Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

SOUTHEAST ALASKA REGIONAL HEALTH CONSORTIUM (SEARHC)
MT. EDGECUMBE HOSPITAL and SITKA COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, Sitka, AK
Sitka Health Summit

What is it?
The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital and Sitka Community Hospital - which in 2007 worked together to both earn their Level IV trauma center designations from the State of Alaska - also teamed up to co-sponsor the inaugural Sitka Health Summit, "Working Together for a Healthier Sitka." This April 2007 community event brought together numerous health and social services agencies, as well as a nationally recognized speaker on wellness who made targeted presentations to medical providers, policymakers, schools, and the community. Community members were invited to discuss the health status of the town and they set four main goals for the year - to make Sitka more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, to improve school nutrition offerings, to help local businesses and insurance companies partner up to promote employee wellness, and to develop a community fitness and wellness center. Awards also were presented to healthy role models in the community. Planning is underway for the 2008 Sitka Health Summit, scheduled for May.

Who is it for?
The entire Sitka community.

Why do they do it?
The Sitka Health Summit was a way for the community to come together to identify health care gaps and find ways to fill them. It also strengthened the relationships between Sitka's various health care organizations, and it promoted health and wellness within the community. The summit's vision is for Sitka "to serve our great state as a model for community wellness by creating a healthy community where Sitkans strive for and enjoy a high quality of life."

Contact: Charles Bingham
SEARHC Corporate Communications Specialist
Telephone: 907-966-8504
E-mail: charles.bingham@searhc.org