Category: Press Release

  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION INVITES ONLINE ENGAGEMENT IN COMMUNITY HEALTH ASSESSMENT

    Wasilla, AK— Is Mat-Su Healthy? How can we make it the healthiest place in the country? Valley residents are invited to help answer these questions at a series of meetings this month, and also via a new, comprehensive community engagement website, www.engageinhealthmatsu.org

    The new website site was designed to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the community health assessment, whether in person or online. It will help our citizens engage, communicate and collaborate with the foundation and other residents on improving health in our community. Engage in Health Mat-Su will be used as an online tool to generate new ideas and feedback from citizens using this interactive and accessible new platform. Engage in Health Mat-Su gives contributors a chance to share new ideas, expand upon existing ideas and give feedback on initiatives, working with the foundation on a variety of topics online anytime, anywhere.

    Mat-Su Health Foundation has been working in association with other organizations to conduct the community health assessment to identify the major health needs of Mat-Su residents and work with the community to prioritize and address those needs. One phase of the assessment is a workplace survey that has already been completed. In addition, health data from a variety of sources has been compiled and analyzed. The next step is to share information collected so far and get direct input from local residents.

    The public meetings are scheduled as follows:

    Monday, April 1, 2013 6-8 pm Upper Susitna Senior Center
    Wednesday, April 3, 2013 6-8 pm Palmer High School
    Thursday, April 4, 2013 6-8 pm Houston High School
    Monday, April 8, 2013 6-8 pm Wasilla High School
    Wednesday, April 10, 2013 6-8 pm Sutton Library
    Thursday, April 11, 2013 6-8 pm Willow Community Center

    Mat-Su Health Foundation is providing free child care and refreshments at every meeting. All attendees will be eligible to receive a free pool, ice rink or health club pass as well.

    “The community health assessment is a dynamic process to gather and share health-related information across the entire community,” said Elizabeth Ripley, Executive Director, Mat-Su Health Foundation. “One of the major outcomes will be a priority list of the top five health issues the community thinks are most important. We will use this information to inform our giving and strategic initiative plans.”

    Other outcomes of the community health assessment will be the creation of a “health scorecard” to assess community health on an ongoing basis, and the creation of a data repository on the MSHF website to give grant writers, local media, planners, leaders and the general public an easy to use source for health related data.

    The Mat-Su Community Health Assessment is sponsored by the following funding organizations: Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority; BP Alaska; Denali Commission; Mat-Su Agency Partnership; Mat-Su Borough; Mat-Su Coalition of Senior Centers; Mat-Su Community Health Centers; Mat-Su Health Foundation; Mat-Su Public Health/State of AK DHSS; Providence Health Systems; Rasmuson Foundation; Southcentral Foundation; and, United Way of Mat-Su

    About Mat-Su Health Foundation: 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 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/.
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  • MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION OPENS HEALTHY IMPACT GRANT PERIOD

    Wasilla, AK— Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is seeking applications from eligible organizations for its Healthy Impact grant program, which twice annually awards grants over $15,000 to fund programs that improve the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough.

    The application deadlines for the current Healthy Impact grant cycle are as follows:

    Project Pitch: April 22, 2013 – May 30, 2013

    Full Application: June 14, 2013 – August 1, 2013

    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 criteria to move forward to the full application phase.

    Potential grant applicants are encouraged to review the “Who and What We Fund” section of the Foundation’s website for information on the grant process and guidelines. MSHF supports organizations and activities that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes rather than symptoms; build upon community strengths; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. MSHF is particularly interested in supporting organizations that:

    • Expand access to health and wellness care, especially for people from low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities.
    • Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in the targeting and delivery of services to reduce health disparities.
    • Foster communication, cooperation, and coordination among service providers.
    • Build programs and services that are sustainable.
    • Have a strong and engaged board, staff and/or volunteer leadership.
    • Have a board of directors reflecting Mat-Su representation.

    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 must be applied for online at www.healthymatsu.org/.

    About Mat-Su Health Foundation: 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 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 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE; PROGRAM EXPANDED TO INCLUDE VOCATIONAL TRAINING

    MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE; PROGRAM EXPANDED TO INCLUDE VOCATIONAL TRAINING

    Wasilla, AK—Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is seeking applications from Mat-Su residents interested in scholarships to pursue health-related careers. The 2014 application period continues through 4 pm on Friday, March 28, 2014 for academic scholarships. Applications for vocational scholarship will be accepted year-round.

    MSHF’s scholarship program makes investments in the education of local residents to help build the healthcare workforce of the future. In years past scholarships were offered to students who were completing a degree program emphasizing health or wellness. For 2014 the program has been expanded to include health- and wellness-related vocational scholarships as well.

