2019 Community Health Needs Assessment

Implementation Plan
2021 Year Two Evaluation
1 - Implementation Plan
 Content
Introduction 3

2019 CHNA Goals & Objectives 6

2021 Accomplishments 7

Community Impact 10

2021 Year End Highlights 11

Resident Economic Stability 11
Safe and Healthy Relationships 16
Strong Social Connections 19
Freedom from Discrimination/Racial Equity 23
Excellent Mental Health 25
Affordable/Accessible Healthy Recreation 30
Affordable/Accessible Preventative Care 31
Healthy Environment 33

2021 Evaluation - 2
 Introduction
Thank you for your interest in the 2021 Year 2 Evaluation Report. This summary highlights the activities,
outcomes and impact accomplished by the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) and the Mat-Su Regional
Medical Center (MSRMC) during calendar year 2021 towards the 2019 Community Health Needs
Assessment Implementation Plan.

The 2019 Implementation plan identified 8 distinct goals: resident economic stability, safe and healthy
relationships, strong social connections, freedom from discrimination, excellent/accessible behavioral health
care, affordable/accessible healthy recreation and healthy environment. MSHF and MSRMC have been
working both individually and collaboratively toward specific strategies aimed to address these goals.

To that end, the 2019 Implementation Plan defined two distinct sets of objectives: specific strategies related
to the 8 goals for MSHF and MSRMC individually and a set of 7 collaborative strategies that the two have
been working on together. Please note as you review this document that accomplishments are listed in the
order of the 8 goals identified for the Mat-Su Health Foundation.

Additionally, while there were 7 collaborative strategies listed in slightly different rank order in the 2019
plan, in reality, the two entities are actually working individually on the same 8 goals and collectively on 6 of
the 8 goals. The collaborative workforce development strategy is reported under resident economic stability.

In the wake of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to note that both the MSHF
and MSRMC continued to devote significant resources to managing the pandemic as well as continuing to
address other health needs, while they continued to implement strategies to address these goals. Significant
progress has been made on the vast majority of their implementation strategies, in spite of the pandemic;
only a few strategies were delayed. Key programs that were adapted in year 1 to be delivered virtually,
continued to make a positive impact on the community.

Significant accomplishments during calendar year 2021 included:

• COVID relief funds totaling $5,186,101 were granted; 60% funded nonprofits for COVID-related
mitigation and expenses. Funding supported free COVID testing options, a Mat-Su call line for COVID
questions, and thousands of rapid at-home COVID tests were distributed all over the borough as well
as 100 HEPA air filters for community organizations. Organizations serving homeless individuals and
families, emergency response capability, and food insecurity also received funding.
• MSRMC recruited 17 new physician and mid-level providers in Behavioral Health, Internal Medicine,
Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, Pediatrics, and Urgent Care. MSRMC’s
commitment to support front line staff enabled ongoing access to care when other providers were forced
to shut down or reduce services during the pandemic. MSRMC expanded service and increased charity
care and discount offerings. Charity care increased to $8.1M from $4.84M in 2020.
• The Mat-Su Homelessness Needs Assessment was completed, which will serve as the foundation for
planning a Mat-Su continuum of care for housing and homelessness.
• Successfully advocated for state budget support for Medicaid, Early Childhood and Pre-K (Head Start)
funding and housing/homelessness programs.
• Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant concluded with a 55% relative increase in developmental
screenings over the past 5 years.
• 419 Academic Scholarships totaling $1.70 million and 99 Vocational Scholarships totaling over $250,000
were awarded.

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5 - Implementation Plan
 2019 CHNA Goals and Objectives
Mat-Su Health Foundation Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
GOAL Collaborative Strategies
Objectives Objectives
• Fund and convene around • Assess impact of COVID 19 on • Workforce development
workforce development Mat-Su community and coordinate • Project Search to employ people with
• Advocate for policies such as response strategies among disabilities
presumptive eligibility MSRMC, FQHCs, and LINKS to • PTO donation program
• Fund and convene around ensure access to care for at-risk • Vendor fairs with community
affordable housing, populations resources
transportation and food security • Coordinate access to care
Resident Economic
coverage with local FQHCs
Stability including an expansion plan
• MSRMC/MSHF staff meet
quarterly to coordinate workforce
development efforts including,
scholarships, Red Carpet program,
recruitment, loan repayment
initiative, etc.
• R.O.C.K. Mat-Su will continue • Coordinate response to positive • Employee Bullying Prevention
work on increasing family DV screen among organizations Training; Columbia Suicide screening
contact for families involved in • Strengthen DV Coalition • For older residents, youth and families
Safe and Healthy
the child welfare system - linked to safe, healthy relationship
Relationships goals

