Wasilla, Alaska— The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) hosted a ribbon cutting event at its new facility in Wasilla today. The 46,000 square foot facility at 777 N. Crusey St. was designed to help build community by bringing people together in new ways through a number of co-located organizations:

• The Mat-Su Health Foundation, which is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc. and 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 and protect the community’s interest in this important healthcare institution through board oversight.The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. In 2017 the foundation awarded more than $7 million in grants, scholarships, and other community benefit.
• Connect Mat-Su, a new network funded by the Mat-Su Health Foundation that links Mat-Su residents with immediate access to the information, referrals, and direct assistance needed for them to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• LINKS/Aging and Disability Resource Center, which has expanded its services to include all Mat-Su residents.
• Alaska Legal Services, which has placed a fulltime attorney on site to help clients with legal concerns.
• R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness), a collaborative of community members joining together to promote family resilience and reduce child maltreatment. R.O.C.K. works to build social supports, eliminate silos, and influence systems that affect kids and families throughout the borough, all in support of ending child abuse in Mat-Su.

“The goal of this investment in the community was not just to create space for the foundation and its staff, but to bring together organizations that support the health and well-being of the community,” said Mat-Su Health Foundation CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “We believe that this facility will enhance the work we and our community partners do to improve the health status of all Mat-Su residents.”

The art on display throughout the building was produced by Mat-Su artists and chosen in part to represent the geographic diversity of the borough. The building also features an exhibit showcasing the history of health systems in the area. There is a coffee shop in the lobby, and additional tenants will be welcomed to the building in the future.

The project created 201 Mat-Su construction jobs, a $2.4 million Mat-Su payroll during construction, and a total investment of $9 million by the foundation. It was constructed using 100% Alaska workers, with the vast majority — 79% — living in Mat-Su. The architect was Architects Alaska, and the contractor was FE Contracting Inc. PND Engineers, Inc. and RSA Engineering, Inc. were also contracted for work on the project.

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