Author: Angela Cox

  • Lake Louise Snowmachine Club: Good Times on Groomed Trails

    Lake Louise Snowmachine Club: Good Times on Groomed Trails

    Nothing beats the beauty of Lake Louise.

    The Lake Louise area, with its cabins and trails, is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts, longtime residents, and seasonal visitors to the area. Preserving and expanding safe trail access to this area is not only good for the local economy but also for the health of the thousands of Mat-Su residents who frequent Lake Louise for skiing, hiking, fat tire biking, fishing, and other activities. This becomes especially important during winter months when we’re all tempted to spend more of our time indoors to fend off cabin fever. In addition to recreational use, the trails in the area are also popular among mushers, utilizing the trails to train their dogs for fun and competition. With a wide variety of uses, keeping the trails maintained and accessible in the Lake Louise and Copper Basin area is just one of the responsibilities assumed by the Lake Louise Snowmachine Club.

    Beyond recreational uses, it’s essential for these trails to be in good order so that in times of medical emergencies, safe and speedy access for medical evacuation can be accomplished.  

    This is where the Lake Louise Snowmachine Club comes in. 

    The club’s number one priority is to mark and maintain a roughly 350-mile multi-use winter trail system in the Lake Louise area, including Tolsona, Eureka, and Tyrone Lake. Specifically, Crosswind Trail, Tolsona Trail, Eureka Trail, Moore Lake Loop, and other side trails are the main focus of the Lake Louise Snowmachine Club. For 30 years, the club relied on two pieces of trail grooming sno-cats, affectionately known as “Tucker” and “Bigfoot,” to ensure these multi-use trails were well-maintained. In 2023, both machines were reaching the end of their lifecycle, and to continue to ensure groomed trails, new equipment was in urgent need.   

    Mat-Su Health Foundation believes that access to safe and reliable trails is important to the health of our borough. 

    When we were approached with the opportunity to support the Lake Louise Snowmachine Club’s Project Wolf Tracks to help purchase a new PistenBully snow groomer, we were delighted to collaborate. The new groomer was integral in ensuring that this important trail system stays maintained well into the future. As a result of MSHF funding and additional fundraising efforts, the club was able to purchase and transport the new groomer to Alaska, taking possession of their groomer in December of 2023.

    “Since getting our PistenBully, we’ve been able to better address the maintenance and conditions of our many trails. Recreators, including snowmachiners, hikers, skiers, bikers and mushers, rely on these well-groomed trails, ensuring that locals and visitors are able to experience all the area has to offer. The new groomer has been an invaluable asset to our club and our community, providing a much safer and faster conduit for emergency personnel to respond to an incident or condition that threatens life or safety. “ -Pete Probasco, President, Lake Louise Snowmachine Club

    We are proud of this partnership, which we believe speaks to one of the reasons Mat-Su is such a special place to live. Thanks to the dedicated work of the Lake Louise Snowmachine Club’s 200+ members/volunteers and a brand new PistenBully, we look forward to seeing residents and visitors alike enjoying all our beautiful home has to offer now and into the future.

    To learn more about the Lake Louise Snowmachine Club, the trail system, and how to become a club member, visit lakelouisesnowmachineclub.com.

  • Meet the Connectors at Connect Mat-Su

    Meet the Connectors at Connect Mat-Su

    Connect Mat-Su was established by the Mat-Su Health Foundation in response to the community expressing a need for access to essential services. The Foundation’s Community Health Assessment, a survey of Mat-Su Valley residents about their needs and experiences, found that despite essential services existing in the Valley, people were not able to find the support they needed.

    That’s where Connect Mat-Su comes in: as a conduit between service providers and the people of Mat-Su. It helps residents easily get connected to over 1,752 participating providers, and find services to meet their needs—from healthcare to housing and more.

    The Connect Mat-Su Team (left to right): Ashley Peltier, Tyler Bowman, Brian Tiefenbrun, Lane Gambil, and Cynthia Norvell. Not Pictured: Kailea Cullen

    While the Connect Mat-Su website provides a tool that residents can browse on their own to find services, the Connect team is also on hand to directly help residents find services that are a good fit. The team also supports its large network of providers along the way. It’s a program of and for the people of the Mat-Su Valley, led by passionate community-builders.

    Meet the team that makes Connect Mat-Su a reality!

    While some members of the Connect-Mat-Su team have been around since the program’s earliest days, there’s also been growth in order to best meet community needs. We’re proud of the people who work so diligently to serve the community.

