Category: Press Release

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GROUNDBREAKING EVENT

    Wasilla, Alaska— The Mat-Su Health Foundation is hosting a ceremonial groundbreaking event for its new building on Tuesday, June 13 at 11 am. The public is invited.

    Mat-Su Health Foundation Building Details

    Project: Multi-tenant facility consisting of two building blocks connected by a center core. In addition to housing the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the project has been designed to build community by devoting space to programmatic uses, including the creation of a Community Resource Center Network, where Mat-Su residents can seek support, information, and referral to local services.

    Location: 777 N. Crusey Street, Wasilla

    Square Footage: 46,000

    Site Size: 3.71 acres

    Completion: Spring 2018

    Investment in the
    Community: $9 million

    Speakers: Vern Halter, Mayor, Matanuska-Susitna Borough
    Bert Cottle, Mayor, City of Wasilla
    Elizabeth Ripley, CEO, Mat-Su Health Foundation
    Scott Johannes, Board Chair, Mat-Su Health Foundation

    Architects Alaska is providing design services. Other contractors include FE Contracting, Inc., RSA Engineering, Inc., And PND Engineers, Inc.

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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, the 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. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org/.

     

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES

    Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has promoted Jim Beck to senior program officer and hired Telsche Thiessen as Chickaloon/Sutton community coordinator for the community collaborative project R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness).

    As senior program officer, Jim takes on new duties, while also continuing to lead the foundation’s Healthy Aging focus area. His new duties include providing general oversight for all MSHF grant programs and supervising two program associates. Jim holds a master’s degree in public administration with a nonprofit management concentration from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

    Telsche is working to advance the mission of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su in the Chickaloon/Sutton area. R.O.C.K. Mat-Su is a collaborative project of community members – individuals and organizations – joining together to promote family resilience and reduce child maltreatment. In her newly-created part-time position, Telsche leads community engagement activities and supports day-to-day communications, administrative, and data functions. Telsche has previously held positions in program coordination and administration, and she currently works as a library aide and program coordinator for the Teen Arts and Wellness Program at the Sutton Library. She earned a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Carleton College.

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    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the foundation actively participates in the governance of Mat-Su’s community hospital and protect the community’s interest in this important health care asset through board oversight. The MSHF invests its assets into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in the Mat-Su. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org/.

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION AWARDS $1.68 MILLION

    Wasilla, Alaska – Ten local organizations were recently selected to receive Mat-Su Health Foundation grants totaling more than $1.68 million under the foundation’s Healthy Impact grant program. The grants will go to the American Lung Association, Assistive Technology of Alaska, The Children’s Place, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Frontline Mission, Links/ADRC, Nugen’s Ranch, Planned Parenthood, Sunshine Community Health Center, and Wasilla Youth Baseball.

    Healthy Impact Grants are awarded twice annually by the Mat-Su Health Foundation to fund local health-related projects in excess of $15,000. The recently selected grantees are:

    • American Lung Association, $83,524 to for home air quality assessments and remediation plans for senior citizens, prioritizing homes primarily heated with wood.
    • Assistive Technology of Alaska (ATLA), $50,000 to partially fund an assistive technology acquisition coordinator staff position who will assist Mat-Su residents in obtaining funding to purchase assistive technology. Assistive technology is any equipment, device, product or system – both low tech and high tech– that enables a person with a disability or a senior citizen to accomplish tasks safely and independently.
    • The Children’s Place, $750,000 towards design and construction of a new Wasilla facility to meet growing demand for its services related to evaluation, investigation, and treatment of child abuse.
    • Cook Inlet Tribal Council, $120,640 to fund substance abuse assessment services and peer support in the Mat-Su. The assessment services will be provided in conjunction with Knik Tribal Council and Chickaloon Village.
    • Frontline Mission, $115,000 to strengthen the organization in the area of high level leadership development and to hire a full-time director and a part-time program coordinator.
    • Links/ADRC, $99,523 in general operational support to continue to fund the Mat-Su’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and support the organization in achieving its goal of connecting clients to long-term services and supports.
    • Nugen’s Ranch, $140,000 to be used for three purposes: to purchase a delivery truck, to develop an organizational/business plan for the organization, and to develop an executive director transition plan.
    • Planned Parenthood, $40,000 to market its online health services, which allow patients access to secure face-to-face consultation with a health provider on their computer or mobile device.
    • Sunshine Community Health Center. $229,387 to purchase medical equipment for its Willow and Talkeetna clinics and for remodeling of the Willow entrance lobby.
    • Wasilla Youth Baseball, $60,000 to enhance both player and spectator safety through field improvements and backstop replacement.

