Reviewed by: Amaris McKnight, MD, Medical Director
October 2026

Living in Alaska’s Copper River Region comes with incredible benefits—wide-open spaces, strong communities, and a connection to the land that is hard to find anywhere else.

But living in rural Alaska can also raise an important question:

Where can I find quality healthcare close to home?

Access to healthcare is particularly important in a state where many people live outside major population centers. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, approximately 238,000 Alaskans—or 32% of the state’s population—live in nonmetropolitan areas, based on 2024 U.S. Census estimates. Rural Health Information Hub

For residents, families, workers, and visitors in Glennallen and throughout the Copper River Region, many healthcare services are available locally through Copper River Native Association (CRNA).

CRNA provides a range of services designed to support physical, behavioral, and whole-body health, including Primary Care, Urgent Care, Pharmacy Services, Behavioral Health, Dental Services, and Wellness Services.

What Healthcare Services Are Available in Glennallen, Alaska?

CRNA provides multiple types of care in the Copper River Region, including:

• Primary Care
• Urgent Care
• Pharmacy Services
• Behavioral Health
• Dental Services
• Physical Therapy
• Chiropractic Care
• Massage Therapy
• Smoking Cessation

CRNA has served the Ahtna Region for more than 50 years, and its healthcare services extend beyond its main facility through Village Clinics in Mentasta, Cantwell, Gakona, Gulkana, Tazlina, and Kluti-Kaah.

Having access to healthcare locally matters. Preventive care, for example, can help identify health concerns before they become more serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that “getting routine preventive care can help you stay well and catch problems early.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Here’s a closer look at the care available through CRNA.

Primary Care in Glennallen: Start With Prevention

Taking care of your health isn’t only about seeking treatment when you’re sick.

Routine primary care gives you and your healthcare provider an opportunity to monitor your health, discuss concerns, manage ongoing conditions, and determine which preventive screenings or vaccinations may be appropriate for you.

That becomes particularly important when considering the impact of chronic health conditions. According to the CDC, chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are among the leading causes of illness, disability, and death in the United States. The CDC also reports that 90% of the nation’s $5.3 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures are for people with chronic and mental health conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CRNA’s Primary Care services include:

• Routine health checkups and physicals for all ages
• Chronic disease prevention and management
• Employment and school physicals
• Vaccinations and immunizations
• Patient medical education
• Telehealth
• In-house laboratory services
• Digital radiology
• Specialized tests and screenings

CRNA also offers scheduled appointments and walk-in Primary Care services at the Robert Marshall Building.

Whether you’re due for a routine checkup, managing an ongoing condition such as diabetes or heart disease, or have a new health concern, Primary Care is a good place to start.

Learn more: Primary Care at CRNA

Is Urgent Care Available in Glennallen?

Yes. CRNA provides Urgent Care for health concerns that need timely attention.

CRNA lists sprains, strains, broken bones, and other urgent health issues among the conditions its Urgent Care team can evaluate. If you are unsure whether your health concern should be addressed through Urgent Care, contact CRNA for guidance.

CRNA’s current Urgent Care Line is 907-822-5241.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Learn more: CRNA Medical Services

Is There a Pharmacy in Glennallen?

Yes. CRNA also provides Pharmacy Services, helping patients obtain and manage medications within the region.

CRNA Pharmacy Services include:

• Prescription dispensing
• Automated refills
• Over-the-counter medications
• Patient education
• Prescription delivery

Having access to pharmacy services locally can make an important part of healthcare more convenient, especially for people managing ongoing health conditions and medications.

Learn more: CRNA Medical and Pharmacy Services

Behavioral Health: Caring for More Than Physical Health

Health isn’t limited to what happens physically.

Mental health, trauma, stress, addiction, and family challenges can affect nearly every part of life. Alaska data reinforces the importance of having behavioral health resources available.

The 2024 Alaska Scorecard, published by the Alaska Department of Health, reported that 21.4% of Alaska adults received mental health services in 2023. The same report identifies behavioral health, substance use disorder prevention, and suicide prevention among important statewide health measures. Alaska Department of Health

CRNA’s Behavioral Health Clinic provides individualized, confidential care for people experiencing life’s challenges.

Services include:

• Trauma support
• Addiction counseling
• Stress management
• Child and youth therapy
• Adult therapy
• Youth and family support
• Behavioral and psychological assessments
• Substance use disorder assessments
• Support groups
• Case management
• Referrals for specialty care
• Remote services for both counseling and prescriptions/psychiatric services

CRNA’s approach to behavioral health is individualized rather than one-size-fits-all. Depending on a person’s needs, care may include supportive counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, trauma-informed services, and other therapeutic approaches.

As one CRNA Behavioral Health client, Honi Vent, shared:

“CRNA Behavioral Health has offered me a lot of support and education on addiction. Everyone ought to have a support system in recovery.”

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself, your child, or someone in your family, reaching out can be an important first step.

Learn more: CRNA Behavioral Health Services

Dental Care Is Healthcare

Oral health is another important part of overall health.

The CDC recommends regular medical and dental checkups as part of preventive healthcare. Preventive dental visits can include cleanings and examinations that help identify problems early. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CRNA operates a full-service dental office for patients of all ages.

