One Health Alliance luncheon launches vision for One Health Campus

Forty-five leaders from local, state, federal and nonprofit organizations were invited to lunch for a bold vision: the creation of a One Health Campus in the Mat-Su.

Hosted by Onward & Upward, the luncheon asked partners to imagine a place where youth programs, outdoor education, environmental learning and community health initiatives might come together building a unified One Health Alliance. It was more than a pitch; it was a call to create something bigger, together.

“The group of people gathered in this room is truly remarkable,” said Onward & Upward CEO Dr. Randy Dowd. “It speaks to the passion in our community, and the importance of coming together with solutions to our biggest [challenges.]”

Participants began with a table-talk activity featuring thought-provoking questions from Onward & Upward’s One Health curriculum. Guests quickly found common ground, sharing stories and laughter that set a warm, collaborative tone. One group drew the question: “If your water bottle could talk, what story would it tell about your habits?” Laughter erupted when one participant admitted, “I don’t even have a water bottle.”

After the icebreaker set the stage, Dowd outlined the organization’s vision for a future One Health Campus.

“We need a base camp; a place where we can launch our backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing and kayaking programs,” he said. He described a campus with a nature center, expanded after-school opportunities, and increased access to outdoor learning. The proposed site, the Breeden Farm, offers a central location where future generations could explore the outdoors and build healthy lifestyles.

Megan Gatlin, Director of Finance for Onward & Upward, shared results from a pre-development study conducted with Huddle. “The purpose of this work was to look at where Onward & Upward is now and provide a framework for decision-making moving forward,” she said. The 70-acre Breeden Farm emerged as a promising location, but Gatlin emphasized that success will depend on collaboration. “Onward & Upward cannot do this alone...We want to collaborate, we want to make this a community project. We are ready to create an Alliance and we are ready for you to join us!”

A feedback session followed, with attendees adding ideas and questions to the depot’s walls using sticky notes. “The main intent of today is to get your feedback,” Dowd said. “We have so many experts here who are passionate about what they do.”

Excitement buzzed, as the Alliance created a space for every voice, participants shared feedback on the One Health Campus. Ideas ranged from employment opportunities for teens to the Alliance’s mission, vision, governance, finances, and guiding values. Thrive Mat-Su, the YMCA, and Youth 360 expressed their interest supporting youth engagement. The feedback reflected broad enthusiasm for the concept, as well as interest in next steps. A follow-up meeting is expected sometime in January.

Amanda Montavon closed the meeting with a circle of trust, a hallmark of Onward & Upwards One Health Adventure based curriculum. The Alliance gathered around the shared rope, leaning in for the send off. The moment, symbolic of what is possible when people choose to collaborate, hold one another up, and move forward together.

“Through an Alliance, through coming together, through that collective strength, we can build a stronger, healthier community,” Dowd said.

Representatives from 25 organizations attended, including the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Knik Tribe, Denali Education Center, Kellogg Farm/Alaska Pacific University, NOLS Alaska, Mat-Su Trails & Parks, My House, Skeetawk, Thrive Mat-Su, the American Lung Association, Alaska WildBird, Revel Treks, the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau, United Way Mat-Su, I Am Somebody, Valley Community Recycling, Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Reach 907, the YMCA, the Mat-Su Borough, Mat-Su Health Foundation, UAF Cooperative Extension, CCS Learning Center, and members of the Breeden family. .