    The application period for the next round of Healthy Impact grants begins on January 1, 2017. The Mat-Su Health Foundation also offers a Target Wellness grant program for projects less than $15,000, and it is open year-round. More information and the online applications can be found at www.healthymatsu.org/.

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    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the 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 asset through board oversight. The MSHF invests its share of Mat-Su Regional’s profits into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available online at www.healthymatsu.org/.

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION AWARDS RECORD NUMBER OF ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

    Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently awarded 261 academic scholarships to local residents, more than twice as many as were awarded last year. The amount awarded for 2018 was $817,853, an increase of 12 percent over last year’s $721,400. An additional $182,147 in Vocational Scholarships is expected to be awarded by the foundation in 2018, bringing the total to $1,000,000 to support education and career opportunities for Mat-Su residents.

    “This was a record year for the Mat-Su Health Foundation program, both in terms of applicants and number of awards,” said MSHF Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Ripley. “With 18 of the top 25 fastest-growing occupations in Alaska being in health care, we’re honored to help grow tomorrow’s workforce today. This ensures that the fast-growing Mat-Su population will continue to have access to the services it needs to stay healthy.”

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers scholarships in two categories: academic scholarships for students pursuing college degrees with health or wellness majors, and vocational scholarships to assist students with the cost of training and certifications for jobs in health and wellness fields. Scholarships are awarded based on how well each applicant meets MSHF’s eligibility criteria, which includes financial need, demonstrated interest in health care, and selection of a career choice that matches the workforce needs of the Mat-Su. MSHF academic scholarships are awarded one time annually, while vocational scholarships are awarded throughout the year.

    All 2018 Mat-Su Health Foundation academic scholarship recipients are listed below, starting with the five Mat-Su Scholars Awards, and followed by all students who received awards:

    • The Annie Deeming Scholarship for a current high school student: Antonio Rund
    • The Vivian “Babe” Shaver Scholarship for a behavioral health major: Tamra Harriso
    • The Ya Ne Dah Ah /K’tl’egh’i Sukdu Scholarship for a graduate-level applicant: Tessa Turner
    • The Jessica Stevens Scholarship for a physician assistant major: Karen Clement
    • The Darlene Reed Scholarship for a nursing major: Kaitlin Daly
    • The George V. Larson Scholarship for a hospital administration major : Aaron Clements

