Arctic Health Research Center, U.S. Public Health Service

Authors

Robert L. Rausch, University of WashingtonFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

5-1964

Comments

Published in BioScience (May 1964) 14(5): 42-43. Copyright 1964, the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Used by permission.

Abstract

A program of research in Alaska was initiated by the United States Public Health Service in 1948, with the establishment of a field station in temporary facilities located at Anchorage. This station, officially designated the Arctic Health Research Center in May 1950, was founded largely as the result of surveys of health conditions in Alaska conducted during 1946 and 1947 by two committees representing the American Medical Association. The reports of these committees led Congress to pass a special appropriation bill to support the investigation of health problems in Alaska.

Six research sections were set up within the first year. The first investigations began as early as January 1949, and all of the sections had become operational by 1950.