• Implement Connect Mat-Su • Patient and Family Advisory Council

Information and Referral Service, (PFAC) to inform hospital care and
R.O.C.K. Mat-Su community connections
events as well as increase • Social gatherings: health fairs, senior
Strong Social visibility of fee and low-cost circle, volunteer program, State Fair
Connections family friendly events happening Programs (Stop the Bleed and CPR);
in the Mat-Su birthing classes, breastfeeding classes,
• Fund Youth 360 baby boot camp, softball team

• Employee trainings • Racial Ethnic Discrimination: Staff • ESS Eligibility screenings and
• Analyze Mat-Su population awareness/Education, analyze assistance for qualifications
health data for disparities health disparities across groups in • Review and revamp interpretation
Freedom from • Implement Healthy Equity Mat-Su population and MSRMC services
Discrimination/ Racial Blueprint for MSHF patients, decrease barriers to • Financial assistance for patients
Equity seeking care • Equal opportunity employer
• Decrease barriers for people with
disabilities seeking healthcare

• Fund Behavioral Health in • Establish semi-annual MSRMC/ • BH Inpatient unit, Tele-psychiatry

Schools program MSHF/Provider meetings for sec- services, BH screening for all
• Crisis Now work; cohort learning tor level transition planning patients,
process on managed care for • Identify other places that are • Utilize Columbia Suicide Risk
Excellent Mental
providers doing BH well and plan a Learning Assessment in all patient access areas
Health • Advocate for policy changes Trip for community providers and • Focus on youth mental health
MSRMC through collaboration with outpatient
• Reassess need for Psych ED beds youth and peer providers (True North
• Promote peer support at hospital and My House)
• Fund Mat-Su Trails and Parks • Sponsor community events and walks
Affordable/Accessible Foundation, afterschool
Healthy Recreation programs and Youth 360

• Fund fall prevention for Seniors • Increase HUMS ED referrals • Screening and education programs,
• Policy work on price • Develop Plans of Safe Care for Bike Rodeo
Affordable/Accessible transparency and AK high-risk babies • Provide meeting space for
Preventative Care Transformation Project • Explore MSRMC becoming Senior community groups
Friendly Hospital

• Community gardens, trails and • annan

Healthy Environment parks funding
• Policy related to livability (8-80)

OBJECTIVE WILL NOT

OBJECTIVE PROGRESS OBJECTIVE POSTPONED or OBJECTIVE DID NOT BEGIN BASED BE COMPLETED
ACHIEVED FOR THIS YEAR STALLED DUE TO A BARRIER ON THE ORIGINAL TIMELINE or FOCUS WAS CHANGED

2021 Evaluation - 6
 2021 Accomplishments

In addition to the commitment to the

community through grant making and program
development, the Mat-Su Health Foundation
takes a leadership role at the local, regional,
state and national level to advocate for policy
and other systems change initiatives that
eliminate barriers to health care and improve
quality of life. Some of the key accomplishments
from the past year include:

2021 SYSTEMS CHANGE/ADVOCACY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Increase in State per capita spending on older adults from baseline (Baseline: lowest per capita funding
for any region)
• Collaborative work on systemic issues affecting older adults & residents with disabilities, health equity
and diversity
• Advocated for Senate Bill 89 and House Bill 103: Keep “house rules” at Alaska nursing homes consistent
with federal law to protect Medicaid Waiver funding.

State of Alaska Budget Priorities

• Protect Medicaid and continue to support meaningful Medicaid reform. REMAINED INTACT.
• Preserve Early Childhood and Pre-K (Head Start) Funding. REMAINED INTACT.
• Preserve Funding for Housing and Homelessness Programs. REMAINED INTACT.

