Congratulations to BBAHC’s Dr. Gabrielle Flamm and Dr. Marlena Strandir

We are excited to share BBAHC’s Dr. Gabrielle Flamm and Dr. Marlena Strandir have been selected to receive the 2026 Outstanding Rural Health Champion Luminary Award.

This well-deserved award recognizes individuals, departments, or organizations in rural Alaska who have made an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of rural life, people, and/or programs in the Alaska Tribal health system.

Dr. Strandir and Dr. Flamm are fierce advocates for their patients in the Bristol Bay region, both in and out of the clinic. In particular, they have been instrumental in improving care and holistic healing for those suffering with substance-use disorder in our communities.

While Bristol Bay’s people continue to deal with the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic, Dr. Strandir and Dr. Flamm’s leadership has helped proactively address the crisis in ways that are de-stigmatizing, culturally centered, and equitable for all our communities. Their collaborative and dedicated efforts continue to transform how our region works to help some of our most vulnerable, those suffering from substance-use disorder.

“Both doctors regularly go above and beyond to not only help their individual patients on a community level, but also to help create the needed systemic change to more adequately address the substance misuse crisis,” said Alannah Hurley, executive director of United Tribes of Bristol Bay. “Dr. Strandir and Dr. Flamm aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and help our communities tackle our most challenging issues. They exemplify the type of clinicians we need in Alaska’s Tribal communities and health system.” 

Due to the complexities of colonization and its impact on our peoples, long-term solutions require more than medical intervention. 

“We are so thankful for their willingness to rise to the challenge to work in collaboration with our people toward healthier, stronger communities,” said Hurley.
The award will be presented in person at the 19th Annual Raven’s Ball and Luminary Awards on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Hotel Captain Cook. The Raven’s Ball is hosted by the Healthy Alaska Natives Foundation, the charitable arm of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Funds raised at the Raven’s Ball directly benefit the Healthy Patients Fund, enhancing patient care, comfort, and overall experience at the Alaska Native Medical Center.