Triennial report shows benefits, challenges of life in the Mat-Su

A new study takes a comprehensive look at the health and well-being of Mat-Su residents.

The Mat-Su Health Foundation, in partnership with Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, has published the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment. Completed every three years, the broad look at local health conditions and top health priorities is undertaken along with community members, service providers, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

The current version of the assessment was guided by a 24-member steering committee of community leaders and informed by input from more than 1,700 residents through surveys and focus groups.

“The Community Health Needs Assessment helps ensure our work is grounded in data, community voice, and accountability,” said Esther Pitts, president and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation. “It reflects what we heard directly from our region, including what people love about the Mat-Su, what’s getting better, where challenges remain, and where focused, coordinated action can make the greatest difference.”

Among the key findings, the study shows that Mat-Su residents love living here because of the natural beauty, access to the outdoors, and the strong sense of community. Residents identified positive changes and challenges as the community has grown.

More access to local health care specialists and clinics, like the Veterans Administration clinic, was noted as a positive because it saves residents time from driving to Anchorage for services. But that is countered by often long wait times for residents wanting to see their primary-care doctors and the subsequent need to use urgent-care clinics instead.

A similar good news-bad news outcome was clear in other survey areas. Residents mentioned the increase in trails and pathways, yet also noted the limited connectivity of pathways and the lack of sidewalks in many new neighborhoods and housing developments.

Additional community strengths and needs are discussed throughout the 355-page illustrated and detailed report. It combines quantitative data with community input and storytelling to provide a clear, actionable picture of the best of the borough alongside emerging challenges.

It identifies six broad health priorities that represent interconnected conditions influencing health and quality of life in the Mat-Su: safe and stable housing; safe, reliable, and affordable transportation; accessible and affordable child care; nutritious food; health services for every resident; and community places and spaces.

As a next step, the Health Foundation and hospital staff will continue to work collaboratively to develop the Community Health Improvement Plan, which will translate assessment findings into shared strategies and actions.

“We were intentional about collaborating and collecting data in a way that reflects our full community,” said Danielle Reed, the Health Foundation’s director of evaluation and learning. “By actively listening through surveys and focus groups, combining that with population data, and then sharing the results broadly, we’re giving our partners a valuable tool they can use to respond to real, local needs.”

Other points of interest in the report include:

• Economic mobility has been declining in the Mat-Su, which means it has become harder for people to move up the income ladder. The gap between the highest- and lowest-income earners has nearly doubled.

• Many residents are experiencing economic challenges and face issues with access to affordable housing, transportation, food, child care, health care and behavioral health services.

• Fewer people in the community report a good quality of life, compared with previous reports. However, people living in rural areas, older adults, people with higher incomes, and married women were more likely to report a better quality of life

The Community Health Needs Assessment is a shared resource for everyone. Community members, organizations, and decision-makers are encouraged to review the findings and use the data to inform planning, collaboration, and action.

The report is now available on the Mat-Su Health Foundation website at www.healthymatsu.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-CHNA-for-Mat-Su.pdf. Public presentations about the findings and their significance are in the planning stage. Dates and details will be announced soon.

— Compiled by Mark Kelsey