How We Approach Our Work

CONVENE LISTEN AND CONDUCT IDENTIFY & GRANTMAKING,

MEASURE AND
NEED UNDERSTAND RESEARCH; IMPLEMENT
PROGRAM FUNDING
EVALUATE
LEADERS & & ADVOCACY FOR
IDENTIFIED STAKEHOLDERS NEEDS & IDENTIFY STRATEGIES & POLICY REFORM & OUTCOMES &
ISSUES ROOT CAUSES SOLUTIONS SYSTEMS CHANGE
IMPACT

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Community Impact
Healthy Aging
The vision for the Healthy Aging area of focus is that older adults and residents with disabilities are able to
access a sustainable system of culturally-appropriate services and supports adapted to how and where they live.
This area of focus also identifies and supports veteran-serving organizations in the Mat-Su.
Strategies:
• Increase services and supports
• Age and disability -friendly community

Healthy Families
The vision for the Healthy Families area of focus is that Mat-Su families and children are able to access social supports, and
that there exists a system that helps children be safe, healthy and thriving. The Mat-Su Health Foundation is working to
achieve the Strengthening Families™ five protective factors for supporting families.
Strategies:
• Community connections
• Promote positive youth development
• Increase quantity and quality of early learning programs in Mat-Su
• Increase access to behavioral health care for children and parents

Healthy Minds
The vision for the Healthy Minds area of focus is that all Mat-Su residents have access to a complete and effective
behavioral health continuum of care.
Strategies:
• Complete behavioral health continuum of care
• Integrated care
• Reduce alcohol abuse
• Provider stability under Medicaid reform

Healthy Futures
The vision for Healthy Futures is that Mat-Su residents are served by a trained and qualified workforce that sufficiently
staffs a complete system of care to meet community health and wellness needs. Of the 25 occupations expected to grow
the most in Alaska, 23 are related to health and human services.
Strategies:
• Workforce recruitment and retention
• Supporting workforce growth
• Leadership and professional development
• Healthy Futures Partnerships

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION PROGRAMS

R.O.C.K. Mat-Su (Raising our Children with Kindness)
The foundation serves as the backbone organization for a collaborative called R.O.C.K. Mat-Su that aims to
increase family resilience and reduce child maltreatment in the Mat-Su.

Connect Mat-Su
Connect Mat-Su is a comprehensive health and social services information and referral hub, ensuring that every
person in the Mat-Su Borough has what is needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life. We provide a physical
and virtual resource center linking residents with immediate access to the information, referrals, and direct
assistance specific to the Mat-Su.
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 2021 Year End Highlights

RESIDENT ECONOMIC STABILITY

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

Community-Driven C-19 Response Funding (C-19 Grant)
The Mat-Su Borough and the Cities of Wasilla, Palmer and Houston asked MSHF to distribute funds from the
State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The total was $5,186,101; 60% was granted to nonprofits for COVID-related mitigation and expenses. Free
COVID testing options, a Mat-Su call line for COVID questions, and thousands of rapid at-home COVID tests
distributed all over the borough were funded as well as 100 HEPA air filters for community organizations.
Organizations serving homeless individuals and families, emergency response capability, and food insecurity
also received funding. About 29% was awarded to projects supporting health equity, including food pantries,
quarantine facilities, and organizations serving low-income, disabled, and/or transient populations.
Funds supported:
• Denali Education Center (non-traditional testing center) • Urgent Care Lake Lucille
• Upper Su Food Pantry • Wasilla Lake Church of Nazarene
• Willow Food Pantry • CCS Early Learning
• Mat-Su Health Services • Set Free (quarantine)
• WEKA, free fixed and mobile testing

HEALTHY FOUNDATIONS
The Mat-Su Homelessness Needs Assessment was completed. This will serve as the foundation for planning a
Mat-Su continuum of care for housing and homelessness.

MSHF assisted Alaska Farmland Trust’s effort to grow the organization’s capacity to work with landowners in
Mat-Su. Their goal is conserving agricultural land and growing a farm economy that has the potential to sustain
families throughout the Valley and address food insecurity.

