As the sun sets on a remarkable chapter, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey the Community Conversations have taken us on across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Public meetings were held in Sutton, Upper Su, Palmer and Wasilla this month and last. It’s with both gratitude and a sense of fulfillment that we look back at the meaningful discussions, wealth of ideas and heartfelt conversations that characterized this series. These discussions have not only illuminated the challenges our community faces but have also sparked innovative ideas and inspired a sense of shared purpose among us.
Through these conversations, we sought to create a space where voices from all walks of life could be heard, ideas could flourish, and dreams for a healthier community could take flight. And we were not disappointed.
We heard passionate discussions about healthcare accessibility, educational initiatives, community programs, and so much more. The dedication and enthusiasm of every participant were palpable, reminding us of the incredible potential that resides within our community.
As we look back on these enriching conversations, we express our deepest gratitude to each and every Mat-Su resident who participated. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Thank you for your passion, your dedication and your unwavering belief in the power of community.
Our meeting facilitators are preparing a report that will identify the themes heard across many of the conversations. It will be emailed to all meeting participants and released publicly before Thanksgiving. Our Board of Directors will use the information gathered to inform future strategies that will help the foundation realize its vison of a community where all persons have the opportunity for a healthy life.
With deep appreciation,
The Mat-Su Health Foundation Team
Jasmine Walker is an operator for the Connect Mat-Su COVID Call Line and a certified medical assistant. She says that she was drawn to the position because, “being able to communicate with the public on a more personable level is always the main goal,” and she’s able to accomplish that by acting as the point of contact for those who need information about COVID-19 and the vaccines. Jasmine has also enjoyed learning how to use new tools in technology that she hopes to apply in her future positions.
Jessica Czechowicz is a volunteer for the Connect Mat-Su COVID Call Line and a registered nurse. She’s worked in an ICU step-down unit that in March of 2020 became a dedicated COVID unit and spent the last year seeing firsthand how it impacts someone’s health. When asked what interested her in the volunteer position, Jessica said, “One of the most difficult things I encountered as a nurse during the pandemic was how to process, disseminate, and embrace the sometimes-daily changes to best practices when dealing with COVID. It was frustrating and confusing. When I saw this volunteer opportunity, I felt a lot of empathy for how confusing it must be to navigate these new guidelines. I could help people who weren’t in the medical field navigate how to keep their families and schools safe.”
The BLLC Recreation Center was built in response to losing the local ice rink and not having a place to congregate for community events. Additional building phases evolved along the way and the space now hosts a wide range of functions such as fitness classes, gun shows, community council meetings, AA meetings, sporting events and much more. Haller says of the importance of the BLLC Recreation Center, “It gives us a place to be a community. All the community functions are here.” The foundation awarded a $15,000 Target Wellness Grant to the Big Lake Lions Club to go toward the Summer Fun House.