Photo: Steve Snodgrass · CC BY 2.0Where Beluga residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for Beluga, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, from ZIP code 99682. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in Beluga
Dental care lags in Beluga
40.1% of adults saw a dentist this year, vs 59.7% across Alaska. Among those 65 and older, 30.4% have lost all their teeth (Alaska 13.5%). Beluga’s county is a federal shortage area for dental care. Checkups ↓
The nearest ER is 45 miles from Beluga
The closest emergency room is Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, 45.2 miles away in a straight line. And 18.8% of adults lack reliable transportation, vs 9% across Alaska. For everyday care, Southcentral Foundation is closer (8.4 mi) and charges on a sliding scale. Getting care ↓
Stroke, COPD and diabetes run high in Beluga
1 in 18 adults have had a stroke (5.6%), vs 3.1% across Alaska. 1 in 9 adults have COPD (10.9%), vs 6.1% across Alaska. Diabetes is also above the state: 16.7%, vs 9.4% across Alaska. In all, Beluga runs above Alaska on eight of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
More Beluga adults live with a disability
43.4% of adults live with a disability, vs 29.6% across Alaska. The biggest difference is vision loss: 10.2% vs 4.7%. Disability ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Alaska figure falls outside Beluga’s likely range; Beluga’s figures come from ZIP code 99682, which may reach past town lines.
Keeping up with care
Share of Beluga adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Alaska.
Care in and near Beluga
No hospital or community health center in Beluga itself. These are the nearest.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of Beluga; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Out of every 100 Beluga adults…
Beluga runs above AK on 10 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of Beluga adults live with a disability (Alaska 29.6%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Everyday habits, side by side with Alaska
Share of adults, with the Alaska figure marked.
1.9 miles of trails across 1 park or preserve
How Beluga adults are doing
On 2 of 4 measures, Beluga runs above Alaska.
4 in 10 Beluga adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
25.3% of Beluga adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 10.1% across Alaska.
Beluga and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyonek | — | — | — | — |
Tyonek: fewer than 1,000 residents. Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Questions about health in Beluga
Why doesn’t Beluga have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for Beluga.
Where can I get low-cost care near Beluga?
1 community health center sites are within 10 miles; the nearest is Indian Creek Health Center in Tyonek, 8.4 miles away. They charge on a sliding scale by income.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in Beluga.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Alaska figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.