HEALTHY FUTURES
Facilitated convenings with Direct Service Provider (DSP) employers to discuss solutions to recruitment and
retention challenges. MSHF provided funding to the Alaska Association of Developmental Disabilities to
produce a series of Mat-Su specific videos to educate job seekers about opportunities in this sector.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

MSRMC continued to expand the range of specialty care available by adding a total of 17 physicians and
other key providers in Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Vascular Surgery, General Surgery,
Pediatrics, Urgent Care, and Behavioral Health. Project Search was reinitiated, serving 10 individuals. MSRMC
implemented an extensive program to support front line workers resulting in high staff retention (84.6%).

Key Accomplishments & Impacts on Page 13

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 Key Accomplishments & Impacts
Resident Economic Stability

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC

• Healthy Aging together with • MSRMC continues to partner • Recruited 17 physicians and
Healthy Futures, hosted 3 with Sunshine clinic to key providers
convenings, each one had increase access for vulnerable • Restarted the Project
from 5 to 15 participants populations; cardiac outreach SEARCH program with a class
which were employers of clinics are being conducted in of ten.
Direct Support Professionals Talkeetna on a monthly basis
with 110 patient encounters in • No vendor fairs were
• MSHF continues to conducted due to continued
strengthen the health and 2021
surges of COVID
human services workforce • Connect Mat-Su referred 88
by awarding 419 Academic patients to FQHCs • 1,363 hours of PTO (Paid Time
Scholarships totaling $1.70 Off) donated to support other
million and 99 Vocational employees
Scholarships totaling over • Front line worker support
$250,000 program implemented
• Provided strategic grants to resulting in high staff
2 transportation providers to retention (84.6%)
leverage additional resources • Participated in Work Matters
totaling $445,000 Task force for the state
• Phase 2 of Bridgeview focused on people with
Affordable Housing project disabilities
funded $350,000 for 18 one • MDSave – expanded
bedroom and efficiency service, increased charity
apartments care offerings, and raised
• MSHF awarded Special Santa the discount for people in
grant to provide toys during community in need of charity
the holiday season to families care for discounted services.
in need Charity care increased to
$8.1M from $4.84M in 2020
• Provided a strategic grant to
Health TIE, an innovation hub
that is working on improving
healthcare workforce systems
by creating solutions to
address healthcare access in
Mat-Su
• Provided 24 food related
grants totaling $465,769.25

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 SAFE & HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

HEALTHY AGING
MSHF provided funding that strengthened nonprofits serving residents with disabilities with attention to
health equity and diversity. Wasilla Area Seniors Inc. (WASI) and Mat-Su Senior Services (Palmer Senior
Center) received grant support for new CEO searches and the Upper Susitna Seniors, Inc. was able to hire an
Executive Director. WASI opened its new 40-unit 55+ senior housing building funded in part by grant support.
Grant funding continues to support LINKS for their free information and referral services for individuals with
disabilities, seniors and vulnerable adults; to The Alaska Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired for their Mat-
Su Coordinator, to restart for their Living Well with Vision Loss groups and other activities; and Valley Charities
for their medical equipment lending library.

R.O.C.K. Mat-Su
• 5-year Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems grant concluded with a 55% relative increase in
developmental screenings.
• FIT Court revised enrollment criteria and developed a phased progression through the court, reopening in
August 2021.
• Braided Stories launched to the public with two cohorts in spring 2021, and MSHF participated in two
cohorts in fall 2021.
• Youth to Youth ACEs training and peer-to-peer projects developed by teens.
• Facilitated Attuned Networking training offered to CCS in 2021; to be repeated with another cohort in 2022.
• Drug Endangered Children facilitation initiated.
• Continue to offer training to professionals, non-professionals and parents.
• Working with the state to scale program at state level with the Office of Children’s Services.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

MSRMC continued implementation of a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) program in collaboration with
local agencies. MSRMC screens 100% of patients for home safety and domestic violence. Suspected Child
Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) team meets monthly to review reports of child abuse or neglect to look for trends,
ensure information is reported accurately and provide support to teams that have seen the cases.

