Homeless, At-risk of being houseless, and those in need invited

South Peninsula Hospital is working with other local agencies to offer Community Resource Connect, a free, one-day event on Tuesday, January 28th, to provide assistance to those who are homeless, at risk of being houseless, or for those in need of extra support for their daily living situation.

Community Resource Connect offers a one-stop shop for individuals to gather resources, get connected with assistance, and collect necessary supplies. Winter gear, comfort packs, back packs, food to go, clothing, sleeping bags and personal hygiene kits are but a few of the free supplies to be offered. Over 20 vendors will offer resources related to food, employment, healthcare, mental health, health screenings, enrollment in to local services and more. 

This one-day event happens on Tuesday, January 28th from 11AM-3PM in two locations on the Southern Kenai Peninsula: the SPARC at 600 Sterling Highway in Homer, and in Anchor Point at the VFW at 72551 Milo Fritz Ave. A point in time homeless count and data collection will happen at these events, as part of a nationwide point-in-time homeless count.

Free transportation is offered to and from both locations. In Homer call (907) 235- 0285; in Anchor Point call (907) 756-3321.  This event is open to the public and anyone in need of extra support is welcome to attend.

This annual event is sponsored by a group of local, non-profit agencies with help from concerned citizens, and happens in conjunction with the Kenai Peninsula Project Homeless Connect. Last year’s event served over 140 people in need. Photos attached. More information can be found on the public facebook event page, Community Resource Connect. Information on volunteering or donating to help cover costs can be found on the hospital’s website: www.sphosp.org or by emailing wellness@sphosp.org.

Join the FB event here to keep an eye out for more information.

Masks and other precautions encouraged due to high rates of respiratory illness

The State of Alaska, Kenai Peninsula and greater Homer area are seeing increasing rates of respiratory illnesses like influenza (the flu), RSV, and COVID-19. South Peninsula Hospital invites you to join us in our efforts to minimize transmission of these illnesses while protecting the health of patients, residents, and staff.

During this peak in cases, visitors to SPH, the Long Term Care facility, and all clinics are encouraged to:

  • Wear a mask – masks can be found at all entrances, and please ask staff if you cannot locate one;
  • Practice good hand hygiene – wash your hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitizer;
  • Stay home if you’re sick – please reschedule any non-essential visits if you are not feeling well, and let the office know in advance if you aren’t feeling well;
  • Test – Test kits for flu and covid are available for purchase at local pharmacies and free covid tests can be ordered at https://covidtests.gov/.  Homer Medical Center and SPH Family Care Clinic offer testing by appointment if experiencing illness. For additional info visit our Covid19 information page.

Thank you for your consideration to this request during this time of increased respiratory illnesses.  

SPH Long Term Care receives National Quality Award

The Long Term Care of South Peninsula Hospital was recently awarded the 2024 Commitment to Quality Award by The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for their strong commitment to improving the quality of care for their residents.

The Quality Awards program recognizes organizations that meet progressively rigorous standards of performance to improve the lives of residents in long term and post-acute care. Recipients are subject to thorough evaluation of various aspects of quality and performance.

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Providers begin the quality improvement process at the Bronze level. SPH was one of 525 skilled nursing facilities in 48 states to earn the Bronze Award, and the only one in Alaska to be named. They can now advance to be considered for the Silver Quality Award.

“The recognition of these facilities is a testament to their commitment to quality,” said Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO. “Their initial step on this journey is setting an inspiring benchmark for others in our profession. We celebrate their dedication and look forward to their continued pursuit of excellence as they strive for Gold.”

Katie Martin, RN, Director of Nursing at the hospital’s Long Term Care, said that to be considered for the award the facility had to show a clear plan for quality improvement and demonstrate effective practices that enhance the care they provide. Martin shared, “I’m so proud of the entire team in Long Term Care. They demonstrate every day their commitment to providing quality care and making a real difference in the lives of those individuals who call this home.”

South Peninsula Hospital’s Long Term Care is licensed to provide care for 28 residents, is co-located on the west side of the hospital and has been a home away from home for hundreds of residents for over 50 years. More information on South Peninsula Hospital’s Long Term Care can be found at https://www.sphosp.org/services/long-term-care/.

More information on the award can be found on AHCA/NCAL website: https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Press-Releases/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Announces-2024-Bronze-National-Quality-Awards.aspx . 

Wellness Wednesday January Schedule

SPARC Open Walks

Attention walkers! SPH is hosting free open walks for all, every Monday at SPARC from 11:45-12:45pm starting in January! Join us on Monday January 13th  at 11:45am for  a kick-off event with PTA Emilie Otis! Learn about how to establish  a safe and healthy walking structure, tips on injury prevention, and proper stretching techniques!

Chaos Compass – South Peninsula Hospital

MINDFULNESS COURSE

Chaos Compass-Start date delayed to January 16th!

Ready to navigate life’s chaos with confidence?

Introducing “Chaos Compass,” a free four-week course designed for teens aged 14-18, led by Homer Medical Center’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Devry Garity. Explore a brain-based understanding of yourself and others as we journey through techniques to strengthen our minds, sharpen focus, manage emotions, make wise decisions, and cultivate deeper connections. Let’s chart our course together!

Date: Thursdays: January 16th – February 6th

Time: 4:15-5:30pm

Cost: Free

Location: KPC Campus

Audience: Teens ages 14-18

Email wellness@sphosp.org to register

Happy Holidays!

As we welcome a brand-new year, we at South Peninsula Hospital extend our heartfelt wishes for health, happiness and hope to you and your loved ones!

May 2025 bring strength, joy, and cherished moments. Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your care journey—we are honored to serve our community with compassion and excellence.

Here’s to a year filled with wellness and bright beginnings!

With gratitude and best wishes,

The SPH Family

Holiday Open House at SPH Gift Shop

The SPH gift shop will be holding a holiday open house on Tuesday & Wednesday, December 10th & 11th from 11am-2pm. Guests can enjoy refreshments & door prizes while seeing the new inventory just added for Christmas. Shoppers will find handmade blankets & booties, toys and games, toiletries, gifts, plants and more. The SPH gift shop is the perfect place to find the perfect holiday gift! The shop is located just inside the hospital’s main entrance, and is open Monday – Thursday, 10am-3pm.

Open Enrollment for Health Care Coverage

Don’t miss your chance to get affordable health insurance!

Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act is November  1 through December 15, 2024.

Visit www.healthcare.gov to sign up, or call our Financial Navigator at 907 235-0994 to make an appointment.

We’re here for you!

Wellness Wednesday: Micro Yoga – a Therapeutic Practice with Jacquelyn Forster, OTR/L, CLT

Wednesday, November 20. Micro Yoga is a practice based on the Cantienica Method developed in Germany.  It is a technique that focuses on body awareness, deep inner core, breath, and visualizations to hold your body’s joints in proper placement to perform poses and exercises.  This technique encourages proper alignment and will extend the life of your joints increasing your health and mobility now and for years to come.