    Ashley Peltier | Connect Mat-Su Director

    Ashley directs program staff, oversees operations, and ensures strategic alignment with the Foundation’s mission. Before joining Mat-Su Health Foundation, Ashley worked at various non-profits in the Mat-Su, including Alaska Family Services, Southcentral Foundation, and the American Lung Association. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys entertaining, cooking, fishing, and golfing.

    Brian Tiefenbrun | Operations Manager 

    Brian leads the operational and technical functions, including managing the community resource database and the Connect Mat-Su website. With 10 years of military service as a Combat Medic and experience in state government and behavioral health, Brian brings a diverse skill set in leadership and project management. He holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology from American Military University and graphic design with a concentration in web development from Southern New Hampshire University. Brian is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of his community through his work and volunteerism. In his free time, he enjoys exploring Alaska’s outdoors with his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters.

    Cynthia Norvell | Information and Referral Coordinator

    Cynthia brings many years of experience working in the nonprofit social service field.  In the Connect Mat-Su team, her primary role is to conduct follow-up with clients with complex or emergent needs. Her role includes ensuring equity and inclusion in all interactions with providers and to advocate for clients’ needs.  She supports the team to ensure that all Connect Mat-Su clients are provided with timely and easy-to-access information and referrals. In Cynthia’s spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, quilting, arts and crafts, scrapbooking, and enjoying the outdoors.

    Lane Gambill | Community Resource Specialist

    As part of the direct service team, Lane supports the community through providing information on local organizations and programs. Lane is a Veteran, having served as a medic in the U.S Army. He is also a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist and has a background in EMS and Fire. In his leisure time he enjoys being outside, mountain biking, hiking, and hunting.

    Tyler Bowman | Projects and Partnerships Coordinator for Connect Mat-Su

    Tyler focuses on building relationships with new and existing partners. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics and economics from George Fox University. Prior to joining the Connect Mat-Su team, Tyler was the Technology and Communications Coordinator at Frontline Mission. He worked on implementing technology solutions such as a customer relationship management database system, accounting systems, and fundraising solutions. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, photography, and experiencing new cultures.

    The Foundation is deeply appreciative of what the Connect Mat-Su team continues to do to positively impact our community. With their hard work, our Mat-Su community members are continually able to connect with resources, services, and supports that enhance their lives and well-being.

  • A Staff Update: New Team Members, New Transitions, and an A+ Scholarship Team

    A Staff Update: New Team Members, New Transitions, and an A+ Scholarship Team

    From left to right: Mahlet Herrmann, Kelsey Anderson, and Jessie Burbank.

    New Team Members, New Transitions, and an A+ Scholarship Team

     The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is happy to welcome new team members and celebrate the role transition of two others.

    Mahlet Herrmann is MSHF’s new accounting systems manager. Jessie Burbank has transitioned to a new role as program associate and Kelsey Anderson is now the program executive assistant on the grantmaking team.

    Mahlet Herrmann has joined the MSHF team as the new accounting systems manager. She brings a diverse background of experience, including prior work as a case manager at True North Recovery and four years in the United States Marine Corps where she worked in financial administration. Herrmann has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from American Military University.

    Jessie Burbank transitioned to a new role as a program associate on the grantmaking team, where she manages the target wellness grants which fund health and wellbeing projects up to $25,000. She also administers the technical assistance program, connecting Mat-Su organizations with support in areas like accounting, fundraising and capital project planning. For three years, Burbank served as Connect Mat-Su’s community resource specialist and information and referral coordinator. She graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in women’s studies.

    As the new program executive assistant, Kelsey Anderson will assist the chief community impact officer with board support, project management, and system enhancements. Prior to this role, Anderson served two years as a program assistant. She brings previous experience in agriculture and other administrative roles, including at a nonprofit that served children with developmental disabilities.

     

    An A+ Scholarship Team

    Our scholarship program has experienced significant growth over the years; 2024 was no exception. With more than $2.6 million awarded to 436 academic scholarship recipients earlier this year and continuous interest in our vocational scholarships, we now have two staff dedicated to the scholarship program’s year-round success.

    Erin Bendle and Adelina Rodriguez are now leading the scholarship team.

    Adelina Rodriguez is the new scholarship program officer. She has 16 years of experience in higher education and brings an extensive background in student-centered services, strategic program development and management, financial aid expertise, recruitment, and career development. Rodriguez has taught courses at Mat-Su College to support student success. She has a bachelor’s in business administration and a master’s in curriculum instruction from New Mexico State University.