Preventive Dental Services include:

• Dental cleanings
• Comprehensive exams
• Digital X-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Preventive treatments

CRNA also provides procedures including:

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Bridges
• Extractions
• Root canals
• Restorative treatments
• Biopsies

When specialized care is needed, CRNA can also make referrals to specialty providers.

Fear and anxiety can sometimes prevent people from getting the dental care they need. CRNA’s Dental team emphasizes compassionate communication and helping patients participate in their own treatment decisions.

CRNA Dental patient Kathryn Martin put it this way:

“Dental care is a big part of your health and if you don’t take care of it, it can affect you in the long run. Don’t let fear stand in your way.”

Learn more: CRNA Dental Services

Wellness Services: Supporting Whole-Body Health

Healthcare can also mean helping your body move better, managing pain, reducing stress, and making lifestyle changes that support long-term health.

CRNA’s Wellness Department provides several services focused on whole-body health.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help people develop, improve, or regain skills that support everyday activities and independence.

CRNA provides Physical Therapy as part of its Wellness services, giving residents another healthcare resource within the region.

Chiropractic Care

Living and working in rural Alaska can be physically demanding.

CRNA offers Chiropractic Care that can work alongside the services patients receive from their primary care providers to address spine health, movement, and pain management.

One CRNA client, Charlene Miller, describes the impact this way:

“With chiropractic care and massage therapy, I am able to do more daily activity with less pain, play sports and I am just feeling better all around.”

Massage Therapy

CRNA’s professional Massage Therapy services provide another option for people seeking help with stress, pain, and whole-body wellness.

Massage therapy may also be incorporated into a broader wellness plan based on an individual’s needs.

Ready to Quit Smoking or Vaping?

Stopping tobacco use can have significant health benefits.

The Alaska Department of Health identifies tobacco use as a leading preventable cause of disease and death in the state and reports that smoking is associated with approximately 600 deaths in Alaska each year. Alaska Department of Health

The CDC also identifies quitting smoking as an important step people can take to lower their risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CRNA offers help through the clinic to assist with quitting, including one-on-one assistance to help individuals develop a plan for moving away from cigarettes, vaping, and other nicotine products.

Learn more: CRNA Wellness Services

Do I Have to Travel to Anchorage or Fairbanks for Healthcare?

Not always.

Living in rural Alaska sometimes means traveling for specialized medical care. In fact, the State of Alaska specifically recognizes that residents may need air, ferry, marine, or extended ground transportation when necessary healthcare isn’t reasonably available in their home community. Alaska Department of Health

But not every healthcare need requires a trip outside the Copper River Region.

CRNA provides Primary Care, Urgent Care, diagnostic services, Pharmacy Services, Behavioral Health, Dental Services, and Wellness services locally. Village Clinics also extend access into several communities throughout the region.

Some medical conditions and specialized services will still require referrals or travel. Starting locally, however, can help you understand what care you need and what options are available.

Healthcare Close to Home in the Copper River Region

It’s easy to put healthcare at the bottom of the list when work, family, and everyday responsibilities demand your attention.

But preventive care and early attention to health concerns can make a difference.

The CDC recommends regular medical and dental checkups, appropriate screenings and vaccinations, along with healthy lifestyle choices, as important steps people can take to protect their health and help prevent or manage chronic disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For people living in the Copper River Region, many of those resources are available close to home.

Whether you’re looking for a primary care provider, need urgent care, want to schedule a dental checkup, are seeking behavioral health support, need a prescription filled, or want to explore services such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, occupational therapy, or smoking cessation, CRNA is here to help you take the next step.

Contact Copper River Native Association at 907-822-5241 to ask questions, schedule an appointment or find the CRNA service that’s right for you.

Explore CRNA Healthcare Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What healthcare services are available in Glennallen, Alaska?
Copper River Native Association provides Primary Care, Urgent Care, Pharmacy Services, Behavioral Health, Dental Services, and Wellness services in the Copper River Region. Wellness services include occupational therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and smoking cessation. Medical Services

Does CRNA offer walk-in medical care in Glennallen?
Yes. CRNA states that scheduled appointments and walk-ins are available for Primary Care services at the Robert Marshall Building. Primary Care Services

Does CRNA have a pharmacy in Glennallen?
Yes. CRNA Pharmacy Services include prescription dispensing, automated refills, over-the-counter medications, patient education, and delivery. Pharmacy

Does CRNA provide mental health and addiction services?
Yes. CRNA Behavioral Health provides trauma support, counseling, assessments, substance use and addiction treatment, youth and family support, and referrals for specialty care. Behavioral Health Clinic

Does CRNA provide dental care in Glennallen?
Yes. CRNA operates a full-service dental office providing preventive and restorative services including cleanings, exams, digital X-rays, fillings, crowns, dentures, bridges, extractions, and root canals. Full-Service Dental Office

Where are CRNA’s Village Clinics?
CRNA lists Village Clinics serving Mentasta, Cantwell, Gakona, Gulkana, Tazlina, and Kluti-Kaah. Contact CRNA Primary Care at 907-822-5241 for information about services available at individual Village Clinics.