Lean in Alaska

Every once in a while I am pleasantly surprised when Lean Healthcare takes a small step forward in Alaska. Chugachmiut has a seat on the board for the Alaska Primary Care Association (APCA). During their board retreat recently, one strategy adopted was to become the Lean Trainer for their members in Alaska.

In 2007, APCA hosted the very first Lean Healthcare Conference in Alaska. Presenters included Mike Rona, past president of Virginia Mason in Seattle; Tom Jackson, Chugachmiut’s lean sensei; Kert LaBelle, Chugachmiut’s Lean Coordinator; and Gregg Wolverton and Talmadge Whitehead from the White River Rural Health Center.