lay vaccinator program, training non-veterinarians to give rabies vaccinations.

now...

In 2009, Brian Berube, a lay vaccinator, vaccinated over 800 dogs and cats for rabies and trained other lay vaccinators. He travels by plane, snowmobile, or boat to reach his 16 communities in an area approximately the size of Oregon. And Brian's familiarity with community members has also benefited other public health programs.

"Going door to door providing dog shots is awesome! I'm often invited into the home, giving me the opportunity to get to know community members on a personal level."
—Brian Berube

Brian Berube is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist working for the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Bethel, Alaska.  He provides technical assistance to 16 communities in an area approximately the size of Oregon.  There are no roads connecting these communities so Brian must travel by airplane, snowmobile, or boat. Depending on conditions, the travel can be daunting, but Brian loves it.

One of the more unique aspects of Brian's job is his role as a lay vaccinator for the State of Alaska.  The lay vaccinator program was developed in 1978 in response to concerns about epidemic rabies in wildlife and the lack of access to rabies vaccination in remote areas.  The program is operated by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. The Department trains  field staff from various agencies to administer the rabies vaccine in specific geographic areas and villages.

In 2009, Brian vaccinated over 800 dogs and cats for rabies and trained several community members to become lay vaccinators. In addition, Brian's work with the lay vaccination program has opened doors for him to be involved in other aspects of environmental health in the villages he serves.

Last year, the Association of Village Council Presidents Regional Housing Authority requested Brian's assistance with a healthy home presentation. Brian integrated local health statistics with his knowledge of the community and gave an effective presentation. According to Nick Horras who works with the Regional Housing Authority, "Brian's relationship with the community members really helped to open a dialogue between the home owners and the housing authority, making this one of the most successful healthy homes trainings to date."

More about the Lay Vaccinator Program

More about the Association of Village Council Presidents Regional Housing Authority

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