SPH Long Term Care Earns 2025 National Quality Award

South Peninsula Hospital’s Long Term Care (SPH LTC) has been recognized as a 2025 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award recipient by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the second of three distinctions possible through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to further improve the lives of residents and staff in long term care.

“Earning the Silver award is an incredible honor for our team,” said Katie Martin, Director of Nursing and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of South Peninsula Hospital Long Term Care. “This accomplishment reflects our commitment to continuously improving the quality of care and services we provide to our residents each day. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain dedicated to continuing our efforts toward providing high quality care to our elders and others in need of long term care.”

The National Quality Award Program has three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. At the Silver level, recipients have met the criteria for the Bronze award and can now move on to the final and most prestigious level of the program, the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award. Trained examiners review each application to determine if the center has met the demands of the criteria.

Data shows that Silver and Gold awarded providers outperform the rest of the nation. SPH LTC earned the bronze level in 2024, and has continued with significant improvements in several key areas, particularly in workforce development and quality of care. These advancements have led to better resident outcomes, including reduced hospitalizations and emergency room visits, decreased use of antipsychotic medications, fewer depressive symptoms among residents, and lower staff turnover rates.

In response to workforce needs, SPH LTC has successfully developed, implemented, and sustained an in-house Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training program. These efforts have contributed to high satisfaction rates among residents, their families, and staff.

“Earning the Silver award is no small feat, and South Peninsula Hospital Long Term Care has demonstrated exceptional commitment to quality improvement,” said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair. “This recognition is a clear reflection of their hard work and unwavering focus on delivering superior care and service to residents and staff.”

The National Quality Awards will be presented during the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 19-22, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV.  More information on SPH Long Term Care can be found at https://www.sphosp.org/services/long-term-care/.

Last three days of Homer Steps Up Challenge – XTRATFU Days!

NEW THIS YEAR! Walkers who average 10,000 steps for these 3 days will be entered to win a pair of XTRATUF® boots of their choosing! Please note that these days do not count towards the winning team.

SPH Community Survey

The South Peninsula Hospital Community Survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your feedback! Survey results will be presented to the Board of Directors at the public board meeting on Tuesday, May 28 at 5:30pm in Conference Rooms 1 and 2 and via Zoom. Your input will help inform future planning and priorities at South Peninsula Hospital. We’ll also share the results later this summer during a community presentation, so stay tuned!

Community Steps Challenge Starts May 1; Register here

Registration is now open for Homer Steps Up community walking challenge, a four week event running May 1 – 28, 2025.  In its 9th year, this popular event is open to anyone on the southern Kenai Peninsula, and regularly attracts hundreds of individuals on dozens of teams to build a healthy walking routine, with prize incentives along the way.

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Hospital CFO Earns Fellowship for Expertise and Community Commitment

Anna Hermanson, Chief Financial Officer at South Peninsula Hospital, has earned Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).  To achieve the distinction of fellowship, applicants must be credentialed as a Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP), be an HFMA member for at least five years, complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and volunteer in HFMA or the healthcare industry, among other professional achievements. Anna is one of only 1,800 HFMA members nationwide to have achieved this accomplishment in the organization’s 75+-year history.

Anna started at South Peninsula Hospital in 2016 as the Business Office Supervisor, bringing with her nearly a decade of healthcare finance experience and training.  She quickly advanced to Director of Patient Financial Services, then Director of Revenue Cycle, then Director of Finance; in 2022 she was named Chief Financial Officer. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in 2006, her Masters of Science in 2006 from South Dakota State University, and obtained her MBA from Chadron State College in 2014. 

An important part of achieving fellowship is commitment to sharing one’s knowledge and expertise for purpose of community service and training of others.  Anna is former Treasurer and current board member of Homer Chamber of Commerce; Treasurer and Board member for Kenai Peninsula Safari Club International; and Board member for Washington/Alaska Chapter of Healthcare Financial Management Association. She also serves as the co-chair for the Alaska Hospital & Healthcare Association’s Finance & Reimbursement Workgroup.

The Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) equips its more than 100,000 members nationwide to navigate a complex healthcare landscape. Finance professionals in the full range of work settings, including hospitals, health systems, physician practices and health plans, rely on HFMA to provide the guidance and tools to help them lead their organizations, and the industry, address industry challenges by providing guidance, education, practical tools and solutions.

Photo attached:  Anna Hermanson, Chief Financial Officer, South Peninsula Hospital

Safe & Healthy Kids Fair

32nd Annual Safe and Healthy Kids Fair!

Saturday, May 17th

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

 Fun for the whole family with a focus on health, safety, and FUN!

Bike Rodeo (Helmet required, or buy one onsite at a deeply discounted price!)
 FREE Bike Drawing for different age groups!
 Face Painting
 Games
 Booths
 Live Entertainment
 Food
 Demos
 Visits from Beary the Be Well Bear …and so much more!

 This fair is FREE, and all are welcome to attend!

Hosted by:
South Peninsula Hospital
South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services
Homer Parks & Rec
Community Volunteer Superstar Red Asselin

We can’t wait to see you there! ‍

Learn more here!

Communication Disorder Support Group

Join us for a Communication Disorder Support Group on the last Saturday of each month. This group offers a welcoming space for individuals with speech, voice, and communication disorders and their families to share experiences, access resources, and find encouragement to communicate in supported ways. Please contact Martie Klouser, MS, CCC-SLP at (907) 235- 0372 with questions.

Homer Steps Up, Stepped it Up!

As a community in 2025, we walked the equivalent of three times around the Earth! For prizes, 40 walkers won $50 in Homer Bucks, and our “Extra Tough” days winner received their favorite fleece-lined XTRATUF® boots. Thank you all so much for stepping with us this past May!

 

Wellness Wednesdays in April

Join us for our weekly Wellness Wednesday events at the Kenai Peninsula College on Pioneer Avenue. Health talks begin at 5:30pm, and Qi Gong with Kate Henry begins at 6:30pm. Free homemade soup and bread is provided. Please note that these are the last Wellness Wednesday events until the fall!

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Volcano Emergency Preparedness

As volcanic activity increases in our region, South Peninsula Hospital urges everyone to be aware of the potential health risks associated with volcanic ash. Ash fallout can cause serious health hazards, particularly for the respiratory system, eyes, and skin.

Health Hazards of Ash:

  • Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of fine ash particles can irritate your lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and aggravated asthma. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma are at higher risk.
  • Eye Irritation: Ash particles can irritate the eyes, causing redness, itching, and discomfort. In some cases, prolonged exposure can lead to more serious eye damage.
  • Skin Problems: Ash can cause skin irritation, rashes, and even abrasions, especially if it’s left on the skin for extended periods.
  • General Discomfort: Ash fallout can lead to headaches, fatigue, and dizziness due to exposure to fine particles in the air.

Protect Your Health:

  • Stay indoors during ash fall and limit outdoor activity.
  • Wear an N95 mask or respirator to reduce inhalation of ash particles.
  • Close windows and doors to prevent ash from entering your home.
  • Wash your hands and face thoroughly after being outdoors to remove ash from your skin.
  • Keep windows and doors closed, and ensure air filtration systems are set to circulate clean air.

For more detailed information on how to protect your family, home, and business, please refer to the full emergency preparedness guide here: Ash Alert: How to Protect Your Family, Home, and Business.

Stay informed and stay safe.

Additional resources:

Mt. Spurr FAQ (updated 3/19/25)

Ash Alert FAQ

Mt. Spurr Fact Sheet

USGS Ash fall website