Cross Road Medical Centers has two locations. One is in Delta Junction, Alaska, located 80 miles line-of-sight distance east southeast of Fairbanks or 95 miles (one hour, 40 minutes) driving distance. The second location is in Glennallen, located 150 miles line-of-sight distance east northeast of Anchorage or 180 miles (three hours) driving distance. The two locations are separated by 134 miles line-of-sight distance or 153 miles (three hours) driving distance.

Eastern Alaska is a vast and rugged region defined by towering mountain ranges, broad river valleys, glaciers, and expansive forests stretching from the Copper River Basin to the Canadian border. Its small, widely dispersed communities are connected by a limited road system and are home to a diverse mix of Alaska Native peoples—including Ahtna, Upper Tanana, and Tetlin communities—as well as longtime residents, military families, and newcomers drawn by the region’s natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Life in eastern Alaska is shaped by strong traditions of self-reliance, close-knit relationships, and a deep respect for the land. Subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and gathering remain an important part of daily life for many families, while local schools, churches, tribal organizations, and community events help strengthen connections across the region. Despite its remote setting and unique challenges, eastern Alaska is known for its resilience, rich cultural heritage, and enduring spirit of cooperation.

Cross Road Health Ministries serves patients of all ages across the vast region of eastern Alaska, providing primary medical, behavioral health, pharmacy, and preventive care to individuals and families in both rural and frontier communities. Patients include Alaska Native residents, longtime local families, military personnel and veterans, seasonal workers, and tourists, many of whom face significant barriers to healthcare due to long travel distances, severe weather, limited transportation, and provider shortages. About 1/3 of patients are insured through Medicare or Medicaid.

Become more familiar with culture, history, economy, and health conditions of Alaska by reviewing these resources:

• Wikipedia Profile for Alaska
• Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Profile for Alaska
• World Health Organization’s Humanitarian Data Exchange for Alaska

English is the primary language spoken throughout eastern Alaska, while many Alaska Native communities continue to preserve and revitalize their traditional languages.  Significant numbers of Russian and Ukrainian speakers live in this region as well as Spanish speakers among military personnel.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, Cross Road Health Ministries is committed to ensuring that everyone via its two medical centers has access to high-quality, compassionate care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, with a special focus on improving the health and well-being of underserved and medically vulnerable populations. Cross Road Health Ministries is overseen by a Board of Directors comprised of Christians representing Cross Road’s service areas.

Glennallen Location

This location primarily provides medical services to the communities of the Copper River Valley. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, geriatrics, behavioral health, and full-service pharmacy. Staff at this location include physician assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants, pharmacist, pharmacy techs, laboratory and radiology personnel. This location sees about eight patients each day.

Delta Junction Location

This location primarily provides medical services to the town of Delta Junction and surrounding communities. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, geriatrics, behavioral health, and full-service pharmacy. Staff at this location include physician assistants, registered nurses, medical assistants, pharmacist, pharmacy techs, laboratory and radiology personnel. This location sees about 30 patients each day.

Behavioral Health Emphasis

Both locations strive to provide compassionate, comprehensive care designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of individuals and families. Services include counseling, therapy, group sessions, psychiatric evaluations, and convenient telehealth appointments, with personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s needs.

History

Cross Road Health Ministries traces its roots to Central Alaskan Mission (CAM), founded in 1936 to plant churches and serve rural communities in Alaska. Missionaries Rev. Vincent and Becky Joy arrived in 1937, and their growing medical ministry led to the arrival of Dr. Chet Schneider in 1950 and Dr. Jim Pinneo in 1954. In 1956, Faith Hospital opened in Glennallen, expanding with a clinic addition in 1968 to meet increasing outpatient demand. In 1988, Faith Hospital became an independent nonprofit organization renamed Cross Road Medical Center (CRMC). Federal 501(c)(3) status followed in 1989 and designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2003.

INMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to financially support this facility. While such efforts are not required, they provide opportunity for INMED learners to become involved in this important aspect of international healthcare.

Cellular service is available in townships and wi-fi in the medical centers.