Author: Ahliil Saitanan

  • Gratitude and Hope for the Holidays

    Gratitude and Hope for the Holidays

    Elizabeth Ripley, president and CEO

    Dear Mat-Su Community,

    The holidays are a time for giving thanks, and the board and staff of the Mat-Su Health Foundation express our deepest appreciation for all you do to improve the health and wellbeing of Mat-Su residents and strengthen community. Your contributions create ripples of positive change that reverberate throughout our beautiful and vibrant borough.

    Whether facing challenges or celebrating triumphs, you continue to show up in many spaces for your neighbors and share hope and promise of a better tomorrow. Thank you!

    As we bid farewell to 2023, let us also welcome the promise of a new beginning. The dawn of a fresh year brings with it boundless opportunities for growth, collaboration, and continued support within our community. Together, let’s embark on this new chapter with optimism and a shared commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected Mat-Su. May your upcoming year be filled with renewed energy, inspiring initiatives, and collective strides toward a brighter, healthier future for all.

    On behalf of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, I extend our warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season. May this time be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories with your loved ones.

    Warmly,

    Elizabeth Ripley
    President and CEO

  • Celebrating its Namesake: Wasilla High School Strengthens Community by Learning Local History

    Celebrating its Namesake: Wasilla High School Strengthens Community by Learning Local History

    Members of the Knik Tribal Council take a photo with the new Chief Wasilla statue at Wasilla High School. KTC worked closely with the high school to ensure the legacy of Chief Wasilla was honored. Courtesy of Wasilla High School
    Courtesy of Wasilla High School

    Like many schools, Wasilla High School’s mascot is a Native warrior—and has been for years. In 2021, it was brought to the school’s attention that the Native warrior embodied in its mascot was not Chief Wasilla, for which the school was named. It was the image of a Lakota Sioux, a tribe that today resides in North and South Dakota, nearly 3,000 miles from Wasilla. In response, Wasilla High School embarked on a mission to learn about and honor its namesake, a respected Alaska Native chief whose ancestors and relatives today call the Mat-Su home.

    Wasilla High School started its journey by reaching out to the Knik Tribal Council to explore the life of Chief Wasilla. By working with the tribe directly, the school learned about his legacy as a revered and respected local Dena’ina Athabascan leader and, in turn, helped educate the school and community about the local Dena’ina Peoples and Athabascan culture.
    “I would ask students all the time, ‘Do you know the history behind Wasilla or how we got our namesake?’ No student could tell me,” said Jason Marvel, Wasilla High School principal. “There’s no local curriculum about Indigenous peoples in Alaska history courses. You don’t really have specific targeted units on just our area.” To rectify this gap, the school worked in partnership with the Knik Tribal Council to design a two-week curriculum for its Alaska history courses. Marvel says it was created “so that every single one of our students will have that access, and they will know exactly who Chief Wasilla is and why this area was named Wasilla.”
    Grounded in new insights about its namesake, Wasilla High School replaced the mascot with an accurate representation of Chief Wasilla, who was revered for his strength, leadership, and cultural integrity. Partly funded by Mat-Su Health Foundation, a striking bronze statue of Chief Wasilla standing a commanding 6 feet and 5 inches tall now sits in the school’s entryway. The statue’s accompanying historical information, carefully curated by the Knik Tribal Council, sheds light on the enduring impact of Dena’ina culture on the region.

    “If there is more access to knowledge about Knik Tribe’s history here, we all win. We win as residents, we win as neighbors,” said Kevin Toothaker, Knik Tribe Cultural Exchange Program administrator. The updated high school mascot and the unveiling of the statue stand as a testament to the power of collaboration and how honoring the past, embracing the present, and fostering a more culturally aware future can make us a stronger community.

    “I believe our focus, as well as that of our administration team, was centered on the power of unity in high school. It’s a testament to community when diverse viewpoints converge,” said Marvel. “Our society is often divided, but it’s crucial to understand that disagreements are acceptable. By working together, we can enhance our community. This truly symbolizes the collaboration of Knik Tribal Council, Wasilla High School, Mat-Su Health Foundation and others in building a stronger, inclusive community where all perspectives are valued and represented.”

