Category: Press Release

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has partnered with the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the cities of Houston, Palmer and Wasilla to manage $5.1 million in federal grant funds to support community-driven strategies for COVID-19 prevention and recovery. The new Community-Driven C-19 Response Funding program will provide support in three strategic areas: COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccination and activities to decrease health inequities highlighted by COVID-19.

“It will take the entire community coming together to make progress towards pre-pandemic conditions,” said MSHF Vice President of Programs Karen Koenemann. “This partnership with the State of Alaska and local governments to disburse federal dollars will give local organizations the funding they need to prevent further spread of the disease and at the same time support recovery from the pandemic.”

Organizations eligible to apply for funding include nonprofit and for-profit entities, healthcare providers, tribes, governments, school districts/schools and faith-based organizations that support the health and wellness of borough residents. Applicants must have a physical location in the Mat-Su or indicate what services or population numbers they serve in the Mat-Su.

Examples of activities that may be funded include the following:

• COVID-19 vaccination.
• COVID-19 testing, including testing for employees and/or participants in reoccurring activities.
• Mobile testing and/or vaccination.
• COVID-19 mitigation needs for facilities (minor renovation, supplies, equipment).
• Transportation for non-medical emergency COVID-19 testing and/or vaccination.
• Expansion of hardware/software to improve laboratory capacity and information technologies or to provide other support related to the goals of the funding.
• Temporary staffing to support medical care providers in contacting patients who have not yet been vaccinated.
• COVID-19 outreach and community engagement including events or booths at health fairs, conferences, and community gatherings (e.g., sports or faith-based events) or other information-sharing events.
• Translation of information materials to other languages and/or to meet ADA requirements.
• Outreach to specific geographic areas, neighborhoods, vulnerable populations or population groups to address health equity.
• Targeted media materials and dissemination, such as the creation of videos, mailers, radio/newspaper ads and social media.
• Targeted grants to nonprofits to support mental and behavioral health and/or healthy living related to COVID-19 recovery, mitigation and prevention measures.
• COVID-19 recovery and/or prevention support for homeless, seasonal/transient, vulnerable or other at-risk populations.
• Support for faith-based communities and other types of organizations to support COVID-19 recovery and/or prevention.
• Childcare by a state-licensed facility on a drop-off basis to enable access to the vaccine/testing.
• Emergency preparedness assessment and identifying improvements to be better prepared for a public health emergency.
• Improvement of community centers or gathering locations to increase testing, vaccination, quarantine options and/or support socially distanced activities.
• Upgrading of facilities and/or public buildings with touchless plumbing fixtures.
• Health improvements within homeless outreach programs.
• Air filtration via portable HEPA filtration for enclosed spaces (classrooms, meeting rooms, offices, etc.) and/or other ways to increase ventilation.
• Mitigation/prevention efforts that limit the spread of disease such as quarantine/isolation and/or delivery expenses of food for vulnerable/homebound populations.
• Incentives such as <$25 value items (gift cards, taxi vouchers, transport voucher, childcare) to remove barriers to testing or vaccination.
• Incentives for medical providers to use VacTrAK and/or to boost wellness visits with COVID information.
• Outreach activities by entities that represent underserved populations.
• Stipends for local experts or community members to share outreach educational information about COVID-19 and/or contribute to community-focused groups or health advisory groups, etc.
• Respite services due to COVID-19. For example, quarantine and/or lodging for individuals before or after treatment, to prevent homelessness or out-of-home care.

This is not an exhaustive list and other ideas are strongly encouraged. More details on this opportunity are available at www.healthymatsu.org. Organizations interested in pursuing funding may contact the Mat-Su Health Foundation by phone at (907) 373-2827 or by email to c19grant@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 .

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) recently published a research report investigating the behavioral health impacts of COVID-19 on frontline workers. In addition, a new grant program to support implementation of the recommendations presented in the report was launched today.

According to the study, titled “The Mat-Su COVID-19 Related Behavioral Health Needs Report,”several factors affected the behavioral health of frontline workers during the pandemic. These included all types of stress and the inability to utilize the usual self-care/protective practices that mitigate stress, including connecting with family and friends, gathering for celebrations, rituals of grieving and other cultural practices. Many frontline workers were stressed by not feeling financially secure. The workers were also concerned about many of the same issues that have been reported in national studies including fear of becoming infected with COVID-19, the stress related to shortages of personal protective equipment, stress related to taking on new roles at work, disagreement with others over the risks of disease and constantly changing pandemic guidelines.

“While all residents have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this research demonstrated that frontline workers were even more severely impacted, especially non-white workers and those from lower income households,” said MSHF Vice President of Programs Karen Koenemann. “The foundation’s new grant program is making funding available to address key areas identified in the report.”

The foundation will be hosting virtual information sessions for potential grantees on Tuesday, July 13 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, July 22 at 3 p.m. Registration for the free sessions is available at https://tinyurl.com/4bt59wwf.

