News Release
No. 2008-02
Contact: Borghy Holm
(907) 481-2462

For Immediate Release: October 28, 2008

A Healthier Tomorrow for Kodiak

KODIAK, Alaska—Healthy Tomorrows—a community initiative created to improve the health of Kodiak and the surrounding communities—held a second meeting on October 23, 2008. Attendees included representatives from Public Health, Providence Counseling Center, Kodiak High School, Kodiak Middle School, Afognak, Kana, Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center, Sun’aq, Kodiak Island Medical Associates, Kodiak Community Health Center, Special Olympics and Hope Community Resources, among others. Besides the seasoned professionals, volunteers and concerned citizens, three high school seniors brought the reforming zeal of youth to the table. When asked why she decided to join the effort, senior Janette Valladolid answered, “to change the future.”

And the future does need to be changed. Healthy Tomorrows was formed after a community health assessment of the Kodiak area reported some alarming statistics. Info from the survey showed that 38% of adult respondents were overweight, 28% were obese, and 27% of youth were overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. The survey also revealed a high level of substance abuse among youth and adults and showed that 18% of youth surveyed had seriously considered suicide in the past year. Healthy Tomorrows ultimately seeks to replace these unhealthy patterns with more positive lifestyle choices and show improved scores on the next community health assessment a few years from now. Anita Laurence of Providence Health System in Anchorage was on-hand to facilitate this community effort to “turn the curve” on these negative health trends.

A sub-group of Healthy Tomorrows will seek to increase the number of Kodiak youth and adults that are of a healthy weight. Frank Peterson Jr. and Tammy Hansen volunteered to provide leadership to this team. Another sub-group will seek to decrease substance abuse and suicidal tendencies among youth and adults. KHS senior Tim Sheffler volunteered to assist with leadership of this group.

The teams brainstormed about ways to provide physical activities and connectedness for youth and families as a way to improve both mental and physical health. They also identified some causes of problems and treatment options already available. The group will compile a list of wellness-related activities and opportunities, in order to keep the community better informed about these positive programs.

Any residents with ideas or programs to help combat obesity, suicide and substance abuse can lend their support to Healthy Tomorrows. Look for announcements about future planning sessions in December, or get in touch with a Healthy Tomorrows leader. Call Melanie Nelson at 481-2400, Ann Ellingson at 486-3319, or Brenda Friend at 512-2813. Review the community health assessment for Kodiak online at providence.org/resources/alaska/downloads/community/KodiakCommunityNeedsAssessment.pdf.

News Release
No. 2008-01
Date: 26 February 08
Contact: Amanda Swanson
(907) 486-9595

For Immediate Release: March 1, 2008

Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center Conducts Survey to Assess Community Health Needs

KODIAK, Alaska - Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center (PKIMC), will be conducting a community health assessment for 2008. The purpose of the assessment is to produce a comprehensive health report to inform the community and to help PKIMC develop an action plan to address the most critical health issues facing the Kodiak area.

PKIMC will use face-to-face interviews to collect community input. The face-to-face interviews will take place on “Survey Saturday†March 15, 2008 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Face-to-face interviews will be conducted at local community gathering places. The brief survey will ask community members about their health concerns, experiences and access to health care.

If asked to participate in the health assessment survey, community members are encouraged to take a few minutes to share their views. Results of the survey are critical to assist in addressing the health needs of the Kodiak Service area.