    Erin Bendle joins MSHF as the new scholarship associate, where she will conduct community outreach and provide vital support to the program. Bendle graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelor’s in social work and a minor in drug and alcohol studies. During the early part of her career she worked with young people as an inpatient drug and alcohol counselor and then transitioned into working with adults experiencing chronic mental illness. More recently, she worked in youth and family services at the Wasilla Public Library.

     

  • Elizabeth Ripley to Retire from Her Role as President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation

    Elizabeth Ripley to Retire from Her Role as President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation

     

     

    WASILLA, ALASKA – The Mat-Su Health Foundation announces that Elizabeth Ripley will transition from her role after serving 16 years as President and CEO. She has led the foundation’s efforts to improve the health and wellness of all Alaskans living in the Mat-Su Borough. Board Chair Lisa Wade said that Ripley’s departure, which is expected to occur in 2025, has been a long-planned transition. Ripley will remain in her position until a successor is identified to help ensure a smooth transition for the foundation.

    “The list of Elizabeth’s accomplishments for the foundation and the community is long,” Wade said. “When she started her role in 2008, we made nearly $3 million in grants. Today we have a clear mission, defined program and focus areas, and this year will award over $20M. More importantly, we have seen measurable progress in reaching our goal to become the healthiest borough in Alaska.”

    Major successes of Elizabeth’s leadership include:

    • Helping to establish the joint venture that built and launched Mat-Su Regional Medical Center to meet growing healthcare needs and keep hospital revenue in the community
    • Spearheading advances in local behavioral health, including the addition of the behavioral health wing at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and support of initiatives like Mat-Su Crisis Now and the creation of the Crisis Intervention Team Coalition and its many positive impacts
    • Advocating for local policies to support public health, including increased access to healthcare, especially behavioral healthcare, and lowering healthcare costs through Medicaid expansion and key legislation
    • Establishing the foundation as a critical source of data and reports for local providers and organizations, giving them the information they need to guide their work and gain funding
    • Dramatically increasing the local healthcare workforce through the foundation’s academic and vocational scholarship programs
    • Founding Connect Mat-Su, which makes it easier for Mat-Su residents to access local services, and R.O.C.K. Mat-Su, a collaborative that promotes family resilience and reduces child maltreatment

    Ripley says she will miss working with friends and colleagues across the state but will especially miss working side-by-side with those who call the valley home. “We have amazing individuals and organizations in our community who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in the Mat-Su,” Ripley said as she described the foundation’s role in the region. “I think of the coalition of people who are changing the way we respond to those having a behavioral health crisis. I think of community leaders, the talented staff and volunteers who give way beyond a typical 9 to 5 to ensure the most vulnerable among us have access to education, housing, and healthcare. I think of public servants who go the extra mile to ensure our basic needs and beyond are met.”

    After leaving her position, Ripley will continue to serve on the governance board of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center on behalf of the foundation. She is committed to maintaining the hospital’s ability to respond to the needs of Mat-Su’s growing population with high quality healthcare.

    “This role for me has been my vocation,” Ripley shared. “I’m so grateful for the trust put in me by that board who hired me 16 years ago and for all the board members since who have supported me. I will miss my meaningful work at the foundation and especially our talented, caring staff who are all in on our mission, but I am looking forward to having more time to spend with my family, travel, and explore other interests in the community.”

    Wade emphasizes that foundation programs including grants, sponsorships, and scholarships will all continue during the transition and under new leadership. “The board deeply appreciates all that Elizabeth has done for the foundation and the Mat-Su community,” Wade said. “With her vision, dedication, and hard work, Elizabeth has positioned us for a new phase of growth. We are confident in the foundation’s future and thank Elizabeth and the entire staff for all they have done and will continue to do for our Mat-Su communities.”

    The Board of Directors has engaged The Foraker Group to help lead a thoughtful and thorough selection process which will begin later this year.

     

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    About Mat-Su Health Foundation

    The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. Through 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 Crisis Response Team Receives Bert Hall Award for Commitment to Community Health

    Mat-Su Crisis Response Team Receives Bert Hall Award for Commitment to Community Health

    Bert Hall, sitting center, with representatives from the Mat-Su Crisis Response Team and Mat-Su Health Foundation.

    Wasilla, Alaska — Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) announced yesterday that it awarded the Mat-Su Crisis Response Team with the 2024 Bert Hall Award for their work in improving the health of the community.

