For Kacy Gonzales, a 32-year-old father from Wasilla, life before recovery was a mix of dedication, service, and quiet struggle. A proud father of a 13-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, Kacy served in the Alaska Air National Guard for 14 years as a Security Forces member in law enforcement. His professional life was built on discipline, protection, and commitment to others. Yet privately, he was facing a struggle that was steadily taking over his life — a damaging relationship with alcohol.
Rural Provider Highlight: Robert Stephan
Top StoriesRobert Stephan’s work as a helper goes all the way back to his childhood. He lives in the village of Tyonek, which is near Anchorage, but is only accessible by boat or by plane. Given Tyonek’s small population (150-200 people, though this number can double or triple in the summer during fishing season), many residents serve multiple roles in the community.
Julianna Anelon: Integrating Traditional Medicine in Modern Care
Top StoriesSix years ago, Juliana Anelon had never imagined that she would become a Tribal doctor. At that time, she was working as a Community Health Aide/Practitioner in Iliamna, Alaska, and the surrounding area. As she says, “I’ve always had a yearning for my culture, our Yupik ways. A lot of the things that we do, the way that we live our life every day. It’s a part of traditional healing.” But it wasn’t until she saw a job opening for a Tribal doctor position at Southcentral Foundation that she realized it was something she could do.
Color the Kuskokwim Brings Families Together in McGrath
Top StoriesUnder the late summer sun, more than 60 customer-owners gathered in McGrath for a new community event, the Color the Kuskokwim Fun Run and Cookout. Families from McGrath, Nikolai, and Takotna came together to celebrate the upcoming school year with a day full of color, laughter, and connection.
Diabetes Prevention: Lose to Win
Top StoriesAre you a customer-owner who has questions about diabetes prevention? SCF providers, specialists, and dietitians can guide and support you. One service available to customer-owners is The Lose to Win Program, an evidence-based diabetes prevention program that focuses on healthy lifestyle changes with accountability along the way.
Embracing Culture and Language to Honor the Past and the Future
Top StoriesDena’inaq Ełnena Ch’tiyux. We are walking on Dena’ina Land. To honor the language and culture of the Dena’ina Athabascan people, Southcentral Foundation named buildings in Anchorage in the Dena’ina Athabascan language. By incorporating Indigenous language in more of the places we live and work, we acknowledge the Dena’ina people, the original caretakers of this land who called this place home for thousands of years.
Protect Your Family This Season: Make the Flu Vaccine Part of Your Annual Routine
Top StoriesEvery fall brings change with new schedules, colder weather, and the start of flu season. Adding a flu vaccine to your annual fall routine is a simple step to stay healthy and keep loved ones safe. Getting a flu vaccine in October gives your body time to build protection before influenza activity peaks, typically between December and February.
Recovery, Resilience, and a New Purpose: The Journey of Kacy Gonzales
Top StoriesFor Kacy Gonzales, a 32-year-old father from Wasilla, life before recovery was a mix of dedication, service, and quiet struggle. A proud father of a 13-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, Kacy served in the Alaska Air National Guard for 14 years as a Security Forces member in law enforcement. His professional life was built on discipline, protection, and commitment to others. Yet privately, he was facing a struggle that was steadily taking over his life — a damaging relationship with alcohol.
Wonderfully Me: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day
SCF NewsAyla 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.
Preventing Falls: Staying Strong, Safe, and Independent
Top StoriesSupporting 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.
Easy Ways to Enjoy Whole Grains
Top Stories“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.”