Where Whale Pass residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for Whale Pass, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, CDC’s own estimate for Whale Pass. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in Whale Pass
Heart disease, COPD and stroke run high in Whale Pass
1 in 8 adults have heart disease (12.4%), about twice the Alaska rate. 1 in 8 adults have COPD (12.7%), about twice the Alaska rate. Stroke is also above the state: 5.9%, vs 3.1% across Alaska. In all, Whale Pass runs above Alaska on eight of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
The nearest ER is 37 miles from Whale Pass
The closest emergency room is Searhc Wrangell Medical Center & LTC in Wrangell, 37.4 miles away in a straight line. For everyday care, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium is closer (3.6 mi) and charges on a sliding scale. Getting care ↓
More high blood pressure in Whale Pass, and more people treating it
47.7% of adults have high blood pressure (Alaska 32.5%), but 79.4% of them take medicine for it, vs 68% statewide. Checkups ↓
In Whale Pass, insurance isn’t the gap
Only 9.1% of working-age adults are uninsured (Alaska 10%), yet 25.8% say their health is fair or poor, vs 18.6% across the state. Checkups ↓
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 Whale Pass’ likely range.
Out of every 100 Whale Pass adults…
Whale Pass runs above AK on 8 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Care in and near Whale Pass
1 community health center in Whale Pass, plus the nearest just outside it.
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 Whale Pass; ≈ 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).
Keeping up with care
Share of Whale Pass adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Alaska.
Everyday habits, side by side with Alaska
Share of adults, with the Alaska figure marked.
12 miles of trails across 1 park or preserve
How Whale Pass adults are doing
About the same as Alaska on each measure.
3 in 10 Whale Pass 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.
13.7% of Whale Pass adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 10.1% across Alaska.
Whale Pass and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|
Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of Whale Pass adults live with a disability (Alaska 29.6%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Questions about health in Whale Pass
Why doesn’t Whale Pass have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for Whale Pass.
Where can I get low-cost care near Whale Pass?
1 community health center sites are within 10 miles; the nearest is Whale Pass Clinic in Ketchikan, 3.6 miles away. They charge on a sliding scale by income.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in Whale Pass.
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.