    The Mat-Su Crisis Response Team developed a program in which behavioral health service providers accompany traditional emergency 911 responders serving people experiencing behavioral health crises. As a result, many emergencies now get a response from these trained service providers who have the expertise to properly intervene, de-escalate situations, and refer people in crisis to services and resources.

    “This co-response model has yielded positive results for both the first responders and service providers,” said Elizabeth Ripley, President of MSHF. “But more importantly, this change in how our system supports community members has delivered better outcomes for individuals who are experiencing perhaps the worst day of their lives—all by getting them connected to services other than jail or the emergency department.”

    This co-response model has been successfully incorporated into the 911 dispatch system at Matcom and Palmer Dispatch. In the last year, this project has made a difference for over 200 individuals experiencing a behavioral health emergency in the Mat-Su Borough.

    The Crisis Response Team has also developed a post-crisis system of several different connector agencies to which first responders can refer clients after successful intervention and de-escalation. These connector agencies help navigate and coordinate care for behavioral health clients as they get moved on to appropriate care within the community, reducing the chance they will have to rely upon 911 in the future to maintain their mental health.

    There has been tremendous growth in the Mat-Su crisis response system in recent years, including the adoption of the national 988 helpline, the 911 mobile crisis co-response, seven different crisis intervention trainings attended by over 150 first responders, and increased training in mental health first aid.

    The members of the Mat-Su Crisis Response team are:

    • Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority
    • Alaska State Troopers
    • Alaska Youth and Family Network
    • Actionable Data Consulting
    • Daybreak, Inc.
    • Emergency Medical Services, Mat-Su Borough
    • LINKS Resource Center
    • Matcom 911
    • Palmer Dispatch
    • Palmer Police Department
    • True North Recovery, Inc.
    • Wasilla Police Department

    The work of the Mat-Su Crisis Response Team is supported by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, MSHF, and numerous community and governmental agencies.

    The Bert Hall Award, or “Bertie”, is an annual recognition presented to an individual or organization that consistently exemplifies commitment to working at the systems level to improve the health and wellness of Mat-Su residents. It was created in 2013 in honor of Mat-Su resident Bert Hall. Previous Bert Hall Award recipients include Mark Lackey (2023), John Weaver (2022), the Mat-Su Borough School District Health Advisory Team (2021), Kimberly Schlosser (2020), Lt. Tom Dunn (2019), Rachel Greenberg (2018), Bill Hogan (2017), Herman Thompson (2016), Margaret Volz (2015), Craig Thorn (2014) and Bert Hall himself (2013).

     About Mat-Su Health Foundation

    The mission of the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. Through 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.

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  • Healthy Smiles Forever

    Healthy Smiles Forever

    A smile a day keeps the doctor away.

    The mere act of smiling can lift one’s mood, lower stress, boost the immune system and even prolong one’s life. Yet, for many older adults, smiling, and even eating and communicating are a challenge as a result of oral health issues. 

    Elders in assisted-living and long-term care facilities are at particular risk of poor oral health. Without the infrastructure for consistent dental care or staff trained in providing dental hygiene services, dental problems are common. 

    The difficulty in transporting elderly residents with mobility issues makes dental care even harder to access. Some residents are unable to stand up and scoot into a wheelchair. Even if they can get into the wheelchair, dental offices cannot physically lift patients from that wheelchair to the dental chair safely. For others, cognitive and other physical limitations present additional barriers.

    Royann Royer, a local dental hygienist, saw this gap in care and decided to take matters into her own hands. 

    She began visiting assisted-living facility residents and discussing the need for dental care with the administrators. Recognizing the scale of the issue, Royer partnered with Christian Health Associates to develop Healthy Smiles Forever. Today, it provides comprehensive on-site dental services to residents of five assisted-living and long-term care facilities in Palmer, Wasilla, and Anchorage. Healthy Smiles Forever is the only such organization in Alaska.

    With over 20% of Mat-Su residents over the age of 60, access to this type of dental care is essential, and the need is expected to increase with time. By offering preventive services, restorative services, denture services and non-surgical extractions at each site one to two days a week, Healthy Smiles Forever is improving the overall health of Mat-Su’s older adultss—and promoting more smiles. 

     Mat-Su Health Foundation helps Healthy Smiles Forever make dental care more accessible.

    In 2023, Mat-Su Health Foundation awarded $250,000 to Christian Health Associates and Healthy Smiles Forever to expand its services for more than 200 residents at three long-term care facilities in the Mat-Su. The grant allowed Healthy Smiles Forever to pay dental care specialists, expand their in-facility services and provide training and education to CNAs and other providers.

