Flu shots are available at Homer Medical Center Monday through Saturday. Flu shots can be billed to insurance; uninsured individuals are eligible for reduced fees.
Appointments are available now at 235-8586 or through the Patient Portal. Don’t delay!
After nearly a decade at the helm of South Peninsula Hospital, CEO Robert Letson retired in December, 2017.
As CEO, Letson is credited with numerous organization achievements, including improved financial performance, the addition and expansion of outpatient clinics and services, the inclusion of primary care, and the successful recruitment and retention of 26 new physicians.
Katie Ostrom, MD, OB/GYN at Homer Medical Center, now performs laser therapy as a painless alternative to using hormone therapy for vaginal restoration. The laser treatment stimulates the production of collagen in the vaginal tissue, improving the treated area’s functionality and restoring the proper balance to the mucous membrane.
This procedure can cure many of the uncomfortable conditions resulting from menopause or childbirth, allowing women to fully enjoy their postmenopausal and post-childbearing years. Treatable discomforts commonly include dryness, incontinence, burning, painful intercourse and laxity.
Laser therapy is the most effective treatment for these conditions without the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery. Visit www.homerobgyn.com for more information or call 235-8586 to make an appointment.
South Peninsula Hospital welcomes Dana Whittaker, Certified Nurse Midwife, to the women’s health team at Homer Medical Center’s West Wing. Whittaker, Certified Nurse Midwife and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, received her nursing degree from Weber State University and her masters from Frontier Nursing University. She became a Certified Direct Entry Midwife in Alaska after attending Seattle Midwifery School where she specialized in home births. She has been a nurse at South Peninsula Hospital for 12 years, was in private practice for four years, and interned at Alaska Native Medical Center, Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic and at HMC West Wing.
Dana has been delivering babies for over 25 years and has worked in clinics and hospitals in the West Indies, West Africa and Senegal. She treats delivery as a normal, physiological birth, and enjoys sharing the evidence that supports natural deliveries while supporting women’s choice.
For an appointment or to learn more about midwifery, well woman and newborn care at Homer Medical Center’s West Wing, call 435-3040, or visit homermedical.org
The City of Homer won the trophy in the first ever inter-agency steps challenge, sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital.
| Agency | # of Participants | Cumulative Average | High Steppers |
| City of Homer | 32 participants | 337,571 | Todd Cook: 609,797 steps |
| SPH | 115 participants | 311,239d | Kristen Churchill: 640,707 |
| The Center | 22 participants | 309,152 | Laurie Heckert: 745,484 |
| SVT Health & Wellness | 15 participants | 287,108 | Monica Anderson: 453,614 |
Top stepper of the challenge was Laurie Heckert: 745,484.
Nearly 200 people participated in the challenge, organized by South Peninsula Hospital between lead health organizations in the community during the month of May. The individual participant goal was 7,500 steps each day. The individual with the most steps won $250, and those who walk a minimum of 166,067 total steps were entered into a drawing for a $1,000 cash prize, donated by the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation.
The hospital plans to get even more teams involved next year, and offer an individual category.
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Jerry Braza, PhD, will offer a one day Mindfulness training on Saturday, May 13, from 10am – 4pm at Many Rivers. The morning session includes guided mindfulness practice and a mindful walk. The afternoon includes deep relaxation, mindful contemplation, mindful movements and practices for home. No prior experience is needed. Braza is a leading voice in the field of health education and mindfulness, former university professor and author of two books on the subject.
People can register for half or full day training. A sliding scale registration fee is offered and range from $20-$30 for the half day, and $30-$60 for the full day. Contact 235-0258 to register.
The annual Safe and Healthy Kids Fair is set for Saturday, April 29 from 10am-2pm at the Homer High School. This is a free, fun event for children from tots to teens to focus on safety, health and wellness. The fair offers more than 30 booths and stations with hands on activities and demonstrations. Loads of door prizes are given away throughout the free fair, including the grand prize giveaways at 1:30pm of a tricycle and bicycles.
A bike rodeo will take place in the school parking lot from 10am-noon. Kids can bring their bikes for a free inspection to get ready for safe, summer fun. Helmets are required, and are available for purchase on site. Free test rides on the drunk-driving simulator ATV cart are offered throughout the day in the parking lot.
Included in the fair is a Teen Room where teens can hang out and enjoy special presentations throughout the day. All teens who visit get entered into a drawing for a mountain bike and tablet.
Stations include safety information, a hand wash station, a teddy bear clinic, hearing tests, face painting, water safety, giveaways and more. Numerous summer programs offer sign up at the fair. Food will be available for purchase, and proceeds benefit the safe and healthy kids coalition, a local group of concerned agencies working towards safe and healthy youth and injury prevention.
For more information, contact Red Asselin at Sprout Family Services at 235-6044.
South Peninsula Hospital will offer a free training for responding to opioid overdose. Attendees will learn how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose and receive a free Narcan (naloxone) response kit. The training will be Thursday, April 20, from 5:30-6:30pm at the SPH training center and will be presented by Dr. Sarah Spencer, Addiction Medicine Specialist. Naloxone funding provided by State of Alaska Project Hope. Please register in advance at 235-0258.
(Photo attached) Sarah Spencer, DO
Randy Wiest, MD, board certified family practice physician at Homer Medical Center, retired from his medical practice at the clinic. Dr. Wiest practiced here for nearly twenty years, providing care for all stages of life. He was a member of Active Medical Staff at the hospital and provided physician coverage in the Emergency Department and Acute Care units. Thank you, Dr. Wiest, for your service to the community!
South Peninsula Hospital is offering a hospital boot camp in Homer April 7-8 for hospital and physician leaders. Led by Horty, Springer & Mattern Attorneys, this is a don’t-miss event for all hospital leadership positions, and a great reason to visit Homer this spring! Register online by Monday, March 13!