Among the report’s recommendations for which funding may be available are the following:

• Create a system that ensures frontline workers have access to behavioral health support by identifying and funding sources of behavioral health support for frontline organizations and workers.
• Provide organizations the resources needed to prevent and identify workers burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
• Provide discretionary grants to organizations to be used for self-care, healing and cultural activities.

More than 400 frontline workers provided information and told their stories for the report. An online survey was completed by 358 people and 32 managers and directors of organizations serving on the frontline during the pandemic participated in interviews. In addition, four group interviews took place at community meetings. The frontline workforce was defined as healthcare workers plus workers from the following sectors who delivered essential services during the pandemic: behavioral health, child welfare/domestic violence/sexual assault, early learning/childcare, emergency services, social supports, youth residence programs, and education. Local research firm Actionable Data Consulting was contracted to complete the research.

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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 .

Wasilla, Alaska – Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) president and CEO Elizabeth Ripley is taking a sabbatical from July 1 through October 31. This is made possible by the Rasmuson Foundation Sabbatical Program and with the support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors and talented staff.  She has led the foundation since 2008 and is looking forward to returning on November 1. During the sabbatical she hopes to spend more time with her husband, children, first grandchild and parents, as well as relaxing on various trips including rafting the Colorado River.

During Ripley’s absence, MSHF CFO Chris Emond will serve as Acting President and CEO. Chief Communications Officer Robin Minard and Vice President of Programs Karen Koenemann will represent MSHF more broadly out in the community and across the state. Karen will represent the foundation at the programmatic level. Robin will handle all media relations, public affairs, government relations, and external communications in coordination with the leadership team.

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors: Tammy Bruce, Marisa Chud and Dr. Barb Doty.

Tammy Bruce joined the MSHF Board of Directors in June 2021. Born and raised in Alaska, she brings with her more than 10 years of experience working in finance with Edward Jones, as well as a history of working in marketing with the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tammy previously served as the president and has been a member of the Palmer Rotary Club for 20 years. In addition, she was the lieutenant governor for District 5010, as well as served on the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for three years and the MTA Board of Directors for four years in the past. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1998.

Marisa Chud joined the MSHF board in June 2021. She not only has experience working in the nonprofit realm with the YWCA, but also has 6 years of professional experience working in the legal field in various capacities. Marisa began as a law clerk at the Palmer Superior Courthouse and presently works as an attorney with Denali Law Group. She serves on committees at Northgate Alaska, and has previously volunteered with Triumphant Mercy, a center for refugees in Beirut, Lebanon, as well as Catholic Social Services. Marisa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from the University of Missouri Kansas City in 2008 and earned her Juris Doctor from New England Law Boston in 2013.

Dr. Barb Doty is a board certified family physician who has completed fellowships in Medical Education and Faculty Development, Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine and Rural Health. She joined the MSHF board in June 2021. Barb has more than 40 years of experience studying, contributing to and working in healthcare. She is presently a WWAMI-Alaska assistant clinical dean with the University of Washington School of Medicine. Barb is currently a member of the Mat-Su College Advisory Board and has served different groups in many capacities in the past including as Board Chair for Mat-Su Behavioral Health, assembly member for the Mat-Su Borough and as a federal appointee on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in 1977 and has since attended many educational programs at a range of institutions including the University of Washington, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University of Colorado and the University of Arizona.

At the same board meeting where the new members were elected, board officers were named. Lebron McPhail was chosen to continue in his role as chair. Lisa Wade was selected to serve as vice-chair and Teri Namtvedt for the role of secretary-treasurer.

Service on the Mat-Su Health Foundation Board of Directors is on a volunteer basis. Interested Mat-Su residents may apply through a process that includes a written application and interview. Board members serve an initial three-year term, and each term may be renewed for two additional three-year terms. More information is available at www.healthymatsu.org/about/board-of-directors.

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Borough School District (MSBSD) Health Advisory Team (HAT) has been recognized with the Mat-Su Health Foundation’s (MSHF) Bert Hall Award for Commitment to the Health of the Community. The “Bertie” is an annual award 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. This year is the first it has been awarded to a team rather than an individual. The HAT was chosen for this honor because of their exceptional to commitment to community health which made allowing in-person instruction in the Mat-Su without significant COVID-19 spread possible.

The group of nearly a dozen HAT members, comprised of district administrators, community health members, a local physician and a public health nurse liaison, established operational zones and created pandemic-necessary protocols such as conducting classroom investigations, providing transportation, creating indoor foot traffic routes, disinfectant processes and the handling of extra-curricular activities. The team also set up contact trace training for school nurses to help alleviate a bottleneck of investigations delaying family notifications and school re-openings. Because of their tireless collaborative efforts, all 46 schools in the MSBSD were able to stay functional most of the year.

“The Mat-Su Borough School District’s HAT kept Mat-Su youth and teachers healthy and in school during a pandemic that shuttered schools across the globe,” said MSHF President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “This was uncharted territory, but they found a way through extraordinary effort that involved high-level collaboration and communications, dedication to science and data analysis and focus on a solution-based approach. They spent their evenings and weekends after working long days to track cases, maneuver challenges and communicate with staff, students and families—heroic work resulting in a huge win for our families, kids and community.”