    Hannah Abbe

    Theodore Abeles

    Ruby Acord

    GbenroAdetunji

    McKenna Aga

    Coleman Ahrens

    Janelle Alder

    Crystal Allen

    Rebekkah Alley

    Corey Ambrose

    Kleigh Anderton

    Trinity Antill

    Kelsea Armstrong

    Lucy Ashby

    CorrinaAtkins

    Dustin Atwood

    Kayla Austin

    ColletteBailey

    Angelina Baklanov

    Alan Bartelli

    Caleb Beauvais

    KeannaBeck

    Hailey Belnap

    Olga Berezyuk

    SusannBergstrom

    IsabellaBlake

    IzabellaBlock

    Hailey Boatman

    Christen Bohl

    Hannalora Bolduc

    Kara Boothby

    MalloryBradford

    Anna Bradshaw

    Rosanna Brandon

    River Brothers

    Mary Brown

    HeatherBuchanan

    ThomasBuckley

    Alex Buness

    Clara Burnett

    Jasmine Burton

    Stephanie Button

    Kailey Carlson

    Feona Carney

    AmeliaCarney

    BrysonCarrillo

    KendraCasas

    Brittany Caulkins

    Jenny Chesbro

    Jürgen Christiansen

    CarstenChristiansen

    Ryley Coke

    Michael Consalo

    SabrinaCoombs

    Kayla Corgan

    Melissa Crane

    Sarah Crowley

    Kristina Culbertson

    Amber Curry

    Emma Dahms

    CamilleDayton

    Rachel Delaney

    AdindaDemske

    Samantha Derr

    Meda DeWitt

    Alexis Dilley

    Amanda Donnally

    AshlynDorn

    ArrianaDoty

    Mary Drozd

    Hayee Duguid

    Steven Duncan

    KaitlynDykman

    Kaila East

    Laurel Eliason

    Kimberly Elliott

    Amber Enns

    Leah Erb

    Terri-JoEwing

    Trey Farber

    ShayleeFelicetty-Kacena

    Ema Fiedler

    Benjamin Fife

    ChelseaFinch

    Parker Flaming

    Jewel Fleckenstein

    Amber Ford

    Michael Foster

    Angel Gascon

    Fernanda Gastelum-Orduno

    Lahna Gensler

    Dana Gergilevich

    Heidi Goozen

    Jeremy Grice

    Bryan Griffee

    DeannaGriffin

    Adriel Grimshaw

    CaitlynHacker

    CelesteHarrell

    MeganHarris

    ChantelHartle

    Ben Henderson

    Ciara Hendricks

    Sierra Hernandez

    Marika Hintz

    TheresaHodgson

    KendraHoffman

    Breanna Holben

    Mary Holbrook

    Jenny Hopper

    Matthew Horner

    Devan Howard

    Lydia Howard

    KristianHughes

    Aleahya Hunter

    Alyssa Hutchins

    Alexandra Hutchins

    Amanda Hutchins

    MelissaImgrund

    AmeliaJohnson

    Deborah Johnston

    Hayleigh Jones

    AndrewJones

    KristenJorgensen

    Michael Jurasek

    Shenille Kelly

    TiffanyKemp

    Paige Kessler

    Sierra Kistler

    Mary Klapperich

    Kirsten Knight

    JenniferKolb

    Alyson Kopsack

    Nathan Kowalczk

    Myia Kreider

    Jared Layton

    Corina Layton

    Isabel Leath

    Jeweleann Lelle’