    “We broadened the scope of our scholarship program to help local residents pursue a greater range of health occupations for which there is critical need for skilled workers in the Mat-Su,” said MSHF Executive Director Elizabeth Ripley. “Our board of directors recognized that while helping local degree-seeking students is important, so is assisting individuals seeking health-related vocational training and certifications.”

    The new vocational scholarships are designed to assist students with the cost of training in, or certifications for, jobs in a health and/or social/human services field. Examples of training that may be considered for the new vocational scholarships includes, but is not limited to, medical office professions, such as insurance coding and billing; medical assistant; addictions counseling; certified nurse assistant (CNA) certification; phlebotomy technician; and paramedic training.

    Academic scholarships will continue to be available to help defray the cost of higher education in degree programs that emphasize health or wellness.

    The number of scholarships given each year and the amount of each award varies. In 2013, 67 scholarships totaling $250,000 were awarded to Mat-Su residents.

    Complete eligibility requirements and the online application are available at www.healthymatsu.org/.

    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 SEEKS GRANT APPLICATIONS

    Wasilla, AK— Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) is seeking applications from eligible non-profit organizations for its Healthy Impact grant program, which twice annually awards grants over $15,000 to fund programs that improve the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough. The application period for the current cycle of Healthy Impact grants is as follows:

    Project Pitch: December 2, 2013 until 4 pm on January 10, 2014
    Full Application: January 20, 2014 until 4 pm on February 28, 2014

    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.

    Potential applicants are encouraged to review the “Grant Guidelines” section of the Foundation’s website for information on the grant process. MSHF supports organizations and activities that empower people; employ creative responses to problems; address root causes rather than symptoms; build upon community strengths; and offer measurable improvements in health and wellness. MSHF is particularly interested in supporting organizations that:

  • Expand access to health and wellness care, especially for people from low-income and otherwise disadvantaged communities.
    • Demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in the targeting and delivery of services to reduce health disparities.
    • Foster communication, cooperation, and coordination among service providers.
    • Build programs and services that are sustainable.
    • Have a strong and engaged board, staff and/or volunteer leadership.
    • Have a board of directors reflecting Mat-Su representation.

    • 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/.

    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 SUPPORTS PROPOSED MAT-SU BOROUGH ALCOHOL TAX

    Wasilla, Alaska — On July 16, 2013 the Mat-Su Borough Assembly passed an ordinance that will give local voters the opportunity to vote on whether an area-wide alcoholic beverage sales tax should be implemented. The ordinance was introduced by Assembly Member Steve Colligan to diversify the revenue stream for the Borough, which currently relies primarily on property taxes for its operating funds. Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) supports the proposed tax because it would reduce the economic burden of alcohol abuse in our community while simultaneously helping to improve the health of Mat-Su.

    “Alcohol dependence and abuse dramatically affect individuals, families, and the community as a whole,” said Elizabeth Ripley, MSHF Executive Director. “Research shows that excessive use of alcohol contributes to a wide range of health and social issues, including unintentional injuries, illnesses, violence, and lost productivity. However, there is evidence that alcoholic beverage taxes lead to reduced consumption, and we believe this tax will be beneficial to the health of our community.”

    Qualified voters will be asked to decide whether the proposed tax should be implemented at the regular borough election on October 1, 2013.

    MSHF prepared this White Paper on the proposed tax.

    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 WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER CHRISTOPHER EMOND

    Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently welcomed Director of Finance Christopher J. Emond to its team. Chris oversees all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the executive director, board of directors, and finance and audit committees of the board. He plays a key role in the organization’s overall strategy development and implementation; serves as the management liaison to the MSHF board finance and audit committees; and supports joint venture planning and management. He also oversees key operating functions of the organization including accounting, legal and compliance, human resources, IT, physical plant asset management, and grant management function.

    “Along with extensive financial management experience, Chris brings strong analytic and strategic thinking capabilities to our team, which will help enhance our hospital partnership engagement and stewardship of our assets toward meaningful community impact,” said Elizabeth Ripley, Mat-Su Health Foundation Executive Director.

    Chris came to the Mat-Su Health Foundation from his previous role as director of treasury at Alaska Communications Systems. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Houston and serves as an officer on the board of directors for the Alaska E-Health Network. Chris lives in Palmer with his wife and two sons.

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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 WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER RAY MICHAELSON

     

    Wasilla, Alaska –The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently welcomed Ray Michaelson to its team as a Program Officer. Ray came to the foundation from the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, where he held a series of management positions of increasing responsibility in the field of juvenile justice. As a Mat-Su Health Foundation Program Officer, Ray is responsible 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. He is leading the foundation’s Healthy Minds focus area, which is aimed at supporting optimal behavioral health for Mat-Su residents.