    The fact that people can get the care they need where they live has brought an incredible sense of relief for residents and their families. The Mat-Su Health Foundation is proud to support this critical work. 

  • More Than $2.6 Million in Scholarships Awarded to 436 Local Residents

    More Than $2.6 Million in Scholarships Awarded to 436 Local Residents

    Wasilla, Alaska – For the seventh year in a row, Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) increased the number and total dollar amount of academic scholarship awards. This week, 436 Mat-Su residents were awarded more than $2.6 million to pursue higher education in the fields of health and human services. Individual awards ranged from $2,000 to $9,000.

    “The Mat-Su Borough is the fastest growing in Alaska, and our healthcare workforce must keep pace,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Ripley. “Our scholarship program supports local residents to become the health and human service providers of tomorrow – to ensure we have the talent and expertise to meet community needs. There is also tremendous career opportunity in these fields and a chance for all who pursue them to positively affect the lives of many.”

    This year’s scholarship recipients are diverse in their interest areas and are at different points in their academic journey. The top three fields in pursuit are nursing, behavioral health, and allied health – which encompasses disciplines like physical therapy, pharmacy, and speech therapy. Many of the recipients have received Foundation scholarship assistance before, though 196 are new. Most are undergraduates (291), though 43 are soon graduating from high school and 102 are graduate students.

    The Foundation has been awarding scholarships since 2008, and in the last five years has awarded 2,278 academic scholarships totaling more than $11 million.

    Here are the 2024 MSHF academic scholarship recipients:

