Partnership helps secure funding for health center

SUTTON — Southcentral Foundation and Chickaloon Village Traditional Council have been working in partnership over the past 10 years to secure stable funding for the C’eyiits’ Hwnax (keye-eetz, haw-nah) Life House Community Health Center in Sutton.

The organizations were awarded a New Access Point Grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The federal grant provides seed money for the clinic to operate as a community health center. It will provide medical services to both Alaska Native and non-Native people from communities between Palmer and Eureka, including Sutton, Chickaloon and Glacier View.

CVTC owns the current C’eyiits’ Hwnax Life House Community Health Center, and SCF is responsible for managing the grant and providing a primary care provider, a nurse case manager and support staff. While services will continue for mostly primary care provided by a physician assistant, there will also be some limited assistance with medications, dental, behavioral health and transportation.

“This is a very exciting advance in rural health care. We will be able to help more people get access to primary care services through a working relationship with our tribal partner, Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. It also opens doors for future funding proposals and expansions,” said SCF President/CEO Dr. Katherine Gottlieb.

SCF has managed Community Health Centers in McGrath, Nikolai, Takotna and Iliamna with HRSA CHC funding since 2002. This additional funding will allow the Life House Health Center to see everyone who needs treatment, whether an individual from Palmer to Glacier View or a visitor passing through. All patients can be seen and charges are adjusted on a sliding fee scale, depending on the household income and ability to pay.

“Bringing health care to Sutton, Chickaloon and Glacier View has always been important to our tribe and our partnership with SCF has made this a reality. We are excited about being able to share these vital services with our friends and neighbors and improve the health status of our community,” said Chickaloon Traditional Chief and Chairman Gary Harrison.

Health centers work to improve access to quality primary health care services that are comprehensive and culturally competent. As community-based and patient-directed organizations, health centers are well positioned to be responsive to the specific health care needs of their community.