The Bert Hall Award is named in honor of Mat-Su resident Bert Hall who helped put together the Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and has been a Mat-Su Regional Medical Center Trustee. Bert has also served Alaska in many other capacities, including as a Mat-Su Regional Medical Center board member, associate director of the US Department of Veterans Affairs, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services, director of Health and Social Services for the Municipality of Anchorage and as the Alaska liaison to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Bert has been president of the Alaska Public Health Association, represented Alaska on the Governing Council of the American Public Health Association and served on the Alaska Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

MSBSD Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani accepted the award this year on behalf of the HAT. Other members of the team included Luke Fulp, deputy superintendent; Justin Ainsworth, MSBSD associate superintendent; Reese Everett, associate superintendent; DeeDee Hanes, associate superintendent; Jillian Morrissey, public information officer; Katherine Gardner, executive director of human resources/payroll; Katherine Ellsworth, executive director of federal programs; Dan Molina, executive director of student support services; Rhonda Lackey, districtwide nurse; Justin Michaud, IT supervisor; Dr. Anne Zink, State of Alaska Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Joseph McLaughlin, State Epidemiologist; Dr. Elizabeth Ohlsen, State of Alaska staff physician, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS); Debra Golden, State of Alaska perinatal nurse consultant; Dr. Therese Thomasoski, pediatrician for Ptarmigan Pediatrics; Karrin Parker, RN, DHSS Public Health nurse consultant; Renee Dillow, RN, DHSS Public Health nurse; Bridget Roughneen, RN, DHSS Public Health nurse manager.

Previous Bert Hall Award recipients include 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).

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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.

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) and its community resource network Connect Mat-Su are once again open to the public. The physical location at 777 N. Crusey St. in Wasilla closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but services were still provided via telephone and online. Lower coronavirus case rates in Mat-Su coupled with the availability and effectiveness of vaccines allowed reopening as an important step in making it easier for Mat-Su residents to access the assistance and resources they need to live healthy lives.

The Mat-Su Health Foundation building is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Some tenants in the building have reopened as well, while others are offering services in alternative ways or requiring appointments. Consumers are advised to check with individual service providers to learn their status.

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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.

Wasilla, Alaska – Connect Mat-Su has launched a new service to support residents who have questions about COVID-19 vaccination. Specially trained operators can provide answers to general questions about COVID-19, information about local vaccination appointments and walk-in clinics, and transportation support to help individuals get vaccinated. Connect Mat-Su Vaccine Call Line operators are available Monday through Friday from 12 p.p. to 5 p.m. at (907) 373-2628.

“The new Connect Mat-Su Vaccine Call Line was developed to help community members who have questions about COVID-19 vaccination get the answers they need,” said Mat-Su Health Foundation President and CEO Elizabeth Ripley. “Our hope is to support residents in making an informed choice about what is right for them and their families.”

People who call the Connect Mat-Su COVID Vaccine Call Line will receive the same tailored experience the service provides for all of its clients. In addition to the vaccine call line. 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.

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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.

Wasilla, Alaska – The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has welcomed two new employees: Chelsea Hedrick as Connect Mat-Su community resource specialist and Jeff Winell as R.O.C.K. Mat-Su community engagement coordinator. MSHF has also promoted Jessie Burbank to Connect Mat-Su community resource specialist II.

As Connect Mat-Su community resource specialist, Hedrick is the first point of contact for Connect Mat-Su, a social services information and referral resource center operated by MSHF. She provides social service navigation and referrals, as well as works to develop and maintain an extensive database of resources available in the community. Before accepting her current position, Hedrick held a temporary role coordinating a COVID-19 call line for Connect Mat-Su. She previously worked as a project coordinator with Bozeman Green Build and the Madison River Foundation, as well as an Alaskan Conservation Corp member with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. She holds an Associate of Applied Sciences in fisheries technology and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Alaska.

In his role as R.O.C.K. Mat-Su community engagement coordinator, Winell is responsible for driving strategic work forward by supporting day-to-day communications and administration, community engagement and data functions. He facilitates and coordinates authentic community engagement, informing the collective goal of creating transformative change in the systems that affect children and families in the Mat-Su. Winell brings a great deal of experience in client-facing communications and community programs. Before joining MSHF, he worked as a contact center representative at Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and program director with Take2 Ministries Alaska. Winell holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and ministry leadership from Cornerstone University in Michigan.

In her new role as community resource specialist II, Burbank will work closely with the Connect Mat-Su team to develop and maintain a database of health and social services resources within Mat-Su and will engage in outreach to develop and strengthen relationships with social service organizations, providers and programs. She will be responsible for refining, executing, and reporting on the information and referral follow-up process, assuring that consumers receive the services they need and identifying system gaps/areas for improvement. Before joining MSHF in 2020, Burbank worked at The Children’s Place where she assisted children and families impacted by child abuse. She graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in women’s studies.

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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.