    MSHF is a proud partner in this effort—and others—that broaden our understanding of the Mat-Su’s peoples and history. We are all stronger for it.

    Did you know? In the Dena’ina Athabascan Indian dialect, “Wasilla” is said to mean “breath of air.” Learn more about your home and its Alaska Native heritage by going to the Wasilla High School website.

  • Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes One Senior Leader and Prepares to Say Goodbye to Another

    Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes One Senior Leader and Prepares to Say Goodbye to Another

    Wasilla, Alaska — Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Esther Pitts in the role of Chief Community Impact Officer. Pitts was selected from a diverse field of candidates following a comprehensive nationwide search process conducted by The Foraker Group. Her ability to provide strategic guidance, collaborative team development, and data-driven, growth-oriented systems change made her the top candidate in a competitive field of applicants. She assumed her new position on Nov. 29, 2023. Another member of the Foundation’s executive leadership team, Robin Minard, is retiring in January 2024 after having served as the Foundation’s Chief Communications Officer for more than 11 years.

    Pitts leads the Foundation’s programmatic and philanthropic work and supports the teams responsible for grantmaking, scholarships, data collection and analysis, and programs including Connect Mat-Su and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness). She also co-leads the Foundation’s health equity initiatives in conjunction with the chief operations officer.

    “I’m thrilled that we were able to fill this crucial role with a talented leader who is also a proud Mat-Su resident,” said MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “Esther’s talent, experience, and passion for creating a healthier community will help take the Foundation to a new level of impact.”

    “Being in the position to make a positive impact in the community where my family lives is a dream come true,” said Pitts. “I look forward to leading a dynamic team of professionals, all of whom are committed to achieving the mission of improving the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su.

    Pitts brings 11 years of nonprofit hospital leadership experience to the Foundation. Her background includes risk management, patient safety, human resources, program development, and direct service operation. Prior to accepting her new role Pitts served as the Executive Director of Providence Alaska Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services Administration. She earned a master’s degree in business administration with a minor in healthcare leadership and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, both from Capella University.

    The search process for a new Chief Communications Officer will begin in the new year. “We have been fortunate to have someone of Robin’s expertise leading our communications, marketing and public policy work for more than a decade,” said Ripley. “Her leadership, energy and positive outlook have helped drive the Foundation’s mission forward.”

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    About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.

  • Investing in a Healthier Community

    Investing in a Healthier Community

    Article reposted with permission from Nightingale College.

    Since 2008, the Mat-Su Health Foundation has invested in a healthy community through grant programs, academic and vocational scholarships, and leadership and professional development opportunities. These programs support the Foundation’s mission to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and its vision of a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

    “The Mat-Su Health Foundation is not a typical funder; we are a public charity, not a private foundation, whose funds come from the hospital, Mat-Su Regional Medical Center,” said Vandana Ingle, senior program officer at the Mat-Su Health Foundation. “The Foundation seats half of the governing board of the hospital, and the investor-owned company seats the other half. In this governance capacity, we ensure that the hospital is growing to meet the healthcare needs of our region by taking our share of the profits and investing them back into our community, with the goal to improve the health of the Mat-Su population.”

    By investing in resources that will have great impact on their goals, the Mat-Su Health Foundation has five areas of focus: Healthy Aging, Healthy Families, Healthy Minds, Healthy Futures, and Healthy Foundations. Each of these focus areas have metrics related to system change and system improvements. The Healthy Futures focus area is working alongside community stakeholders to offer training and provide scholarship opportunities to the people who may not receive typical educational opportunities in the Mat-Su Borough.

    For the past two and a half years, the Mat-Su Health Foundation has been a Nightingale College partner and has provided $175,000 to support 28 learners in their nursing school journey. With the Mat-Su Valley holding the state’s fastest-growing population, it was a strategic goal in their Healthy Futures focus area to work with educators, employers, and training providers in and out of the State of Alaska.

