About PLNs
The PLN program is housed within and managed by Alaska Literacy Program.
PLN Mission: To breakdown barriers to health and healthcare access information for underrepresented communities.
PLN Vision: A connected, healthy, and diverse community.
In 2013, TAHLC partners teamed up with Alaska Literacy Program adult students to empower each other with reliable information pipelines and connections to community healthcare providers. Peer Leader Navigators (PLNs) serve as information beacons in their communities, connecting their neighbors, friends, and families to vital health tips and community resources.
The Peer Leader Navigator (PLN) program trains multilingual people to be health and wellness information promoters within their familial, social, and cultural groups. PLNs become empowered with research methods and access to trustworthy information. They, in turn, empower their communities.
As a result of this initiative, educators, community partners, and healthcare providers are better able to meet traditionally underrepresented community members where they are; helping to provide vital information and services across Alaska. Ongoing partnerships help keep this mutually beneficial connection alive.
Peer Leader Navigators
The Peer Leader Navigator (PLN) program began in 2013 in Anchorage, Alaska. We noticed that immigrant and refugee health got worse in America, and PLNs were hired to change that.
In 2020 the Anchorage program grew to meet the pandemic needs in the community, doing vaccine outreach and helping people put food on the table and sign up for public assistance programs. As the community struggled, PLNs worked harder.
In 2023, the program began to expand into Fairbanks, Juneau, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and Valdez.
PLNs in the News
(2022, Anchorage Daily News) Immigrants to Alaska find help adapting to new life
(2022, United Way) Peer Leader Navigators Lead The Way
(2021, ProLiteracy Blog) Program Navigates Need to Spread Health Literacy and Access to Basic Needs
(2021, Westside Gazette) Hispanics in Alaska Lost in Translation
(2020, Alaska's News Source) New program helps non-English speakers apply for COVID-19 benefits
(2020, National League of Cities) How Anchorage is Making Emergency Preparedness Inclusive
(2019, Healio Health Journal) A Novel Approach to Improve Health Literacy in Immigrant Communities
(2016, UAA Green & Gold) Improving Health Literacy in Diverse Anchorage
(2014, UAA Green & Gold) Translating the hieroglyphics of health care
(2008, Alaska Medicine Journal) Breast cancer screening in an adult literacy program
Join our Facebook Group!
The Anchorage PLNs Facebook group is moderated by PLNs and PLN organizers. It helps organize new information from all around the Anchorage and Alaska community for PLNs to share with their communities.