    Amy Link

    HannahLoftus

    Lauren Luchsinger

    Julia Luey

    TawnyaLuppino

    Amanda Lyon

    Gregory Lytle

    Alli Madison

    Chloe Mae

    Jina Malone

    RichardManrique

    Blake Marks

    Alan Markus

    Kelly Marre

    Ruby Matthews

    Stephanie Mattson

    Candace Mauldin

    Alyssa McKenzie

    Megan Mercer

    Dalayon Miles

    Helena Miller

    Christy Miskinis

    Michael Miskinis

    Carol Mitchell

    Kristen Moat

    Makenna Morgan

    Zoe Morris

    Jayme Moudy-Ferrier

    Danya Nicketa

    Hayden Niekamp

    Courtney Niemi

    Amy O’Connor

    Rachel Outterson

    Kcie Owens

    Garrett Pace

    RuVonne Parson

    Rio-Morgan Patrimonio-Raval

    Presley Petersen

    Joletta Petluska

    McKenzie Pfister

    Deven Pfister

    KyleighPollock

    Sydney Poorbaugh

    Joseph Powers

    Aurora Purington

    Steven Ray

    Jessica Reisinger

    JordannReynolds

    Terri Reynolds-Rogers

    Samantha Rice

    Noah Richards

    Garey Robinson

    Rebecca Rossing

    Michelle Rountree

    Brandon Rowley

    Sarah Rubeck

    Nicole Rufkahr

    Emily Sager

    Kyee Sanderson

    Tarissa Sardari

    Tucker Sawyer

    Lauren Scanlan

    Brayden Schachle

    Hannah Schaefer

    Dory Schneider

    Sharon Schober

    Julia Scully

    Ashley Seever

    Lily Sessom

    Kortney Shaw

    Helen Sheldon

    Jake Simmons

    Marcus Sinchuk

    Leyla Sinyawski

    Hailey Smart

    Amanda Smith

    Leah Smith

    Bonnie Snyder

    Rebecca Sorensen

    Bricen Sorrell

    Courtney Stahler

    Erin Staricha

    Christine Starkweather

    Alexa Starr

    Kirsten Strolle

    Molly Sullivan

    Connor Sullivan

    Kyle Summerlin

    Delta Summitt

    Molly Swanson

    Summer Sweet

    Raini Tanori

    JenniferTaylor

    Luke Tegeler

    Yolanda Thomas

    Brandon Thompson

    Elizabeth Tunnell

    Lydia Vance

    CarmonVanSickle

    Eva Venema

    Kiana Verplancke

    Sarah Walker

    Jessica Walker

    Adam Ward

    Natalie Waterhouse

    Genevieve Weiss

    Nigel West

    Alana Wheaton

    Heidi Wheeler

    Kayleigh White

    Danielle Williams

    Madelyn Winder

    Macaela Wolfe

    Kirsten Woodard

    Emily Wright

    Maryann Zmuda

    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.In this capacity, the 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 asset through board oversight.The MSHF invests its share of Mat-Su Regional’s profits into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available online at www.healthymatsu.org/.

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION HIRES TWO; PROMOTES ONE

    Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently welcomed Jim Beck and Vandana Ingle to its team. In addition, Desiré Shepler was promoted to director of a community initiative supported by the foundation called R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising Our Children with Kindness).

    Jim joined the foundation staff as a program officer, and he is leading the Healthy Aging focus area. Jim is responsible for working with the program team to design and implement strategic initiatives to advance the foundation’s goals and vision. This includes reviewing and approving funding recommendations; providing project and grantee technical assistance; and interacting with other grant-makers, not-for-profit leaders and public and private stake holders whose work intersects with that of the foundation. Jim previously served as executive director of Access Alaska, Inc. He holds a master’s degree in public administration with a nonprofit management concentration from the University of Colorado at Denver, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Alaska Anchorage.

    Vandana was hired as a program associate to support the foundation’s program team in implementing grant programs and other strategies to further the organization’s mission. Some of Vandana’s responsibilities include assisting in day to day implementation of grant and scholarship programs; educating grantees and prospective grantees about MSHF grant and scholarship program objectives and criteria; investigating grant request; and preparing grant reports. Vandana previously served as director of development and communication at Frontline Mission. She earned a master’s degree in communications media for children from SNDT College, India, a bachelor’s degree in ministry from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, and a bachelor’s degree in commerce/banking and finance from the University of Poona, India.

    In her new role as director of R.O.C.K. Mat-Su, Desiré oversees a collaborative project working towards increasing family resilience and creating a culture that supports children and families, as well as reducing child maltreatment and number of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Mat-Su Children experience. Prior to her promotion, Desiré was a program officer with the foundation. Desiré holds a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, as well as a bachelor’s degree, also from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and an associate’s degree from Mat-Su College. She received an academic scholarship from MSHF in 2010, the first such scholarship recipient who went on to employment with the Foundation.

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    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the 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 asset through board oversight. The MSHF invests its share of Mat-Su Regional’s profits into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available online at www.healthymatsu.org/.

     

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION INCREASES SCHOLARSHIP GIVING

    Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently awarded 63 academic scholarships totaling $353,039 to local students pursuing college degrees with health and wellness majors. In addition, the foundation awarded 20 vocational scholarships totaling $41,788 over the last twelve months to residents pursuing training and certificate programs related to health care careers, bring total scholarship giving to $389,227 for the year.

    “Our scholarship awards grew significantly from 2015 to 2016. In fact, we awarded almost $100,000 more this time around,” said MSHF Executive Director Elizabeth Ripley. “The substantial increase is reflective of both the high quality of applications received and the desire of our board of directors to increase its commitment to growing our own health care workforce of the future.”