Key Accomplishments & Impacts on Page 17

 Key Accomplishments & Impacts
Safe & Healthy Relationships

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC

• Completed compilation of • All MSRMC patients are • All 812 employees received
Mat-Su Veterans Resource screened for domestic bullying training in 2021
List violence • All patients receive Columbia
• Contracted Beacon Hill to • All MSRMC patients receive a Suicide screening; MSRMC
provide training home safety assessment had 5,421 admissions in 2021
• Provided lunch hugs to EMS • AARP 8 to 80 Livability index • All 812 employees received
and other providers in the score increases (Baseline 2020 workplace violence training
community is average at 52) • Worked with FEMA to provide
• Sent appreciation baskets to • Worked to provide avenues to travel nurses, therapists and
MSRMC staff mental health care – met with other professionals to relieve
Alaska Response Hotline and overburdened staff
promoted that service, which • Over 1,000 volunteer hours
offered 6 follow up counseling supported front line staff by
sessions to MSRMC repurposing non-clinical staff
employees who called. This to assist with patient care
service offered a bridge until support duties in response to
employees could get into a staff requests not to bring in
local provider if needed traveling nurses
• Significant investment in
supporting front line staff
including massage therapists,
pastoral care, holiday baskets
and gifts for those in need,
weekly and weekend staff
meals, and night shift
cafeteria

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 STRONG SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

CONNECT MAT-SU
• Served 932 individuals; made 2,007 referrals to providers with 90% connected to a needed service.
• Partnered with the MEA Charitable Foundation and United Way Mat-Su’s Emergency Food and Shelter
Program funding to launch the Basic Needs Support Fund, distributing $6,052 to assist 18 households with
financial support to meet basic needs.
• Worked on multiple systems level projects designed to streamline access to services for clients including
a partnership with the State of Alaska and Mat-Su Regional Medical Center to develop an e-referral
program that connects patients to resources related to social determinants of health. Facilitation of a multi-
disciplinary team addressing high utilizers of resources in the community, and participation in the steering
committee for the Mat-Su Housing and Homelessness Assessment.

R.O.C.K. Mat-Su
• Implemented Facebook support group to support social connections.
• Transitioned baby shower to virtual and implemented gift bag delivery and pick up.

Youth 360
• Youth 360 provides a safe space for youth to explore and learn about various social identities. Youth
participating in the program talk openly among themselves and with program staff about gender and sexual
identity.
• Participants signed up for a variety of reasons, including being with friends, not being alone at home while
their parents were at work, food/snacks, and fun activities. Parents enrolled their child to provide them with
an opportunity for socialization with age-appropriate peers and have observed growth in their child’s social
skills.
• The stipend program, started in April 2021, offers opportunities for students at Houston and Wasilla to
engage in activities, free-of-charge during out-of-school time. The stipend covers costs for approved
community-based activities.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

MSRMC made significant investments in employee health and well being, fostering extensive volunteer support
both within the hospital and from the community. Over 1,000 volunteer hours were donated to provide patient
care support by non-clinical staff to support nurses, allowing them to focus on patient care delivery. Numerous
community groups provided donations of food, snacks and other items to hospital front line staff in recognition
of their commitment to the community.

Key Accomplishments & Impacts on Page 21

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 Key Accomplishments & Impacts
Strong Social Connections

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC

• 932 individuals served • MSRMC suspended volunteer • All Patient Family Advisory
through Connect Mat-Su; 90% and social efforts in 2021 due Committee meetings during
connected to services to COVID-19 the 2021 year were cancelled
• 12,225 new Connect Mat-Su • Met with new resident due to COVID restrictions
website users welcome program in as well as all other social
Valdez to learn about how gatherings, health fairs,
• 262 unique youth were served senior circles and volunteer
by Youth 360, 112 in Houston it is implemented and to
determine the feasibility for programs
and 150 in Wasilla; 2,283 bus
rides were provided (1,553 in Mat-Su • Despite COVID, monthly
Houston and 730 in Wasilla) • Met with school district to talk Birthing Classes were held
about their recruitment and but participation was limited
• 60 stipends were used by 47
Youth 360 students, including retention efforts • Honored student affiliation
21 from Houston and 26 from • Exploring social connection agreements and was the only
strategies that will work in hospital hosting students
Wasilla
individual locations including during COVID (received
placemaking several from out of state to
get clinical hours)
• Received donations
from several community
organizations for various staff
initiatives during COVID

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 FREEDOM FROM
DISCRIMINATION/RACIAL EQUITY

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

• Equity practices developed for MSHF.
• Social equity analysis completed by Stellar Group for the Foundation.
• Grant awarded to Wasilla High School to produce and install a Chief Wasilla statue as the school’s
indigenous namesake, providing cultural representation. The grant also funded a cultural and historical
educational component for students.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

• In 2021, all 812 staff received discrimination education and all staff committed to following MSRMC code of
conduct that dictates how all staff should treat others. There is also a plan to roll out a more extensive 3 part
discrimination training in 2022.
• During this year, the hospital maintained employees who got COVID and were “long haulers” as “light duty”
employees, so they were able to maintain their employment.
• Began talking about opening a 24/7 daycare available for all ages at MSRMC with planning continuing into 2022.

