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HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE SUMMIT

Join AHHA for our first Healthcare Workforce Summit in Anchorage on October 16, 2025. This event will bring our members and key partners together to collaborate, share insights and innovations, and discuss effective strategies for strengthening Alaska's healthcare workforce.​

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​A pre-summit opportunity is scheduled for October 15 for AHHA members to meet with career and technical education professionals from across the state who will be in Anchorage for their annual professional development conference. The goal for this day is to build and strengthen relationships between school districts and the primary healthcare employers in their community or region.​

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Summit – Dimond Center, October 16, 8:30 am to 5 pm

Pre-Summit – University of Alaska Anchorage, October 15, 9 am to 4 pm

 

Available lodging:

Dimond Center Hotel, $179 per room. Complimentary breakfast included - book in the block using this direct Booking Link

 

Who should come:

  • Staff from AHHA member facilities engaged with workforce recruitment, development, and practices that support staff wellness, resiliency, and address threats to retention

  • Representatives from organizations partnering with healthcare employers on healthcare workforce development​​​​​​

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The Healthcare Workforce Summit is subsidized with funding from the 
State of Alaska Department of Health.

Agenda

8:30 | Welcome
Elizabeth King, AHHA Vice President of Operations

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8:45 - 9:15 | Roundtable Discussion
What are the most pressing workforce issues in Alaska today?
In table groups, attendees introduce themselves and share their most pressing workforce issue and an innovative strategy or solution they are interested in exploring.

9:15 - 11:15 | Keynote Presentation & Workshop
Workforce Well-being: A Holistic Approach to Supporting Our Workforce
Jake Van Epps - Resiliency Center, University of Utah Health
In the demanding world of healthcare, maintaining occupational well-being is more critical than ever. Dr. Van Epps will discuss the multifaceted nature of burnout and introduce a holistic, organization-wide approach to fostering a thriving workforce. Drawing from established frameworks like the Job Demands-Resources Theory and the Stanford Model of Occupational Well-being, he will delve into practical strategies for mitigating burnout by addressing its systemic roots. This is more than just a presentation; it's a call to action for creating a culture of wellness and psychological safety in our healthcare systems. You will leave with a deeper understanding of how to build resilient teams, enhance workplace efficiency, and promote a supportive environment where every member can find joy in their work.

 

11:30 - 12:30 | Pathways Panel Discussion - Career Ladders & Apprenticeships
Panel members will share examples of career ladders, apprenticeship programs, and education/training pathways offered in partnership with academic institutions in place in their facilities. They will discuss how these programs were developed, what challenges or obstacles needed to be overcome, and will solicit from the audience additional examples of pathways in place for staff to grow their careers while remaining employed.

12:30 - 1:30 | Lunch & Gallery Walk

1:30 - 2:15 | Partner Lightning Round Presentations

  • Gloria Burnett, Center for Rural Health & Health Workforce CACHE & IPCE Accreditation

  • Nyabony Gat, Alaska Literacy Program Integration of Community Health Workers

  • Jacqueline Summers & Mari Selle, Alaska Workforce Alliance Resurrecting the Healthcare Workforce Coalition Healthcare

 

2:30 - 3:45 | Table Topic Conversations – Pipeline
After short presentations to orient attendees to the discussion content of each table, attendees will select to visit three tables for 15 minutes of conversation on topics related to the workforce pipeline. Potential topics include:

  • K-12 programs and working with school districts

  • Summer/school break internship opportunities

  • School Ambassadors & working with HOSA chapters

  • Hiring and job shadow opportunities for minors (under 18)

  • Local outreach campaign strategies

 

3:45 - 4:30 | Wrap Up

In table groups attendees will discuss one or more of these questions and will then share with the whole group their key thoughts or plans of action. 

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