Events in January 2020

  • - Walk with a Doc! New Ways to Prevent the Need for Narcotics After Surgery with SPH Surgery Dept. Director Katie Ostrom, MD!
    Walk with a Doc! New Ways to Prevent the Need for Narcotics After Surgery with SPH Surgery Dept. Director Katie Ostrom, MD!

    Walk with a Doc! New Ways to Prevent the Need for Narcotics After Surgery with SPH Surgery Dept. Director Katie Ostrom, MD!


    January 4, 2020

    Join us on Saturday, January 4th from 9AM-10AM to hear from Dr. Ostrom about how medical providers are using new methods before, during, and after surgery to prevent the need for patients to use narcotics to manage pain after surgery! Spend the rest of the hour walking, talking and asking your health questions at SPARC (South Peninsula Athletic & Recreation Center). Please bring clean indoor walking shoes to change into!

    Contact wellness@sphosp.org or call the SPH Health & Wellness Department at (907) 235-0970 for more info! Please visit Walk with a Doc Homer on Facebook - like our page to stay updated, see fun photos from past walks, and more!

    According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Think it doesn’t do any good? Think again. Walking is low impact; easier on the joints than running. It is safe – with a doctor’s okay – for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are more than 20% overweight. In addition, research has shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour of regular exercise! That quick stroll around the block seems a little more worthwhile now, doesn’t it?

    Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your weekend than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improving your general health to live longer! While you walk at your own pace, you’ll have the opportunity to have questions answered by local physicians.

    This program was started in Columbus, OH in April of 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir and has now expanded throughout the country. You don’t need any special gear and there are no special rules. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walk alone, with friends, a partner or family or with a group. It’s a personal preference.

  • - The Exchange
    The Exchange

    The Exchange


    January 7, 2020

    The Exchange is a safe and confidential resource on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 5-7PM at the SPH Training Center to safely dispose of used sharps and obtain clean needles.  Free naloxone (overdose response) kits are available, as well as information about how to get free HIV & Hepatitis C testing.  You can call (907) 235-3436 or email homerexchange@gmail.com for more information.

    Download this info sheet about SSRs (Syringe Services Programs) from the CDC

    Download local support groups & other resources pamphlet here

  • - South Kenai Peninsula Resilience Coalition Meeting
    South Kenai Peninsula Resilience Coalition Meeting

    South Kenai Peninsula Resilience Coalition Meeting


    January 8, 2020

    Be a part of the local resilience movement!

    Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at the SPH Training Center for updates, action, and hand-on activities. Please bring flyers and/or info to share on your upcoming resilience-building events! All are welcome.

    The Southern Kenai Peninsula (SKP) Resilience Coalition is a working group of the Southern Kenai Peninsula’s Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) coalition. The SKP Resilience Coalition is made up of health and human services organizations, individual community members, and other community groups focused on cultivating healthy relationships and resilient families, free from violence and substance abuse.

    Research shows us that healthy relationships have the power to shape our brains and can act as a buffer against tough times for both children and adults. This is why everyday connections are so important. As a community, we all play a part in connections and positive relationships that can help our community thrive. Contact MAPP of the Southern Kenai Peninsula for more info: (907) 235-0570 , mappofskp@gmail.com and visit www.skp-resilience.mappofskp.net

  • - Body Moves: Moving to the Groove
    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove

    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove


    January 9, 2020

    Having trouble moving due to pain from arthritis, weakness, or neuro-muscular issues such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke? Feel like your balance is not very good and you are afraid of falling? Wish your brain was working like it used to? Want to get better but have a hard time motivating to exercise on your own?

    Join Dotti Harness-Foster, M.Ed, GCFP and Rich Kleinleder, PTA for an hour of guided movement activities designed to increase strength, balance, and posture as well as to engage your brain. Live music promotes rhythmic movements in a fun and supportive social environment. Wherever you are in your health and fitness journey, come explore fun ways to help you function better during your day and put a little more spring in your step!

    Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am
    January 9 - February 27, 2020
    Homer Council on the Arts
    355 W. Pioneer Ave., Homer

    First class is free!
    $95 for HCOA members/$110 for non-members.
    Drop-in rate is $15 per class
    Scholarships are available based on need—to apply, register, or for more information
    visit www.homerart.org or call Dotti at (907) 299-6789

  • - Body Moves: Moving to the Groove
    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove

    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove


    January 16, 2020

    Having trouble moving due to pain from arthritis, weakness, or neuro-muscular issues such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke? Feel like your balance is not very good and you are afraid of falling? Wish your brain was working like it used to? Want to get better but have a hard time motivating to exercise on your own?

    Join Dotti Harness-Foster, M.Ed, GCFP and Rich Kleinleder, PTA for an hour of guided movement activities designed to increase strength, balance, and posture as well as to engage your brain. Live music promotes rhythmic movements in a fun and supportive social environment. Wherever you are in your health and fitness journey, come explore fun ways to help you function better during your day and put a little more spring in your step!

    Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am
    January 9 - February 27, 2020
    Homer Council on the Arts
    355 W. Pioneer Ave., Homer

    First class is free!
    $95 for HCOA members/$110 for non-members.
    Drop-in rate is $15 per class
    Scholarships are available based on need—to apply, register, or for more information
    visit www.homerart.org or call Dotti at (907) 299-6789

  • - Walk with a Doc! Fiber + Water = Optimal Digestive Health! with Jeffrey Larsen, MD - SPH General Surgeon!
    Walk with a Doc! Fiber + Water = Optimal Digestive Health! with Jeffrey Larsen, MD - SPH General Surgeon!

    Walk with a Doc! Fiber + Water = Optimal Digestive Health! with Jeffrey Larsen, MD - SPH General Surgeon!


    January 18, 2020

    Join us on Saturday, January 18th from 9AM-10AM to hear from Dr. Larsen (NEW general surgeon at SPH!) about how fiber and water (together) are key to help prevent digestive disease and discomfort! Spend the rest of the hour walking, talking and asking your health questions at SPARC (South Peninsula Athletic & Recreation Center). Please bring clean indoor walking shoes to change into!

    Contact wellness@sphosp.org or call the SPH Health & Wellness Department at (907) 235-0970 for more info! Please visit Walk with a Doc Homer on Facebook – like our page to stay updated, see fun photos from past walks, and more!

    According to the American Heart Association, walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity. Think it doesn’t do any good? Think again. Walking is low impact; easier on the joints than running. It is safe – with a doctor’s okay – for people with orthopedic ailments, heart conditions, and those who are more than 20% overweight. In addition, research has shown that you could gain two hours of life for each hour of regular exercise! That quick stroll around the block seems a little more worthwhile now, doesn’t it?

    Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your weekend than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improving your general health to live longer! While you walk at your own pace, you’ll have the opportunity to have questions answered by local physicians.

    This program was started in Columbus, OH in April of 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir and has now expanded throughout the country. You don’t need any special gear and there are no special rules. Just put on a pair of comfortable shoes and walk alone, with friends, a partner or family or with a group. It’s a personal preference.

  • - The Exchange
    The Exchange

    The Exchange


    January 21, 2020

    The Exchange is a safe and confidential resource on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 5-7PM at the SPH Training Center to safely dispose of used sharps and obtain clean needles.  Free naloxone (overdose response) kits are available, as well as information about how to get free HIV & Hepatitis C testing.  You can call (907) 235-3436 or email homerexchange@gmail.com for more information.

    Download this info sheet about SSRs (Syringe Services Programs) from the CDC

    Download local support groups & other resources pamphlet here

  • - South Kenai Peninsula Opioid Task Force Monthly Meeting and 1 other event
    South Kenai Peninsula Opioid Task Force Monthly Meeting

    South Kenai Peninsula Opioid Task Force Monthly Meeting


    January 22, 2020

    In all three MAPP led Community Health Needs Assessments (2008, 2012 & 2016) “Substance Abuse” has continued to be the top ranked factor most negatively affecting the community. Couple this with the growing opioid epidemic and community members have come together to create a local task force. The task force is looking at what is already occurring within the community (e.g. the twice monthly Exchange) and identifying areas where more mobilization is still needed. The task force meets on a monthly basis and has work groups to tackle various actionable areas. All community members with an interest in this effort are encouraged to participate.

    The SKP Opioid Task Force meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month
    11:00am-12:30pm
    South Peninsula Hospital
    Training Center
    203 West Pioneer Avenue

    Please email SKPOpioidTaskForce@gmail.com in order to be added to the task force list serve and be alerted of upcoming meetings and work group opportunities.