Key Accomplishments & Impacts

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC
• Worked with Stellar Group • The hospital hired and • MSRMC is an equal
and Giving Practice; majority employed 2 additional project opportunity employer.
of staff participated in SEARCH graduates in 2021 • In 2021, 2,877 patients were
writing our stories focused • Discrimination video screened and 2,226 patients
on personal and professional produced for Crisis Now approved through Eligibility
growth project. Representatives Screening Services
• Awarded 40 Professional from minority groups • CHS has 2 chief equity
Development scholarships, told how they want to be officers leading training,
totaling $56,282 to nonprofit treated by first responders education, and recruitment
executive directors, board during an emergency, programs designed to shape
member, and staff in the Mat- including by responding and sustain an inclusive and
Su to pursue Certificate in mental health clinicians and equitable culture
Nonprofit Management, Fund peers. The video was used
Development, and Triple for discussion at the Crisis • Implemented DEI training for
Impact leadership programs Now Implementation team staff
• Funded the State of Alaska meeting in the fall of 2021 • Participate in and host
Loan Repayment program monthly SCAN team
and MSHF worked on meetings which cover sexual
creating strategies to recruit assault and OB matters
and retain diverse healthcare focused on child and
professionals in Mat-Su adolescents

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2020
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 EXCELLENT MENTAL HEALTH

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

In spring of 2021, the lead behavioral health provider for the MSHF-funded Behavioral Health In Schools (BHIS)
program had to pull out as the agency ceased offering services in Mat-Su. Instead of shutting down, the program
expanded as a new provider was able to maintain service continuity.

The 2021 CIT Academy Training set for October was cancelled due to COVID exposures and re-scheduled
for 2022. The CIT Coalition has included the Mat-Su Crisis Now Implementation Coordinator in the monthly
meetings keeping the group abreast on the progress of the Mat-Su project. Finally, much work was
accomplished in compiling the CIT International certification application leading to submission in 2022.
Recover Alaska (in-part funded by MSHF) supported the creation of the Lazarus Collaborative in October which
is a network of behavioral health, primary care, substance use disorder, and other providers in Mat-Su who are
focused on assisting clients moving into recovery while reintegrating back into the community.
Growth was noted in Reach 907’s capacity to provide clinical services to children. Knik Tribe opened their
Benteh Wellness Center serving families, and Behavioral Health in Schools had an expansion in the number of
schools providing services.

MSHF formalized their commitment and partnership with the Alaska Mental Health Trust by managing a Trust-
funded contract to hire a Crisis Now Implementation Coordinator to organize the community around the
development of CN services in Mat-Su. Several workgroups were formed to address specific aspects of the
model and develop interest on the part of local providers to explore their capacity to provide crisis services.
The borough EMS director gave a summary presentation to the CIT coalition on the 911 Alpha calls research
report, highlighting the high number of non-transport calls, elderly demographics, behavioral health calls, and
other activities. CIT Coalition held discussions with EMS officials regarding the recommendations in the report
citing the potential adoption of a para-medicine program.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

The MSRMC has a provider to patient ratio of 1 to 12 which decreases to 1 to 6 if midlevel practitioners are
included. The hospital continues to support peer support relationships in collaboration with My House and True
North. My House receives referrals for ER teens with housing needs and inpatients between 18-24 years old.
True North also offers ED peer support and provides inpatient assessments as well. MSRMC has a partnership
agreement with Mat-Su Health Services for patients discharging from the ER and Behavioral Health Unit to be
seen within 3 days of discharge.

