Alaska Communications, Akeela Deliver Greater Access to Behavioral Health

ANCHORAGE, Alaska--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Behavioral health provider Akeela will improve Alaskans' access to health care with connectivity and Internet from the state's leading broadband and IT solutions provider, Alaska Communications ALSK.

Akeela is a non-profit organization that offers an array of behavioral health prevention and clinical services throughout Alaska. Though its headquarters are in Anchorage and Ketchikan, Akeela clinicians serve patients across the state. Now, with connectivity from Alaska Communications, Akeela can provide the same level of care remotely to patients thousands of miles away using its private secure, reliable network to connect clinicians with patients via video conferencing and other telehealth tools.

"We needed a network provider that would allow us to grow and continue to facilitate wellness throughout the life spans of all Alaskans. Alaska Communications took the time to listen and understand what we needed, and provided a top-tier solution," Akeela's Chief Operations Officer Mark Marlow said. "As a result of our new relationship, we can provide greater access to our behavioral health programs without travel, which lowers costs and makes us more efficient."

The partnership will especially benefit Akeela's rural programs, which now have the opportunity for real-time access to behavioral health practitioners through telemedicine. Residents can receive care without leaving town, which is critical in emergency situations.

"Alaska Communications is delighted to be working with Akeela. We believe this partnership will help elevate the organization's behavioral health services to a new level," Alaska Communications President & CEO Anand Vadapalli said. "We're eager to reward Akeela's confidence in us by delivering a fast, reliable network and consistent customer service."

About Alaska Communications

Alaska Communications is a leading provider of advanced broadband solutions for businesses and consumers in Alaska. We operate a highly reliable, advanced statewide data and voice network with the latest technology and the most diverse undersea fiber optic system connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States. For more information, visit www.alaskacommunications.com or www.alsk.com.

About Akeela

Akeela, Inc. is a non-profit organization offering a comprehensive array of services for the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, and alcohol abuse, in Anchorage, Alaska and other communities throughout the state. Akeela was founded in 1974 by a group of concerned citizens and serves the community by striving to "enhance the ability of citizens and their families to succeed in life." For more information, visit www.akeela.us.

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