OPINION: Every minute matters: why we need an ER in South Anchorage

It’s clear to me, both as an Anchorage resident and healthcare professional, that our community needs more capacity to treat medical emergencies. Alaska Regional’s proposal for a South Anchorage ER will increase overall capacity while bringing care closer to home for thousands of people who live, work and play in South Anchorage. As I expressed in last week’s public meeting hosted by the Alaska Department of Health, this project is a clear win for our community and will save and improve lives.

Currently, South Anchorage residents face long travel times to reach emergency care facilities. The proposed emergency room would reduce this by 15 to 20 minutes. In a medical emergency, every minute matters — especially when the brain or heart is deprived of oxygen. Just four minutes without oxygen can cause irreversible damage. The sooner patients receive emergency care, the better their chances of survival and recovery.

During last week’s public comment period, we heard powerful testimony from a stroke survivor who underscored the importance of timely care. Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S., occurring every 40 seconds, with one in six deaths attributed to them. Research shows that 1 million to 2 million neurons die per minute during a stroke until the brain is re-perfused. For stroke victims, quicker access to care can mean the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability. An ER in South Anchorage would provide quicker access, greatly improving outcomes.

As the stroke program director at Alaska’s only comprehensive stroke program, I see the devastating effects of delayed care daily. The time from stroke onset to the start of treatment is crucial. Currently, South Anchorage patients must travel long distances to emergency rooms in the U-Med district, adding precious minutes that can make the difference between recovery and permanent disability. A new ER in South Anchorage could save up to 20 minutes, offering faster, life-saving treatment.

Some have erroneously argued that a smaller facility can’t provide the same level of care as a larger hospital. However, the primary role of an ER is to deliver immediate, life-saving intervention. The proposed facility would do exactly that — providing rapid assessment, stabilization and, if necessary, transfer to a higher-level care center. This would save time and also serve an underserved area with vital emergency services.

Moreover, this facility would help alleviate pressure on Anchorage’s existing ERs, which are frequently overcrowded. At the time of last week’s meeting, Alaska Regional Hospital’s ER was the only one open. This isn’t an isolated incident; high patient volumes often lead to extended wait times, delays for ambulances, and temporary closures. By adding more emergency beds in South Anchorage, we can reduce these pressures and ensure faster care for all.

Delayed care often results in severe, long-term disabilities that require costly treatments, increasing the burden on both patients and taxpayers. Quicker response times and better access would reduce costs, investing in the long-term health of our community.

It is my personal and professional opinion that an ER in south Anchorage will be beneficial to all residents. It will improve outcomes and provide patients with a choice of emergency care closer to their homes. In a medical emergency, time is tissue, and this facility will save and change lives. Every three minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies from a stroke. I am asking the Alaska Department of Health to approve this project to decrease the chances of Anchorage residents adding to this statistic.

Please join me in supporting ARH’s South Anchorage ER. Visit southanchorageer.com.

Kevin Myrick, RN, is the Director of Trauma and Comprehensive Stroke Center at Alaska Regional Hospital. He lives in South Anchorage.

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