    “In working to identify, meet the challenges, and build a pipeline of healthcare workers, working with Nightingale was a perfect match,” said Vandana. “With the way that our state is situated, we have a lot of out-of-state healthcare education providers that are also looking to build a strong workforce. As a result of that, there was an increased number of applicants attending Nightingale and we invited Nightingale to participate in the Mat-Su Workforce Development Network group of stakeholders who are working on building a stronger healthcare workforce in Alaska. This partnership helps ensure that we are engaged in creating a healthcare workforce pipeline and support our scholarship recipients.”

    The work the Mat-Su Health Foundation is putting into their community is truly admirable and continues to change the lives of Alaskans every year. Looking ahead, the goal of the Foundation is to be the healthiest borough in Alaska through better care, healthier people, lower costs, and happier providers by 2030.

    Learn More

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers two types of scholarships to residents of the Mat-Su Borough interested in pursuing health and human services careers. Academic scholarships help defray the cost of higher education in health and human services degree programs. Vocational scholarships help pay for training and certificate programs in health and human services. Professional development scholarships help pay for capacity-building training programs.

  • Six projects tackling food insecurity in the Mat-Su Borough receive support

    Six projects tackling food insecurity in the Mat-Su Borough receive support

    Wasilla, Alaska — A Wasilla ministry will stock its pantry to serve vulnerable low-income individuals. Chickaloon Village Traditional council was awarded support to provide meals to youth. A high school will lead a community effort to provide food to students from various schools.

    Those are among the six projects that recently received support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation, totaling $104,000 in grants to help efforts tackling food insecurity across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in August and September 2023 and part of the more than $1.9 million in grants awarded in that time period.

    According to the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment, more than 11% of Matanuska-Susitna residents currently experience food insecurity while households with incomes under $50,000 were more likely to indicate in the household survey that they or someone in their household did not have enough food to eat (16% vs. 4% overall).

    Blood-N-Fire Ministry of Alaska in was awarded $45,000 to help stock their pantry, a facility that primarily serves vulnerable low-income individuals in the Meadow Lakes, Houston, Big Lake, Wasilla, and KGB areas of the Mat-Su Borough. The food pantry needs to purchase additional bulk food items to help keep shelves full and provide clients with healthy food options.

    Chickaloon Village Traditional Council was awarded $20,000 to support efforts to provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks to Mat-Su children attending the Ya Ne Dah Ah school, any younger siblings they have, and any other children in the area considered a Mat-Su resident.

    Palmer High School was awarded $15,000 to continue funding the Sandwich Project, which provides food over the weekend to students from eight schools in the greater Palmer area. Students who experience food insecurity are offered a bag of food, so they have enough to eat at home. Last year, the community effort gave more than 5,000 bags.

    Other projects and programs receiving support to tackle food insecurity include supporting food needs for Mat-Su youth in respite or foster care; a pilot project focused on providing meals during holiday breaks for three Mat-Su elementary schools; and a pantry providing bags of food to youth during weekends and holiday breaks.

    Information about all Mat-Su Health Foundation grant programs is available at www.healthymatsu.org. Applications for all grants are open and can be submitted online throughout the year.

    Read about all the recently approved grants.

    Download this press release.

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    About the Foundation
    Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.

  • From building affordable workforce housing to making health resources accessible, Mat-Su Health Foundation awards $1.9 million

    From building affordable workforce housing to making health resources accessible, Mat-Su Health Foundation awards $1.9 million

    Wasilla, Alaska — As part of its ongoing commitment to creating a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life, the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) awarded 27 grants to local nonprofit organizations that support the multitude of factors that contribute to individual and community health in August and September 2023. These organizations serve a variety of needs in our community, such as addressing food insecurity with Mat-Su youth, bringing health fairs to residents living in the Upper Su and Wasilla, and building affordable workforce housing. All the grants will support their work in creating a healthier Mat-Su.