    South Peninsula Hospital Monthly Board of Directors Meeting

    South Peninsula Hospital Monthly Board of Directors Meeting


    January 22, 2020

    Monthly Board meetings are generally held every fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:00pm in the hospital’s conference room. The public is welcome.

    South Peninsula Hospital, Inc. is non-profit organization governed by a nine-member board of directors which ensures the hospital is fiscally sound while maintaining the quality of care and types of services desired by the residents in the Southern Kenai Peninsula Hospital Service Area.

    The board is an all-volunteer board, with members appointed to three-year terms upon completing an interview process by the board’s Membership Committee.

    The Board welcomes and encourages community input for the direction of your hospital. Please plan to attend a meeting (public comments are welcomed at the beginning and end of the meeting), or email a message to them at sphbod@sphosp.org.

    South Peninsula Hospital Conference Rooms 1 & 2
    4300 Bartlett Street
    Homer,
  • - Body Moves: Moving to the Groove
    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove

    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove


    January 23, 2020

    Having trouble moving due to pain from arthritis, weakness, or neuro-muscular issues such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke? Feel like your balance is not very good and you are afraid of falling? Wish your brain was working like it used to? Want to get better but have a hard time motivating to exercise on your own?

    Join Dotti Harness-Foster, M.Ed, GCFP and Rich Kleinleder, PTA for an hour of guided movement activities designed to increase strength, balance, and posture as well as to engage your brain. Live music promotes rhythmic movements in a fun and supportive social environment. Wherever you are in your health and fitness journey, come explore fun ways to help you function better during your day and put a little more spring in your step!

    Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am
    January 9 - February 27, 2020
    Homer Council on the Arts
    355 W. Pioneer Ave., Homer

    First class is free!
    $95 for HCOA members/$110 for non-members.
    Drop-in rate is $15 per class
    Scholarships are available based on need—to apply, register, or for more information
    visit www.homerart.org or call Dotti at (907) 299-6789

  • - Homer Project Homeless Connect - One day to connect families and individuals to the resources they need!
    Homer Project Homeless Connect - One day to connect families and individuals to the resources they need!

    Homer Project Homeless Connect - One day to connect families and individuals to the resources they need!


    January 29, 2020

    Project Homeless Connect is on January 29, 2020 from 9am-4pm at Homer United Methodist Church. This a one-day event for homeless or nearly homeless individuals and families to connect with resources, assistance and supplies to help them on their journey to stability.  Free transportation, free haircuts, free food, free childcare and free winter supplies are just a few of the things available that day.

    The intention is to have regularly scheduled bus transport from outer lying areas (Fritz Creek, Ninilchik, Anchor Point) as well as an in –town shuttle.  A transportation schedule will be available soon, as well as specific details on what assistance will be provided. Please check back for updates, or check the hotline at 907-399-3158.

    Want to volunteer?  Email Cinda at lucinda.m.martin@wellsfargo.com or call 435-0855
    Want to donate money or supplies?  Email Lisa at lisamarietalbott@gmail.com

    Download Flyer

    Homer United Methodist Church
    770 East End Road
    Homer, AK 99603
  • - Body Moves: Moving to the Groove
    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove

    Body Moves: Moving to the Groove


    January 30, 2020

    Having trouble moving due to pain from arthritis, weakness, or neuro-muscular issues such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke? Feel like your balance is not very good and you are afraid of falling? Wish your brain was working like it used to? Want to get better but have a hard time motivating to exercise on your own?

    Join Dotti Harness-Foster, M.Ed, GCFP and Rich Kleinleder, PTA for an hour of guided movement activities designed to increase strength, balance, and posture as well as to engage your brain. Live music promotes rhythmic movements in a fun and supportive social environment. Wherever you are in your health and fitness journey, come explore fun ways to help you function better during your day and put a little more spring in your step!

    Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am
    January 9 - February 27, 2020
    Homer Council on the Arts
    355 W. Pioneer Ave., Homer

    First class is free!
    $95 for HCOA members/$110 for non-members.
    Drop-in rate is $15 per class
    Scholarships are available based on need—to apply, register, or for more information
    visit www.homerart.org or call Dotti at (907) 299-6789