The History of Circumpolar Health
For more than 40 years, ASCH has helped shape the international circumpolar health movement, bringing researchers, health leaders, policy makers, and caregivers together to share knowledge and create healthier northern communities.
Today, that spirit continues through global partnerships, scientific exchange, and a growing community committed to improving health in high-latitude regions.
A Movement Takes Shape (1967–1991)
From the start, the goal was simple, and ambitious. Bring people together to share knowledge, compare challenges, and improve health care across the North.
Growing Collaboration
Informal relationships became organized international partnerships
Participation expanded across countries and disciplines
Regular symposia (later called Congresses) were established every three years
These gatherings created a powerful platform for
ASCH Becomes Official (1979–1980)
What began as an informal network evolved into a formal professional society.
ASCH adopted a Constitution and Bylaws
The organization elected officers and defined its mission
A commitment was made to represent U.S. circumpolar health at future international meetings
Board service, member leadership, and international partnerships became defining features of ASCH’s role.
Hosting & Leading on the Global Stage
These events helped shape the National Arctic Health Science Policy and elevated circumpolar health as a recognized scientific field.
The 4th Symposium (1978, Novosibirsk, USSR)
Drs. Albrecht and Milan were members of the organizing committee with V.P. Kaznachev, Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Science, Novosibirsk, as Chairman.
The 5th International Symposium (1981, Denmark)
Expanding global participation.
The 6th Symposium (1984, Anchorage)
Hosted by ASCH, drawing participants from 21 countries.
The 13th ICCH (2006, Novosibirsk Russia)
Co-Chairmen Valeri Trufakin and Neil Murphy.
Collaboration with WHO
The Alaska Public Health Association, and other scientific partners.
Major publications
Documenting research and policy discussions.
Toward the International Union for Circumpolar Health
The maturity of regional societies necessitated a global umbrella organization to coordinate international efforts effectively.
As collaboration deepened, a new structure emerged
The Union helped align
Enter: The International Congress Era
With the new Union came a new name: International Congress on Circumpolar Health (ICCH).
Participation continued to grow, and so did momentum
Building for the Future: The Arctic Health Foundation
To sustain the movement long-term, ASCH established the The Arctic Health Foundation, honoring the visionaries who helped launch it all.
The Fund Supports
Emerging
Researchers
Educational Opportunities
Ongoing Circumpolar Health Initiatives
It represents the belief that strong foundations create lasting impact.
A New Era Begins (1991–present)
By 1991, decades of effort had built
A Thriving International Network
Sustainable Funding Tools (Arctic Health Foundation)
A Structure that Continues to Support Research, Collaboration, and Community Wellness
And the work continues; shaped by new challenges, voices, and opportunities.
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