    In the months of August and September, grant awards totaled $1,968,143. This brings total grantmaking for this year to $9,394,578.28.

    • Alaska Family Services Inc.: $50,000 to support the Special Santa Workshop project, which provides Christmas presents to families in need in the Mat-Su Borough.
    • Alaska Farmland Trust: $37,612 to support the Trust’s capacity-building efforts and to enable the conservation of farmlands in Mat-Su Borough.
    • Alaska Legal Services Corporation: $100,000 to host an attorney at their office in the MSHF building to assist eligible households presenting with critical civil legal problems.
    • Alaska Peace Officers Association: $15,000 to support the startup of Mat-Su Law Enforcement Explorer Post 400, which is part of the Explorers education program, an affiliate of Boy Scouts of America. The Post is a mentoring opportunity for youth ages 14 to 20 to foster healthy decision-making skills, build self-confidence and provide community service.
    • Beacon Hill: $6,000 to support food needs for Mat-Su children in respite or foster care.
    • Best Beginnings: $40,000 to manage the Mat-Su Imagination Library and its monthly book deliveries from the national Imagination Library to enrolled children under 5 years old.
    • Blood-N-Fire Ministry of Alaska: $45,000 to support stocking food for Blood-n-Fire’s pantry, a facility that primarily serves vulnerable low-income people in the Meadow Lakes, Houston, Big Lake, Wasilla and KGB areas of the Mat-Su Borough.
    • Chickaloon Village Traditional Council: $20,000 to feed Mat-Su youth.
    • Euthus Ministries: $10,000 to replace washers and dryers for the Euthus House, a Christ-centered residential safe and sober house that endeavors to empower men to create a productive future and develop a new perspective on life built on faith and character development through a safe and sober living environment.
    • Friends of the Sutton Library: $5,500 to support the Sutton Youth Arts & Wellness Program, designed for local youth ages 11-16, which combines healthy living ideals with community engagement, volunteerism, arts, crafts and cultural activities.
    • Frontline Mission: $6,000 to support a pilot program for giving food during two holiday breaks to 250 children in need from three Mat-Su elementary schools.
    • Hope Community Resources Inc.: $277,400 to support emergency preparedness with the installation of a standby generator in five assisted living homes in Mat-Su and renovation of one assisted living home for accessibility, health and safety, and energy efficiency.
    • LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource Center: $187,000 to partially fund the cost of the Mat-Su Aging and Disability Resource Center, which provides free information and referral services for individuals with disabilities, seniors and vulnerable adults by connecting them to quality services and supports that foster independence, personal choice and dignity.
    • Meadow Lakes Community Development Inc.: $10,000 to engage middle and high school students in developing new recyclable products using materials currently collected by Valley Community for Recycling Solutions or materials such as glass or rubber.
    • NAMI Alaska: $5,000 to fund NAMI Provider Education program, which offers the tools healthcare professionals need to combine the medical and recovery models of care to better serve patients to enhance relationships with the patient and their family members.
    • Nine Star Enterprises Inc.: $4,590 to collaborate with The Foraker Group for fund development coaching on strategies and tactics relevant to Nine Star’s current funding situation.
    • Northgate Alaska: $15,000 to fund iAMSOMEBODY and assist with developing strong organizational processes, safeguards and documentation so they can continue building up the program with continuity and excellence.
    • Palmer Community Foundation: $15,000 to support long-term sustainability.
    • Palmer High School: $15,000 to fund the Sandwich Project, which will provide food over the weekend to students from eight schools in the greater Palmer area. Students who experience food insecurity are provided the option of taking home a bag of food, so they have enough food to eat at home. Last year, the project gave more than 5,000 bags.
    • Postpartum Support, International: $15,000 to send 13 Mat-Su providers to the Perinatal Mood Disorder Training in 2024, which will include two days of basic education for providers on perinatal mental health disorders, including screening, assessment and treatment.
    • Sunshine Community Health Center: $7,725 to fund three health fairs in Talkeetna, Willow and Trapper Creek for residents in the Upper Su, which are held in coordination with Alaska Health Fair Blood Testing and Education to provide discounted labs, health education and additional health resources.
    • Sunshine Community Health Center $468,516 to provide therapeutic services for the Behavioral Health in Schools program for students in specified schools within the Mat-Su Borough throughout school year 2023-2024.
    • Sunshine Transit: $170,000 to provide local match funding for use in obtaining state and federal transit funds.
    • TransformED: $174,300 to partner with Wild Energized Life to deliver the Extra-Toughs program for survivors of gynecologic and breast cancer for Mat-Su women to reclaim a healthier future through holistic and targeted interventions.
    • Valley Residential Services: $6,500 to support the 2023 Fall Community Health Fair at Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc., which provides a one-day, one-stop location for Mat-Su community members.
    • Valley Residential Services: $250,000 to help fund 16 units of affordable workforce housing in the Palmer area.
    • Willow Food Pantry, UMC: $12,000 to provide food for youth who otherwise would not receive enough to eat.

