Norton Sound Health Corporation's (NSHC) Phase 2 Produce Prescription Pilot Program (P4) - Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) will implement a culturally responsive Produce Prescription Program to improve food security, increase access to nutritious foods, and support chronic disease prevention and management among Alaska Native communities in the Norton Sound region of northwest Alaska. Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) executes the Alaska Tribal Health Compact on behalf of 20 Alaska Native tribes across the Norton Sound region. As the sole healthcare provider in this remote subarctic area, where no road system connects communities, NSHC delivers culturally informed care through a predominantly Alaska Native workforce and governance by regional tribal leaders. NSHC provides comprehensive services including hospital care in Nome, village and subregional clinics, primary care, dental services, behavioral health, rehabilitation, and health promotion. The CAMP (Chronic Care Active Management and Prevention) Department leads nutrition, education, and prevention programs and will administer the Produce Prescription Program. The purpose of the Produce Prescription Program is to reduce food insecurity, increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods, improve nutrition knowledge, and strengthen chronic disease outcomes while enrolling at least 50 households in the first year. Participants will receive monthly food support through vouchers or shipments, along with nutrition education and care coordination during a six-month enrollment period with the option to renew. Participants will receive ongoing support through monthly produce or vouchers, nutrition education resources, and nurse case management to assist with chronic disease care and wellness engagement. Participants are required to complete at least one nutrition education activity per quarter and a six-month evaluation to maintain eligibility in the program. The program is intended for American Indian and Alaska Native individuals experiencing food insecurity. Priority is given to those diagnosed with chronic conditions or participating in assistance programs such as Medicaid, WIC, or SNAP. Participants may be referred by healthcare providers, community health aides, identified through screenings, or self-refer. Expected outcomes include reductions in food insecurity, increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and traditional foods, improved nutrition knowledge, and improvements in clinical health indicators. Program success will be evaluated through surveys, prescription tracking, and clinical measures such as A1C, blood pressure, and weight, along with participant feedback. The program is designed to create lasting changes by improving access to nutritious foods, increasing knowledge and confidence in food preparation, and supporting healthier lifestyle choices, leading to long-term improvements in health outcomes and reduced risk of chronic disease.