    Abell, Julia
    Adams, Kayla
    Adams, Christine
    Adams, Darren
    Adams, Magan
    Albano, Aemjae Sainty
    Allen, Karina
    Alley, Rebekkah
    Alverts, Lydia
    Andersen, Jessica
    Anderzen, Rachel
    Andrade, Rey
    Armstrong, Kelsea
    Atwell, Deborah
    Baca, Belle
    Bacher, Amy
    Backus, Kaija
    Bailey, Meghan
    Baker-Chapman, Tyler
    Barnes, Danielle
    Barnhardt, Nyalie
    Basner, Landon
    Beachell, Marissa
    Becerra, Lavina
    Beck, Bronte
    Beck, Eleni
    Beebe, Leticia
    Beer, Benjamin
    Beer, Joshua
    Beer, Leah
    Bekkedahl, Travisreed
    Ben-Judah, Kaylea
    Bena, Ashley
    Bena, Avery
    Berrigan, Rya
    Bethel, Ashley
    Bird, Nona
    Biswell, Colsie
    Blake, Brittany
    Bocast, William
    Boe, Kelci
    Borgeson, Megan
    Borrayo, River
    Boss, Jonathan
    Bower, Angelus
    Bowker, Braden
    Bradley, Elicia
    Brandenburg, Azlynn
    Bredberg, Kate
    Brennan, Hailey
    Broadway Phillips, Maycee
    Brokaw, Bethany
    Brookey, Melissa
    Brown, Charlotte
    Brown, Christopher
    Brown, Cody
    Brown, Contessa
    Brown, Paula
    Brown, Talisa
    Buchanan, Heather
    Buchanan, Tobias
    Buist, Elijah
    Burton, Drake
    Bustillos, Monica
    Cabales, Makailyn
    Cabrera, Wences
    Caldwell, Zanya
    Calugan, Brian
    Campfield, Esme
    Carney, Amelia
    Caruso, Aaliyah
    Carver, Mariah
    Catlett, Nicole
    Chance, Avery
    Charland, Michelle
    Cheyette, Anja
    China, Keyshon
    Christensen, Justina
    Church, Joseph
    Clemens, Lily
    Clements, Aaron
    Clifton, Kali
    Clinch, Hannah
    Coffman, Ryan
    Coleman, Cullan
    Collier, Jadyn
    Commack, Antonia
    Compton, Angel
    Coombs, Sabrina
    Couch, Veronica
    Cox, Aimee
    Crawford, Abigail
    Cremeen, Emma
    Cross, Raven
    Cuddy, Jonathan
    Davidson, Kristen
    Davidson, Noelle
    DeGraffenried, Wendy
    Delima, Ryley
    DeWall, Hunter
    Dinkel, Blake
    Dischner, Matthew
    Ditmer, Caleb
    Doland, Benjamin
    Doty, Adrianna
    Douthit, Samantha
    Duenas, Emily
    Duffield, Isabella
    Duguid, Hannah
    Duncan, Steven    		 Duncombe, Caitlynn
    Dunford, Kelly
    Edgar, Makenzie
    Edwards, Crystal
    Ehmann, Ayla
    Eklund, Macee
    Eldridge, Tyler
    Ellsworth, Sarah
    Emmert, Ainsley
    Erickson, Deanna
    Ervin, Alyssa
    Ervin, Miranda
    Estes, Cassidy
    Eversull, Melissa
    Ewing, Breanna
    Eyre, Kassandra
    Faeo, Tonya
    Fairbanks, Lerin
    Farris, Selene
    Fiedler, Ema
    Fields, Jennifer
    Finley, Addison
    Flaming, Corbin
    Fleckenstein, Jewel
    Foister, Kayla
    Foisy, Jessica
    Forrester, Larrica
    Fritts, Haley
    Fuger-Bellamy, Marlee
    Gabel, Zachary
    Gallagher, Brayden
    Gallagher, Rett
    Gardino, Madeline
    Garver, Lyanna
    Geddes, Jonathan
    Gelatt, Amelia
    Gelineau, Heather
    Gerasimyuk, Faith
    Germain, Katherine
    Godin, Amber
    Golden, Jennifer
    Gorban, Lyubov
    Goss, Allison
    Grant, Camryn
    Grant, Shanelle
    Greenwood, Nichole
    Gregory, John
    Grubbs, Frank
    Hacker, Desiree
    Hale, Ella
    Halfacre, Drake
    Hall, Abigail
    Hall, Adam
    Hancey, Mason
    Hancey, Scott
    Hancock Daugette, Danielle
    Harris, Alana
    Harris, Laura
    Harrison, Caitlyn
    Haselow, Timber
    Haskin, Travis
    Haug, Sydney
    Hays, Avari
    Heath, Joehanna
    Heath, Natalia
    Henderson, Ben
    Hennemann, Elisabeth
    Hennemann, Rosalia
    Hernandez, Sierra
    Herndon, Libieann
    Hervey, Amaya
    Hester, Katie
    Higgs, Brenda
    Hill, Jasmine
    Hoffman, Alyssa
    Houser, Katey
    Howard, Hailee
    Howell-West, Tracia
    Huber, Shawnie
    Hutchins, Andie
    Ibarra Cortes, Diana
    Imgrund, Esme
    Ivacic, Francesca
    James, Faith
    Jean, Gregory
    Jernstrom, Gracie
    John, Emma
    Johnson, Megan
    Johnson, Rachael
    Johnson, Rebecca
    Johnston, Emily
    Jordan, Ella
    Jorge, Christopher
    Josten, Gianna
    Kanongataa, Kalina
    Kara, Abby
    Kaznakoff, Haileymae
    Keller, Brooklyn
    Keller, Megan
    Kelly, Meagan
    Kelly, Vaughn
    Kessler, Paige
    Killebrew, Aryanna
    King, Rachel
    Klapperich, Angelina
    Knagin, Karissa
    Knight, Justin
    Kolb, Julia
    Kosht, Julia