    Information about all Mat-Su Health Foundation grant programs is available at www.healthymatsu.org. Applications for all grants are open and can be submitted online throughout the year.

    Download this press release.

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    About the Foundation
    Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.

  • Reflecting on the Journey: Community Conversations Inspire a Sense of Shared Purpose

    Reflecting on the Journey: Community Conversations Inspire a Sense of Shared Purpose

    As the sun sets on a remarkable chapter, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey the Community Conversations have taken us on across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Public meetings were held in Sutton, Upper Su, Palmer and Wasilla this month and last. It’s with both gratitude and a sense of fulfillment that we look back at the meaningful discussions, wealth of ideas and heartfelt conversations that characterized this series. These discussions have not only illuminated the challenges our community faces but have also sparked innovative ideas and inspired a sense of shared purpose among us.

    Through these conversations, we sought to create a space where voices from all walks of life could be heard, ideas could flourish, and dreams for a healthier community could take flight. And we were not disappointed.

    We heard passionate discussions about healthcare accessibility, educational initiatives, community programs, and so much more. The dedication and enthusiasm of every participant were palpable, reminding us of the incredible potential that resides within our community.

    As we look back on these enriching conversations, we express our deepest gratitude to each and every Mat-Su resident who participated. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Thank you for your passion, your dedication and your unwavering belief in the power of community.

    Our meeting facilitators are preparing a report that will identify the themes heard across many of the conversations. It will be emailed to all meeting participants and released publicly before Thanksgiving. Our Board of Directors will use the information gathered to inform future strategies that will help the foundation realize its vison of a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.

    With deep appreciation,

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation Team

  • Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes New COO Kesha T. Clinkscale

    Mat-Su Health Foundation Welcomes New COO Kesha T. Clinkscale

    Wasilla, Alaska — Following a nationwide search, the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has hired Kesha T. Clinkscale as chief operating officer (COO). Kesha was selected from a broad field of candidates through a strategic and comprehensive nationwide search process conducted by The Foraker Group. She joined the Foundation team on August 15, 2023, and will be a critical partner to the Foundation’s CEO, executive leadership team, and board of directors.

    “As a seasoned nonprofit executive in the healthcare field, Kesha has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for others,” said President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “We feel so fortunate to have found someone of Kesha’s caliber who is completely committed to helping the Foundation achieve its vison of a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.”

    In her role as COO, Kesha will execute the management and operations of the Foundation and play a key role in the organization’s overall strategy development. She will design and implement a cohesive operational infrastructure that aligns to the organization’s mission and supports its growth.

    “This role is truly a dream come true for me,” said Clinkscale. “My experiences and life journey so far have led me to this incredible opportunity to do great work, with great people in an even greater community. I’m excited about leveraging my extensive experience in healthcare administration, nonprofit management, and strategic philanthropy to support an organization that is already doing so much for the Mat-Su community.”

