Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Overview

What is your agency’s mission and how does supporting research in the Arctic advance that mission?

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety, and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats and responds when these arise.

The Arctic Investigations Program (AIP), CDC’s infectious disease field station in Alaska, seeks to prevent infectious disease morbidity and mortality among the peoples of the Arctic Region, with special emphasis on diseases of concern among remote populations.

Where would one go to find out what research is being funded by your agency in the Arctic?

Priority research areas are available online for the Arctic Investigations Program.

Where would one go to read about scientific research results from your agency?

Published reports and peer reviewed journal articles are available online on CDC Stacks for the Arctic Investigations Program.

In terms of budget, approximately how big is your agency’s investment in Arctic research?

In fiscal year 2024, CDC extramural funding investments in Alaska totaled to more than $38 million. Details are available online. In addition, CDC also currently supports the Arctic Investigations Program and the Anchorage Port Health Station, and their surveillance, research, response, and programmatic efforts.

What are your agency’s priorities over the next two years?

CDC is committed to advancing science and protecting health, safety, and security, which includes addressing public health threats in the Arctic region. CDC's Arctic Investigations Program (AIP) will continue efforts to reduce and prevent diseases that disproportionately affect people in the Arctic Region, including respiratory infections and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

How does your agency coordinate and collaborate with other agencies to advance your mission in the Arctic?

CDC coordinates though HHS's Office of Global Affairs to engage with other agencies in furthering its mission in the Arctic. AIP coordinates its activities with key partners such as the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, the Southcentral Foundation, Tribal health organizations around the state, and with international partners across the circumpolar north.

Activities in Alaska

Does your agency have office(s) in Alaska?

CDC has two offices in Anchorage, Alaska: the Arctic Investigations Program and a port health station.

Does that office support research?

The Arctic Investigations Program conducts research activities as part of their work in Alaska.

Where can one go to learn more about your agency’s presence in Alaska?