Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has announced that Jessie Burbank, Connect Mat-Su information and referral coordinator, has received the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems (AIRS) Community Resource Specialist Certification. Only three other individuals in Alaska share the credential.

AIRS is a professional membership association for community Information and Referral (I&R). The AIRS credential certifies Burbank’s ability to work effectively with clients to provide mediated information and referral systems navigation.

“Through this certification Jessie has demonstrated that she is highly skilled at establishing rapport, conducting assessments, providing an informed choice of referrals, engaging in follow-up and providing advocacy or crisis intervention if required.” said Connect Mat-Su Director Ashley Peltier. “The certification process is not easy and requires a combination of work experience and education as well as the successful passing of an examination. We’re proud of Jessie’s dedication to improving the quality of service she provides to Connect Mat-Su clients.”

Connect Mat-Su is currently working towards the goal of having all its staff receive AIRS Certification. Once 51% staff members have completed the process, Connect Mat-Su will be eligible to apply for AIRS Accreditation as an organization.

Connect Mat-Su was developed by the Mat-Su Health Foundation and community partners to be a comprehensive and innovative health and social services information and referral resource center. It links residents with access to the information, referrals, and direct assistance they need to thrive physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. It is located in the Mat-Su Health Foundation building at 777 N. Crusey St. in Wasilla. More information is available at connectmatsu.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 healthymatsu.org .