    Kraemer, Kelsey    		 Kramer, Aubrey
    Kramp, Madison
    Krasnesky, Kairstyn
    Kristich, Nathan
    Kristich, Sophia
    Krull, Joshua
    Lambert, Cadence
    Laret, Sally
    LaRousse, Emersyn
    Larrabee, Bridget
    Larsen, Michael
    Lathrom, Jeffrey
    Lawson, Hailey
    Layton, Jared
    Leadbetter, Allison
    Lein, Janice
    Leonard, Carol
    Leonard, Tiffany Michelle
    Leuthold, Roma Lyn
    Lewis, Erik
    Lewis, Kalia
    Lewis, Sherah
    Licht, Philip
    Liebig, Kaitlyn
    Liford-Jeffers, Melissa
    Link, Emily
    Little, Kira
    Livingston, Keely
    Livingston, Marin
    Loggins, Alisha
    Long, Laurel
    Lopez Conant Harrison, Rhyann
    Loudon, Ellianna
    Ludwig, Margaret
    Ludwig, Paul
    Lyford, Laura
    Lytle, Gregory
    Magee, Carter
    Mahoney, Halie
    Mahoney, Jacob
    Marks, Bryant
    Marshall, Erica
    Marshall, Lavar
    Martin, Adrienne
    Martinez, Madison
    Matthews, Ruby
    Maxon, Layla
    McAdams, Christina
    McCarthy, Autumn
    McClure, Carrie
    Mcdonald, Alexa
    McDonald, Dylan
    McDonell, Gene
    McGraw, Kelsie
    McKnight, Lindsey
    Mckown, Joslyn
    McLellan, Riley
    McNulty, Ethan
    Michael, Neve
    Minnick-Whaley, Gracie
    Mitchell, Caroline
    Moffat, Cali
    Mondok, Jessica
    Montoya, Norma
    Moore, Ashley
    Morris, Madalyn
    Moses, Emily
    Motoyama, Brittani
    Mukaabya, Malachi
    Mullins, Joseph
    Musgrave, Lindsay
    Myrvold, Ruth
    Nardini, Axyle
    Neiser, Giselle
    Nelson, Michael
    Nelson, Taylor
    Nika, Diana
    Norman, Gracie
    O’Connor, Amy
    Olson, Ariel
    Olson, Kristine
    Olson, Rachel
    Osterkamp Bernowski, Rebecca
    Oswald, Alyssa
    Page, Matthew
    Pair, Madison
    Palenske, Addison
    Palenske, Avery
    Palmer, Sierra
    Pasa, Anika
    Patrimonio-Raval, Rio-Morgan
    Patterson, David
    Patzke, Matthew
    Payton, Emily
    Peckham, Mckenzie
    Pehrson, Kyra
    Peter, Alexandra
    Petersen, Tiger
    Phillips, Aiyana
    Phillips, Skye
    Pickard, Kristen
    Pickett, Angel-Skie
    Pilipaka, Leana
    Pirtle, Ashly
    Player, Alexis
    Polston, Ashley
    Pomrenke, Jonathan
    Quincy, Kimberly
    Rabe, Kristin
    Rafferty, Ella    		 Rayback, Roshan
    Regallo, Holly
    Reich, Lucas
    Reisinger, Mackenzie
    Renschen, Deanne
    Reyes, Mackenzie
    Rhein, Jessa
    Richardson, Madeline
    Richardson, Micaiah
    Richey, Ian
    Ridlon, Elaine
    Rindal, Megan
    Robert, Zalah
    Roberts, Chailyn
    Roberts, Megan
    Robinson, Brooklyn
    Robinson, Garey
    Robles, Joselyn
    Rockefeller, Josie
    Roper, Abigail
    Roper, Esther
    Rosas, Soveyra
    Ross, Jacob
    Rudd, Aaron
    Sanders, Shawn
    Schachle, Michael
    Schiewe, Sabrina
    Schoening, Ashley
    Schorr, Kiana
    Seidl, Kaelynn
    Sessom, Lily
    Severance, Charles
    Shaffer, Stacy
    Shaw, Evie
    Shedd-Bordner, Anna
    Shelley, Lindsey
    Shields, Hunter
    Short, Riley
    Shuey, Wyndsor
    Shults, Madelyn
    Sinenko, Tanya
    Slack, Haley
    Sliwinski, Jiaping
    Smith, Abigail
    Smith, Claire
    Smith, Mary
    Smith, Melody
    Smith, Riley
    Solari, Lisa
    Soliday, Tori
    Solis, Livia
    Sommer, Martha
    Sousa, Katrina
    Spatafore, Mary
    Spears, Tara
    Spencer, Daniel
    Sperry, Mattison
    Spiegel, Olivia
    St Laurent, Jessica
    Stanford, Isha
    Stavenjord, Brooke
    Stenger, Colton
    Stone, Gabrielle
    Straub, Ava
    Sullivan, Kristina
    Swain, Audrey
    Swain, Maureen
    Swain, Monroe
    Swenson, Jesse
    Thomas-Vasquez, Kristin
    Thompson, Allison
    Torres, Alexis
    Toston, Andrea
    Townsend, Susan
    Tresham, Erica
    Trost, Emmy
    Uschmann, Sarah
    Utkin, Kelly
    Vav, Octavia
    Venema, Jacob
    Venema, Rieken
    Verley, Alysia
    Vesel, Kiana
    Vickrey, Rebecca
    Villastrigo, Grace
    Vincent, Jeffrey
    Vinette, John
    Ward, Jillian
    Ward, Samantha
    Wargo, Mary
    Waterhouse, Jake
    Weiss, Taylee
    Wheeler, Alexander
    Whitlatch, Megan
    Whitted, Anna
    Wicks, Brooklyn
    Widman, Brett
    Willison, Clara
    Winn, Victoria
    Winter, Dallas
    Winter, Danielle
    Workman, Cassandra
    Wright, Jessica
    Yaskus, Madalyn
    Zellmer, Xia
    Zugg, Maisie

