Ayla is 17 years old and lives in Ts’estacilaexden (Sutton), Alaska. She is a Tribal citizen of the Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax (Chickaloon Native Village) Tribe, and is compassionate, caring, funny, a future rockstar, and passionate about reducing the stigma of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Supporting the health and safety of Elders is a priority and is something that Southcentral Foundation takes seriously. While falls are a leading cause of injury for Elders, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Preventing falls is vital to maintaining independence and quality of life and SCF offers a wide range of resources to assist Elders stay active and safe.

“The biggest benefit of eating whole grains is the fiber content,” Southcentral Foundation Dietitian Raina Pasiewicz said. “Fiber is best known for helping with digestion and supporting gut health, but it also can help lower cholesterol and promote steady blood sugar, making it a great option for people with diabetes. Whole grains also digest slower than refined grains, which prevents a spike in blood sugar and keeps you feeling satisfied for longer.”

Did you know that the human papillomarvirus vaccine can save lives? HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, with millions of new cases occurring each year. While many people with HPV never develop symptoms and clear the virus on their own, some strains of HPV can lead to serious health issues, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, and cancers of the throat, penis, vulva, and vagina. The good news? These conditions are often preventable through routine screening and vaccination.

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Support programs and resources are available at Southcentral Foundation for people struggling with thoughts of self-harm and for the families that love them.

Southcentral Foundation offers a compassionate, integrated approach to supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. Whether someone is seeking withdrawal management through SCF Detox or access to medications for addiction treatment through primary care in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, SCF provides multiple pathways to care.

Every family has their own story, values, and vision for what their journeys to wellness looks like. Southcentral Foundation’s relationship-based Nuka System of Care creates an environment for families to share their beliefs and discuss concerns about decisions that affect their health.

August is National Breastfeeding and Infant Feeding Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of early nourishment and the care that supports families as they build a strong start during a baby’s first months of life.

Southcentral Foundation is committed to supporting community-wide physical, mental, and emotional wellness with the development of Yeshjesh T’uh, a facility that brings hope to people most in need of culturally sensitive, compassionate care.

June is National Men’s Health Month and an excellent time to evaluate your health and take proactive steps to make improvements.