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation offers scholarships in two categories: academic scholarships for students pursuing college degrees with health or wellness majors, and vocational scholarships to assist students with the cost of training and certifications for jobs in health and wellness related fields. Scholarships are awarded based on how well each applicant meets MSHF’s eligibility criteria, which includes financial need, demonstrated interest in health care, and selection of a career choice that matches the workforce needs of the Mat-Su. MSHF Academic scholarships are awarded one time annually, while vocational scholarships are awarded throughout the year.

    Three of the Academic Scholarships have special significance: The Annie Demming Scholarship, the Vivian Shaver Scholarship, and the Ya Ne Dah Ah / K’tl’egh’i Sukdu Scholarship. Annie Demming served as Director of the Medical Records Department for Valley Hospital and retired after 28 years of service. The 2016 recipient of the scholarship named in her honor is Yana Golyan. The Vivian Shaver Scholarship was awarded to Kailey Carlson, and this scholarship is given in honor of Vivian “Babe” Shaver, who worked at Valley Hospital and passed away in 1978. The Ya Ne Dah Ah /K’tl’egh’i Sukdu scholarship is new this year and was created to honor Alaska Native traditions and culture in the Mat-Su. Ya Ne Dah Ah / K’tl’egh’i Sukdu loosely translates as “ancient stories/remaining stories of our people.” Ya Ne Dah Ah is Ahtna and K’tl’egh’i Sukdu is Dena’ina. This scholarship was awarded to Luke Tegeler.

    The 2016 recipients of MSHF academic scholarships are:

    Kathryn Albert
    Tarah Alden
    Corey Ambrose
    Jessica Andersen
    Adrianne Andrews
    Natalya Baletskaya
    Elise Barnhart
    Alan Bartelli
    Christina Bernier
    Debra Blanchard
    Daniel Brunnhoelzl
    Heather Buchanan
    Colleen Bue
    Alex Buness
    Miracle Burton
    Kailey Carlson
    Mariya Chavez
    Kathryn Cocker
    Bryan Dahms
    Kaitlin Daly
    Adinda Demske
    Craig Dollerhide
    Ashlyn Dorn
    Daniel Dryden
    Gregory Eisenhower
    Tessamae Endes
    Mary Geist
    Yana Golyan
    Sabrina Jerasek
    Anthony Jurasek
    Jared Layton
    Jennifer Lee
    Brandy Malidore
    Richard Manrique
    Blake Marks
    Monica Martinez
    Shiloh McRae
    Deanna Ouellette
    RuVonne Parson
    Ashley Powell
    Jospeh Powers
    Beverly Ray
    Terri Reynolds-Rogers
    Heather Robinson
    Alyssa Sasser
    Hilary Stark
    Alexa Starr
    Timonthy Steenhout
    Molly Sullivan
    Nathan Svedin
    Sarah Svedin
    Terra Swartzbacker
    Luke Tegeler
    Kalia Thao
    Carly Thomas
    Kiana Verplacke
    Jorene Volkheimer
    Annie Wang
    Whiteny Wang
    Michelle Warner
    Eli Wouk
    Maritt Youngblood
    Rashayne Zimmer

    Recipients of MSHF vocational scholarships from June 2015 through April 2016 included the following individuals:

    Margaret Alpiak
    Kelsea Armstrong
    Winona Benson
    Nathan Binkley
    David Calvert
    Jessica Daigger
    Alexsis Dushkin
    Raven Gutierrez
    Camilla Helms
    Christine Inglet
    Jennifer Johnson
    Mary McMillan
    Christina Moff
    Emily Olsen
    Katherine Paulick
    Tiambria Phillips
    Michaela Schneller
    Jazzmyne Shapsnikoff
    Kayla Weiss
    Kristin Wilson

    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the 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 asset through board oversight. The MSHF invests its share of Mat-Su Regional’s profits into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available online at www.healthymatsu.org/.