MSRMC has representation with community on CIT (Crisis Intervention Team); a multidisciplinary team to
identify patients touching all those areas (law, ED, mental health, etc.). MSRMC also sits on the MDT team that
identifies high utilizers touching all services and works to better coordinate care and connect individuals to
resources.
Key Accomplishments & Impacts on Page 27

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 Key Accomplishments & Impacts
Excellent Mental Health

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC

• Behavioral Health in Schools • MSRHC has identified a need • MSRMC has 16 BH beds in
expanded from 9 to 13 schools for 4 additional ED psych the new Behavioral Health
for the 2021-22 school year, beds; ideally in their own wing of the Inpatient Hospital
serving 162 in the fall and 204 separate area of the ED and 2 dedicated Emergency
in spring. 77.9% of students • Three Alaska State Troopers Department beds although
would recommend the were trained as CIT average daily census can be
program; 77.8% are satisfied instructors in 2021 to take as high as 8 or 9. Patients wait
with services; 71.4% of parents/ leadership roles in Mat-Su due to lack of community-
caregivers are satisfied with and other locations around based treatment options
services their child received; the state • Completed over 1,200 psych
55.0% of students are making risk assessments of ED
progress towards identified • Analyzing the feasibility
of the Crisis Now model; patients
goals (fall semester)
hired implementation • Over 300 admissions from
• Technology grants were coordinator to lead the local outside Mat-Su Valley to
made to better enable effort. Workgroups were behavioral health unit (1
providers to serve clients formed to focus on crisis of only 4 placements for
• Conversations with two stabilization centers, mobile involuntary patients); only
temporary housing providers crisis response and peer BH unit in AK to continue to
initiated connection with immediate accept patients throughout
• Grant awarded to REACH access to outpatient post- COVID
907 to expand organizational crisis services • Began offering Tele-
services by becoming a • Monthly Multi-Disciplinary Psychiatric services in
Medicaid-billable children’s Team meetings afford October
mental health clinic opportunities for hospital ED • 100% of patients received
• 27 individual psychotherapy staff to interact with provider a Columbia Suicide Risk
participants for 212 sessions agency staff over the topic of assessment and BH patients
ED patients received additional screening
• 12 participants in
psychotherapy groups for 4 • Several first responders and • MSRMC collaboration
groups other providers, including with My House and True
the MSRMC BH director, North continues serving
• 12 participants in 98 attended the CIT International
Community Recovery approximately 250 patients
Conference in AZ and toured
Support Services facilities in the area • Serve on Alaska Hospital
• MSHF funded one grant to and Healthcare Association
assist a local BH provider in (AHHA) behavioral health
discovering the feasibility of committee (MSRMC has a
providing walk-in hours for employee that is chair of
post crisis patients as part of this committee) and AHHA
the essential follow-up to CN adolescent behavioral health
committee
services
• Brought in therapy dogs
through Crisis Canines
program during COVID

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 AFFORDABLE/ACCESSIBLE HEALTHY RECREATION

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

• MSHF continues to fund trails and parks; provide support around capacity.
• Onward & Upward grant: 180 Mat-Su participants in organized programs (210 total overall), in 20 activities.
• Funded Palmer and Wasilla for cross country skiing after school.
• Grant awarded to the Alaska State Fair to partially fund a barn installation and new youth development
center at the Rebarchek Agricultural Park.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

• Bicycle rodeo had approximately 150 children participate with over 100 helmets given away.
• Focused on employee well-being and health and wellness challenges, incorporating community outreach
and support where possible.

Key Accomplishments & Impacts

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC
• Funded 40 recreational • Bicycle rodeo had • Most sponsorships for social
grants totaling $148,381 approximately 150 children events in 2021 were canceled
• $2,500 grant for senior walk participate with over 100 due to COVID-19
time/City of Wasilla Menard helmets sponsored by MSHF • MSRMC sponsored an 18
Center given away -man softball team
• Nutrition grants for Seniors/ • Offered staff discounts on
Older Adults: Knik Tribe healthy activities, vacation
$50,000; Chickaloon Native travel, recreation as part of My
Village $69,206; Upper Su Life benefit package
Seniors $78,000; Wasilla Area • Collaborated with local gyms
Seniors $94,000; Mat-Su so staff could go during
Seniors in Palmer for capacity COVID
building $95,000
• Implemented activity
• Hosted 3 convenings to challenges where employees
discuss the system serving could earn entry into raffles
food to older adults in the for outdoor activities donated
Mat-Su by the community (camping,
• Funded Mat-Su Trails and skiing, kayak, ski packages,
Parks Foundation $558,347 etc.)
• Implemented photo
challenge of people out
enjoying nature/recreation
wearing hospital logo to
promote healthy living

