In rural Alaska, distance, climate, and cultural needs shape how communities access and experience healthcare. Here, health is not just about treating illness—it’s about community, connection, and the strength of the whole person. At Cama’i Community Health Center, we believe that true wellness requires more than a prescription pad. It requires trust, respect, and a comprehensive approach that meets people where they are: physically, culturally, and emotionally.
Here in Naknek, South Naknek, King Salmon, and other remote villages throughout the Bristol Bay region, healthcare is both a necessity and a challenge. Long distances, harsh weather conditions, and limited access to specialists make it critical that local care is responsive, flexible, and deeply rooted in the community.
That’s why Camai’s model of holistic health, which integrates modern medicine, preventative care, behavioral health, nutrition support, and culturally grounded practices, has become such an essential part of life in our region. Embracing a healthy lifestyle is key to overcoming these challenges. We’re not just offering appointments. We’re building relationships, empowering families, and making space for healing in every form.
Looking for care that sees the whole you? Contact Cama’i to get started with patient-centered services today.
What Is Holistic Health?
A holistic approach to health is an approach to healthcare that looks at the whole person, not just a diagnosis or set of symptoms. It considers how the body, emotional, mental, social, and even spirit and spiritual factors influence a person’s health and well-being.
In rural Alaska, this holistic approach aligns naturally with Indigenous knowledge systems and the deeply interconnected nature of community life.
At Cama’i, this means:
- Offering primary care services that focus on prevention and long-term wellness
- Including behavioral health screenings and support in routine visits
- Providing nutritional guidance and chronic disease management for ongoing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- Supporting mental health, addiction recovery, and trauma-informed care. We recognize that mental well-being is essential for overall health, especially in the face of unique challenges in rural Alaska.
- Valuing cultural practices and local traditions in the healing process, which strengthens cultural identity and supports holistic health
We believe that treating the whole person leads to better outcomes, deeper trust, and stronger communities. According to Health.com, people who receive care from holistic practitioners often feel more satisfied because their treatment considers their overall well-being, not just isolated symptoms.
Meeting the Needs of a Remote Population
Rural healthcare providers often serve as lifelines in their communities. In remote parts of Alaska, especially in geographically isolated remote communities, access to emergency rooms, specialists, or hospital systems can be days away. That means local clinics must be comprehensive, nimble, and ready to meet a wide variety of needs.
At Cama’i, our team includes family medicine providers, behavioral health clinicians, registered dietitians, nurses, community health workers, and support staff—all trained to offer compassionate, high-quality care that helps residents lead healthier lives.
Our services include:
- Preventative screenings, physicals, and immunizations
- Women’s health services, including prenatal and postnatal care
- Chronic condition support (like diabetes, heart disease, and asthma)
- Dental care and hygiene education
- Addiction and mental health treatment
- Nutrition counseling and wellness education
- Emergency care and same-day appointments when needed
- Telehealth visits for increased accessibility
We’re also expanding our outreach to better serve elders, youth, seasonal workers, and those experiencing housing insecurity or transportation barriers.
Behavioral and Mental Health: A Key Piece of the Puzzle
Mental health is health. In small communities, stress, isolation, and past trauma can silently take a toll on individuals and families. Isolation can lead to loneliness and difficult feelings that impact overall well-being. Yet many people hesitate to seek help due to stigma, lack of services, or fear of being judged.
At Cama’i, we approach mental and emotional well-being with compassion, confidentiality, and respect. Our behavioral health team includes licensed counselors and social workers who specialize in:
- Depression, anxiety, and trauma-related care
- Grief counseling
- Crisis support and short-term therapy
- Youth behavioral concerns and family counseling
- Disorders such as anxiety disorders and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Substance use treatment and recovery support
- Referral coordination for psychiatric care
We also offer integrated care, which means your primary care and behavioral health providers work together to create a treatment plan that helps you develop personalized strategies to manage mental health. Our team supports your ability to cope with stress and mental health challenges.
Mental wellness is not just about surviving. It’s about resilience, belonging, and feeling empowered in your own life—and we’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way, including through family counseling.
We encourage you to explore your emotions and mental health needs as part of your journey. Our goal is to help you move beyond challenges, thriving with a greater sense of well-being and connection.
Honoring Culture in Healthcare
In many Alaska Native and Indigenous communities, healing is a community process—one that honors ancestors, stories, and a deep connection to the land. The village serves as the center of cultural life, where shared experiences and traditions strengthen community bonds.
That’s why culturally grounded care is central to how we operate at Cama’i. We actively:
- Engage with Elders and community leaders
- Incorporate traditional practices when requested or appropriate, such as fishing, which contribute to community well-being and provide sustenance
- Support language access and inclusive communication
- Offer a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds
- Train staff in cultural safety, implicit bias, and inclusive care delivery
Honoring cultural identity is vital for health, as it encourages resilience, pride, and mental well-being. When healthcare is delivered in a way that respects your identity, it’s easier to ask questions, stay engaged, and trust your provider. That’s why we focus on listening first and partnering with you in your health journey.
Nutrition, Movement, and Everyday Wellness
In a region where grocery store prices can be high and food access limited, nutrition and exercise can feel like an uphill battle. But these are some of the most powerful tools for preventing and managing chronic disease, and are essential for building a healthy lifestyle.
At Cama’i, we offer dietary services to help individuals, kids, and families:
- Make the most of shelf-stable and seasonal foods
- Understand how nutrition affects diabetes, heart disease, and weight
- Learn how to cook simple, balanced meals at home
- Navigate food insecurity or access community food programs
- Identify what “healthy” looks like for their age, goals, and health conditions
We also promote physical activity as a form of medicine. Whether it’s walking at the school gym, stretching at home, or participating in community wellness classes, we believe every movement counts. Outdoor exposure to natural light and fresh air can further boost mood, improve sleep, and support overall well-being.
We work with patients of all ages to set realistic wellness goals that build energy, strength, and independence.
Supporting Elders and Caregivers
Healthy aging is a core part of our work at Camai. As people live longer, they need care that evolves with them and that respects their autonomy.
We offer services and support for:
- Mobility and fall prevention
- Cognitive changes and memory concerns
- Pain management and palliative care
- Caregiver education and support groups
- End-of-life planning and resources
We work closely with elders and their families to create care plans that align with their values and provide dignity and comfort.
We also recognize the invisible labor of caregivers and seek to offer them respite, resources, and a support network—because no one should walk that journey alone.
Bringing Healthcare into the Community
One of the most important things we do at Cama’i is go beyond the walls of the clinic.
We regularly provide:
- School-based health services in partnership with the local school district
- Health education at community centers and events
- Mobile visits to nearby villages or homes for those unable to travel
- Partnerships with regional hospitals and health networks for continuity of care
- Public health campaigns around prevention, screenings, and wellness
Whether it’s a flu shot clinic in a school hallway, a mental health workshop at the library, or a support group at a church, we believe healthcare belongs everywhere.
You Belong in Your Healthcare Journey
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, facing mental health challenges, raising a family, or simply wanting to feel better day-to-day, you deserve care that sees all of you.
At Cama’i, we believe:
- Healthcare should be empowering
- Providers should listen, not lecture
- Communities know what they need
- Healing can be physical, emotional, cultural, and spiritual
You don’t have to do it all alone. We’re here—with you and for you.
Schedule a visit with Cama’i to explore how holistic, community-based care can support your health goals.
