Foundation Health Partners (FHP) is committed to keeping their patients and community safe. With the first confirmed case of COVID-19 reaching Alaska, FHP is prepared and wants the community to be.

"We need to put systems in place before the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Fairbanks,” said Quality Medical Director Dr. Angelique Ramirez.

In an effort to reduce risk of exposure, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (FMH) and Denali Center (DC) are restricting access to guests and visitors effective immediately. FMH has limited the points of entry to the Main Lobby, the Emergency Department and the North Entrance Surgery Services.

“This is a huge undertaking, but it is necessary for our patients and community,” Dr. Ramirez said.

Staff are positioned at the points of entry to assist patients, including offering surgical masks and hand sanitizer, as well as providing wheelchair assistance to locations throughout the facility.

Fairbanks Imaging and Breast Center (FIBC) and J. Michael Carroll Cancer Center (JMCCC) entries will be open for patients but are also restricting visitors.

“Our patients and residents are a high risk population, we want to keep them safe,” said Dr. Ramirez. “We also want to keep our community safe.”

Dr. Ramirez explains that right now there is no vaccination, medication, or immunity to COVID-19. The steps the community needs to take are simple but effective:

• Hand washing. Soap and water for 20 seconds is your best line of defense. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Social distancing. Stay six feet away from people, when possible and avoiding large crowds/events.
•  Cover your cough and sneeze. If you have a cough, use a surgical mask. If not available, have tissues on hand. Last resort, cough into your elbow.

Another measure of community mitigation and in support of social distancing, Tanana Valley Clinic (TVC), FMH and DC will be postponing/canceling all scheduled community classes, groups and events until the end of April. 

The health and wellness of the people they provide care for is FHP’s top priority. These community mitigation measures are in place to stay committed to that mission. Read the full CDC community mitigation guidelines here.