    Clinkscale most recently served as vice president of culture and wellness at Habersham Medical Center in rural, northeast Georgia. Prior to that she held executive positions at large, small, and multi-national organizations and charitable foundations. She earned a Master of Public Administration at Troy State University, a Master of Health Administration at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, and a bachelor of arts in Africa and African Diaspora Studies at Tulane University.

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    About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.

  • Mat-Su Health Foundation awards grants to enhance community health and wellbeing

    Mat-Su Health Foundation awards grants to enhance community health and wellbeing

    Wasilla, Alaska — As part of its ongoing commitment to creating a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life, in July the Mat-Su Health Foundation awarded 15 grants totaling $1.2 million to organizations offering services that enhance individual and community wellbeing. The organizations serve a variety of needs including behavioral health, childcare, physical health and more.

    The Foundation’s total grantmaking in 2023 so far is $7,426,435.28.

    • American National Red Cross: $32,285 for the Home Fire Relief program, which provides assistance and support to Mat-Su residents affected by a home fire.
    • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska: $165,000 to fund a portion of the For the Kids Foundation’s Infrastructure Improvements Project for upgrades to its donation center and to support youth mentoring in the Mat-Su.
    • Daybreak Inc.: $5,000 to support staff availability for client referrals within the newly established Crisis Now system. Their main responsibility is to ensure post-crisis clients get referred to and are meaningfully connected with care in the community.
    • Mat-Su 2024 Arctic Winter Games Host Society: $275,000 to fund the non-competitive aspects of the event, including community-building activities for Mat-Su residents such as a large volunteer program and a winter carnival, and accessibility of sports and culture venues.
    • Palmer Fellowship United Methodist Church: $15,000 for nutritious lunch packs to be given to children on the weekends.
    • Point Mackenzie Community Council: $50,000 for construction of a handicap accessible ramp and walkway to the community center building.
    • Set Free Alaska, Inc.: $5,000 to fund same- or next-day walk-in outpatient substance use disorder treatment services to clients referred through the new Crisis Now mobile crisis team.
    • Sunshine Community Health Center: $300,000 to cover short-term operational costs of health care services provided by clinics in Willow and the Upper Su area.
    • Sunshine Station Child Care Center: $150,000 to for the renovation of its childcare facility for additional physical spaces and upgrades that will allow the organization to be state licensed as a child care center rather than a child care home—thus increasing enrollment of local families to receive full-time child care.
    • True North Recovery, Inc.: $20,800 to fund a lease with a local hotel to support homeless individuals seeking recovery from substance abuse.
    • University of Alaska, Anchorage: $2,350 for a free Alaska Health Fair at Mat-Su College, which will provide health screenings, affordable blood testing, health education information and educational activities for the community.
    • University of Alaska, Anchorage: $150,000 for expansion of the UAA Master of Social Work program over the next three years, allowing for almost triple the number of MSW students.
    • Upper Susitna Seniors, Inc.: $12,520 to fund technical assistance in carrying out a capital project assessment of a proposed project to serve seniors and community members.
    • Valley Charities, Inc.: $15,000 to fund a two-day in-person training geared toward those who serve reentrants, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment providers, reentry case managers, probation and parole officers, correctional education coordinators and employment technicians.
    • Valley Pathways High School: $14,000 to support the creation of VPSFIT, a free after-school fitness program designed to build kids’ self-confidence, increase their knowledge of healthy habits, and provide a safe environment for them to push themselves out of their comfort zones both physically and mentally.

    Information about all MSHF grant programs is available at www.healthymatsu.org. Applications for all grants are available online and open year-round.

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    About Mat-Su Health Foundation: Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, MSHF board members and representatives actively participate in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital to protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution. The MSHF mission is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su and the tools it uses include grantmaking, convening of local partners, and policy change. The foundation’s work has resulted in significant improvements in systems that support the health of Mat-Su residents in areas such as behavioral health, child welfare, crisis response, community connections, workforce development, transportation, housing, and senior services. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org.