     

    The Foundation offers scholarships in two categories: academic scholarships for students pursuing degrees within health and human services, and vocational scholarships to assist with the cost of training and certifications for jobs in health and human services fields. Scholarships are awarded based on how well each applicant meets the Foundation’s eligibility criteria, including financial need and career choice. Applications for MSHF academic scholarships will be accepted again beginning in January 2025; vocational scholarships are accepted year-round. More information can be found at www.healthymatsu.org.

     

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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.

  • Enabling first responders to better support those in crisis

    Enabling first responders to better support those in crisis

    Today, an innovative, community-based training program is equipping first responders in the Mat-Su to support people experiencing behavioral health crises. While encounters between people in crisis and first responders may bear a risk of escalation, arrests, and a deepening cycle of crisis, first responders are now better able to turn these encounters into opportunities to connect people with vital support services.

    A first responder training that’s changing lives

    A coalition of first responders brought the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Academy Training to the Mat-Su in 2015. Designed to increase safety and get people connected to support, CIT training programs exist in many communities across the country. They equip first responders—like police, firefighters, and EMTs—with tools to engage more effectively with people in distress. At its core is a 40-hour training in which first responders learn to:

    • Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental illness
    • Safely de-escalate crisis situations
    • Engage with people in ways that are non-threatening
    • Connect people with community resources

    “Public service goes a lot further than just finding a violation of law and taking people to jail,” said Ryan Anderson, an Alaska State Trooper who was among the first attendees of the CIT trainings in Mat-Su. “Sometimes we’re that first line of contact for people, and it’s our opportunity to actually get them connected to resources—and make the difference between them having a bad day or a worse day.”

    When the program started, fewer than 20% of behavioral health related 911 calls were responded to by someone with behavioral health crisis training. Today 150 first responders in and near the Mat-Su Borough, including Alaska State Troopers, State Officers, and local police, have the skills to address these moments of crisis.

    CIT has changed the way many first responders do their jobs. Instead of responding to a behavioral health crisis with confrontation and moving toward an arrest, they’ll now instead use de-escalation tactics taught and reinforced at the academy training. 

    Forging connections between first responders and behavioral health services

    Mat-Su’s CIT Coalition has built positive, ongoing relationships between law enforcement, mental health providers, hospital emergency services, and many other community-based services. As a result, first responders are well educated on the support systems available and can often make a warm hand-off of the client to crisis support services when appropriate.

    CIT has been vital to improving the care of our community members. In addition to creating more compassionate interactions between law enforcement and community members in crisis, it has been a catalyst for growth and new initiatives:

    • A CIT training program is now available to meet growing demand.
    • A program was formed to address repeat ER visitors, connecting them with resources to move them out of a cycle of crisis and into community-based care.
    • A Mat-Su mobile crisis team, consisting of a trained clinician and a peer support specialist, is now available to respond to emergency behavioral health calls, with the backup of a CIT-trained law enforcement officer.

    Mat-Su Health Foundation has been proud to not only financially support the training program, but also to facilitate ongoing networking between local law enforcement, emergency services, and service providers. This work is closely connected to our vision for all Mat-Su residents to have access to the best healthcare possible. We are working for Mat-Su to be the healthiest borough: and for that to happen, we must be the most healthcare-accessible borough. The CIT training academy program is one way it’s becoming a reality.

  • Grants Available: Healthy Aging Through Community Connections

    Grants Available: Healthy Aging Through Community Connections

    The Healthy Aging Focus Area at the Mat-Su Health Foundation would like to invite organizations serving older adults (60+) and/or tribal Elders in the Mat-Su to apply for grant funding.

    The purpose of the Healthy Aging Through Community Connections initiative is to support community-led efforts to meet the needs of the Mat-Su Borough’s rapidly growing population of older adults and to seek an accessible and sustainable support system for older residents to maintain their independence and quality of life.

    This grant program will support three areas:

    • Increase access to and awareness of services and resources for older adults/Elders and/or organizations serving older adults/Elders
    • Support community connectedness for older adults/Elders and/or organizations serving older adults
    • Improve quality of care and services/support of caregivers and Direct Support Professionals serving older adults/tribal Elders

    For more information, download the full announcement here.

    Before you apply, please contact Kathy Swartz, Program Officer (907) 373-2827 or kswartz@www.healthymatsu.org  to discuss your idea and she can help direct you to the appropriate application.

     

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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.