    “Ray brings a unique professional background to the foundation that ties in perfectly with the focus area he will be leading,” said Elizabeth Ripley, Executive Director. “His proven track record working in the juvenile justice system combined with extensive community involvement will be real assets to our work, and we’re delighted to have him as part of our team.”

    Ray’s hiring follows the January, 2015 promotions of Dr. Melissa Kemberling to Director of Programs and Desiré Shepler to Program Officer. Melissa leads the program team, and Desiré leads the Healthy Foundations for Families focus area.

    MSHF’s three focus areas – Healthy Minds, Healthy Foundations for Families, and Healthy Aging – give the foundation the opportunity to maximize impact and gain traction in the key areas identified by research to be the most pressing in the community.

    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 WELCOMES TWO NEW TEAM MEMBERS

    Wasilla, Alaska—The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently welcomed Desiré Shepler as program associate and Heather Merry as administrative assistant.

    “Desiré and Heather each bring unique skills and experiences to the Foundation, and both will be great assets as we continue to grow in our mission to help Mat-Su become the healthiest borough in the nation,” said Elizabeth Ripley, executive director of MSHF. “Desiré has a strong background in the nonprofit world and will use that experience to benefit Mat-Su Health Foundation grantees. Heather has excellent administrative skills that will make her an asset the entire Foundation team.”

    Desiré received a scholarship from MSHF in 2010, the first such scholarship recipient who went on to employment with the Foundation. In her newly created position, Desiré manages the implementation of select grant and scholarship programs. Her responsibilities include investigating grant requests; conducting grantee budget analysis; developing funding recommendations; and, designing, preparing and analyzing grant reports and program trends. 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 brings to MSHF seven years’ progressively responsible professional experience. Most recently she spent more than two years in Wrangell, Alaska serving as social services administrator for Alaska Island Community Services.

    Heather is responsible for supporting MSHF’s mission, vision and values by providing administrative support for all staff members. She performs day-to-day office functions, including management of the front desk; procurement; data entry; accounts payable; database management; meeting planning; drafting of correspondence and reports; and, coordination of workflow. Heather came to MSHF with a proven background in administrative support. She worked as a senior clerical specialist for a telecommunications company for more than four years, and prior to that as a secretary for an aviation firm for seven years. Heather attended the University of Alaska Anchorage and graduated from Bartlett High School in Anchorage.

    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 ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED $1.1 MILLION IN GRANTS

    Wasilla, Alaska — Five local organizations were recently awarded Mat-Su Health Foundation grants totaling more than $1.1 million. The grant recipients are the Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired; Co-Occurring Disorders Institute; Mat-Su Borough; Mat-Su Health Services; and the University of Alaska. The awards were part of the Foundation’s Healthy Impact grant program, which funds projects over $15,000 that improve the health and wellness of people living in the Mat-Su Borough. An overview of each grants follows:

  • Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ACBVI) was awarded $133,000 over five years to support its Mat-Su Health Access Project. The funding will allow the center to expand its services to the smaller, more remote parts of the Mat-Su, and to increase low vison clinics, expand its home visiting program, increase peer support groups, and begin technology fairs. Many of the Mat-Su residents served by ACVBI are senior citizens.

  • Co-Occurring Disorders Institute (CODI) will receive $290,000 over three years to re-launch its Strengthening Families Treatment Program, a 14-session, evidence-based training program focused on parenting skills, children’s social skills, and family life skills specifically designed for high-risk families with children ages three to ten years old. This program will be unique in the Mat-Su Borough as it will offer families with children in this age range behavioral health treatment services during the time parents are receiving parenting education.

  • Mat-Su Borough will receive $390,000 to light 2.5 miles of Nordic ski trails at the Government Peak Recreation Area near Hatcher Pass. Lighted trails will increase the safety of the junior Nordic and high school skiers who regularly use these trails, and improve after work access for adults and families in the community.

  • Mat-Su Health Services (MSHS) was awarded $100,501 to support a project to improve the effectiveness of treatment of depression and anxiety in the primary care setting. Mat-Su Health Services provides both primary and behavioral healthcare to the uninsured and underinsured residents of the Mat-Su Borough. Integration of primary and behavioral health care for those who need behavioral health services results in the highest quality of care. Through this project, MSHS staff are able to provide integrated services with a warm hand-off of patients from primary care staff to behavioral health staff.

  • The University of Alaska was awarded $235,600 over two years to provide “Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)” training to staff at Sunshine Community Health Center, Mat-Su Health Services, and Solstice Family Medicine. The training focuses on early identification and intervention for substance misuse, thereby reducing its health consequences. The grant also allows for evaluation of the training effort and the sharing of lessons learned with other Mat-Su health providers.

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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/.