Chickaloon breaks ground on new health and wellness facility

SUTTON — The first ceremonial shovels of dirt were turned April 9 on a new health clinic that will serve all Mat-Su Borough residents between in communities between Palmer and Eureka. The project is expected to be finished this December.

The Ahtnahwt’aene’ Nay’dini’aa den Gathering Place, which means “Ahtna People Chickaloon Place,” located in Sutton at 21117 E. Myers Ave., will house an expanded Life House Community Health Center as well the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council’s Health and Social Services Department.

“This project has been in the works for more than 20 years. We are pleased to see construction begin on phase one of the building,” said Chickaloon Traditional Chief and Chairman Gary Harrison. “The additional primary care capabilities, new wellness services and gathering rooms will allow us to better serve the people living in our area.”

The 8,100-square-foot building is designed to maximize energy efficiency, using solar panels to offset the electric load; installing a high performing building envelope that is well insulated; and utilizing a heat recovery ventilator that captures heat from the exhaust air stream to heat incoming fresh air. The two-story structure will be strategically placed on the lot to take full advantage of the southern solar gain and mountain views.

The CVTC Health and Social Services Department, including transportation, Elders’ programs, and behavioral health and family advocates, will be located on the second floor.

Located on the first floor, the new, 2,760-square-foot Community Health Center will feature several exam and talking rooms, a room for minor procedures, and space for radiology, dietician services and telepharmacy. In addition, the lower level will include a wellness center with an exercise area, locker rooms with showers, and space for health education classes.

Chickaloon and the Southcentral Foundation will manage the new health center jointly.

“In this new location, the C’eyiits’ Hwnax Life House Community Health Center will more than quadruple its size, allowing for more access, quicker response times and better health outcomes,” said Katherine Gottlieb Southcentral Foundation President/CEO. “Customer-owners will no longer have to travel to Palmer or Wasilla — or all the way to Anchorage — to get an X-ray, have their blood drawn and processed, fill a prescription, or take care of a minor procedure. This will now be done here, close to home, with providers with whom they already have an established relationship.”