     
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  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION MAKES TEN-YEAR COMMITMENT TO MAT-SU TRAILS AND PARKS FOUNDATION

    Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has increased its annual grant award to the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation to $550,000 per year for ten years. This award doubles MSHF’s previous commitment, and it enables the Trails and Parks Foundation to increase its own grantmaking, build its capacity by hiring a development director, and begin building an endowment to ensure the organization’s sustainability.

    “Trails and parks are vital to the overall health of our community,” said MSHF Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Ripley. “From encouraging physical activity to bringing people together, recreation plays an important role in both our physical and mental health.”

    Stuart Leidner, executive director of the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, stated, “Our mission if to develop and maintain a quality trails and parks system which promotes healthy lifestyles, enriches our residents’ quality of life, and provides economic value by enhancing recreation, tourism, and business opportunities for all. This long-term commitment from the Mat-Su Health Foundation helps to ensure that we are able to not only continue this work, but to make more grant dollars available to organizations working to advance quality trails and parks projects throughout the community.”

    The Mat-Su Health Foundation began funding the Mat-Su Parks and Trails Foundation in 2012 as a way to ensure that trails and parks projects throughout the borough were approached in a coordinated way. With this increase in funding to the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, the Mat-Su Health Foundation will no longer accept grant applications related to public trails or parks. Organizations seeking this type of funding will be directed to the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, where they will be evaluated in the context of the entire trails and parks system.

    More information about the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, including its grant guidelines and application, can be found at matsutrails.org.

     
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    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the 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 asset through board oversight. The MSHF invests its share of Mat-Su Regional’s profits into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available online at www.healthymatsu.org/.

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION OPENS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

    Wasilla, AK— The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently opened a funding opportunity through its Healthy Impact grant program. Applications for this semi-annual program are being accepted through Friday, May 20, 2016. Healthy Impact grants fund projects over $15,000 that improve the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough.

    MSHF uses a two-part application process for Healthy Impact grants. The first phase of the process is the Project Pitch phase. The Project Pitch is completed online at www.healthymatsu.org and includes information about the organization that is applying and a description of the proposed project. The Foundation reviews all pitches and then invites projects that most closely align with the Foundation’s funding goals to move forward to the full application phase.

    Prospective grantees must provide services or benefits to Mat-Su residents and be qualified Alaska nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations classified as “not a private foundation” under section 509(a) of the Code. In select cases, MSHF may choose to fund health-related projects undertaken by religious, governmental, educational or tribal agencies seeking partners for health-related initiatives that impact the broader Mat-Su community and extend beyond the traditional purpose and functions of these organizations. All potential applicants are encouraged to visit the foundation’s website at www.healthymatsu.org to learn more about the grant process, who the foundation funds and does not fund, and to review its searchable grants database to see the types of projects that have been awarded in the past.

    Although Healthy Impact grant requests must be in excess of $15,000, smaller grant amounts are considered continuously under the Foundation’s Target Wellness grant program. As with Healthy Impact grants, Target Wellness grants are applied for online 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, the 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. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org/.

     

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION PROMOTES INGLE TO PROGRAM OFFICER

    Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has promoted Vandana Ingle to program officer. Vandana oversees MSHF’s efforts in the area of workforce development. She manages the foundation’s academic and vocational scholarship programs, leading efforts to ensure that Mat-Su has the health care and nonprofit workforce it needs today and in the future. She also manages the Target Wellness grant program.

    Vandana was hired by the foundation in 2016 as a program associate. Prior to that she served as director of development and communication at Frontline Mission. She earned a master’s degree in communications media for children from SNDT College, India, a bachelor’s degree in ministry from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, and a bachelor’s degree in commerce/banking and finance from the University of Poona, India.

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    About MSHF: Mat-Su Health Foundation is the official business name of Valley Hospital Association, Inc., which shares ownership in Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. In this capacity, the 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 asset through board oversight. The MSHF invests its share of Mat-Su Regional’s profits into charitable works that improve the health and wellness of Alaskans living in Mat-Su. More information is available online at www.healthymatsu.org/.