2021 Evaluation - 30
 AFFORDABLE/ACCESSIBLE PREVENTATIVE CARE

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

The Alaska Mental Health Trust awarded $100K to HUMS (High Utilizer Mat-Su) operations in 2021. Links is
currently in talks with Optum Case Management program focusing on high utilizers and their connection to
community-based services. Also, Links is exploring the potential to bill fee for service through the 1115 waiver.
Final report with recommendations due Summer 2022.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

MSRMC continues to recruit primary care and specialty providers to the region and expand services while
expanding discounts and charity care to make preventative and other care more accessible and affordable.

Key Accomplishments & Impacts

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC
• $30,369 grant to Valley • Discussion with Age-Friendly • Efforts to expand ED to an
Charities to acquire hospital experts and MSRMC age friendly ER are still a
frequently used items management carried out in priority, but delayed due to
for their durable medical April 2021. Given the COVID short term focus on COVID
equipment lending inventory, situation, this work was not pandemic
providing free medical pursued at this time • MSRMC has continued to
equipment temporarily for • Expanding plans of safe care utilize HUMS program
Mat-Su residents before birth • Offered staff discounts at
• $ 115,000 awarded for a 3-year • HUMS grew the Community MSRMC clinics and hospital
Mind Aerobics Project by Health Worker team and
the Alzheimer’s Resource of • Onboarded 2 primary care
continued to provide services providers (1 family practice
Alaska. Research has shown throughout COVID-19
this approach to be effective and 1 internal medicine that
pandemic established new practices)
in stabilizing, and even
improving cognitive function • Overall cost savings for • Started COVID testing on
across six domains - reaction those with a decrease in unvaccinated employees
time, visual-spatial, attention utilization: $7,251,590 . Cost
savings is calculated for 113 • Offered COVID vaccinations
and concentration, memory, and boosters to all employees
language, and problem participants with available
hospital data who received and medical staff
solving
services during the year and • Maintained incident
• COVID had a big impact on had at least 12 months pre/ command center to address
falls prevention grants; none post data available. Of those COVID surges and how to
were requested with available data, 76 had respond to care for patients
a reduction in ED visits pre/ kept beyond required time
post, with a cost savings of
• As part of incident command,
$4,973,637
Dr. Quimby spoke at multiple
groups including borough,
school district about COVID
and prevention to reduce
spread

31 - Implementation Plan
2021 Evaluation - 32
 HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

MAT-SU HEALTH FOUNDATION

Funded Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation grants totaling $558,347 and other projects supporting positive
environmental impact.

MAT-SU REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

An HVAC controls tech was hired and is working on improvements and reprogramming of Air Handler Units to
be more efficient resulting in 15-20% electric and natural gas savings.

MSRMC has a Boiler Controls Automation proposal that will be submitted for 2023. This project has a ROI of
2.5 years and essentially improves boiler efficiency by self-tuning, tighter controls on the burners, and running
the VFDs on the motors more efficiently.

Key Accomplishments & Impacts

MSHF COLLABORATIVE MSRMC
• Funded 5 projects totaling • iPads were provided to • Loaned 2 scooters, 4 stower
$254,750.70: connect patients and loved chairs, 2 walkers with seats, 8
» Bright Lights Book Project ones to help create healthy canes, and 2 point canes
environment during COVID; • Initiated a recycling program
» Meadow Lakes Seniors pastoral care offered via iPad
Greenhouse with Stryker
with local church
» CCS Early Learning Garden • 85 lights were replaced with
Project LED lighting
» Alaska Farmland Trust • Recycled clinical equipment
Capacity Building • Cleaning crew cleaned
» Greater Palmer Chamber common hospital areas every
of Commerce Annual hour
Clean Up Day • Converted over 40 rooms
» Rebarchek Agriculture to negative air pressure in 2
Park Youth Development wings along with 14 ICU and
Livestock Barn 2 OB rooms; served patients
from all over AK and even
Seattle area

33 - Implementation Plan
2021 Evaluation - 34