‘The Girdwood Health Clinic Saved My Life’

10 Years of Community Health Care Celebrated 

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan congratulates Girdwood Clinic staff and Board of Directors at 10th anniversary celebration. . (Photo by Brooks Chandler)

By Brooks Chandler

TNews Board of Directors

 This patient testimonial was read by Community Health Worker Linda Mankoff just outside the clinic entrance on August 7.   Similar sentiments were expressed by patient and current clinic board member Jeff D’Agostino.  He recounted how Ms. Mankoff helped him obtain health insurance.  Insurance that was needed when he came to the clinic with a life-threatening condition three years ago.  “Every day I wake up I am still glad I’m here” Mr. D’Agostino said.

The occasion for these expressions of gratitude was a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the  opening of the non-profit Girdwood Health Clinic.  Clinic Executive Director Deb Erickson said at the birthday party they exemplified “why we do what we do”.  

The anniversary was attended by upwards of 100 people and included in person congratulations from United States Senator Dan Sullivan.  Sen. Sullivan professed the ”deepest respect for medical professionals” and said he was a “huge fan” of Federally Qualified Health Clinics.

Girdwood Health Clinic executive director Deb Erickson celebrates 10th anniversary. (Photo by Brooks Chandler)

The clinic is a Federally Qualified Health Clinic (“FQHC”).  This was made possible by the expansion of the FQHC program after the Affordable Care Act (popularly known as Obamacare) was adopted in 2010.  That plus hundreds of volunteer hours from initial members of the non-profit board of directors seeking to achieve the vision of nurse practitioner and clinic founder Kerry Dorius have yielded a modern facility worthy of community pride that is making a difference in the health of many people throughout Turnagain Arm.  Their efforts were recognized by current Board President Charla Hughes who confirmed the Board’s “unwavering commitment to providing care” for all “regardless of income”.  Ms. Hughes thanked clinic staff who “contribute so much to this community”.

Ms. Erickson said the next 10 years should feature sustaining the recent expansion of behavioral health services and additional programs to help people with drug and alcohol addictions.  She also said the Clinic will expand community outreach using additional community health workers.  These staff members will address what Ms. Mankoff called the “social determinants of health” including help with accessing follow up care, programs for low cost prescription drugs, housing assistance and food security.

At the end of the celebration program Ms. Erickson unveiled a new “branding”  logo and name- Turnagain Community Health.  The TCH brand recognizes the Clinic’s connection  and provision of services to the communities of Whittier and Hope.

The celebration continues throughout this week as part of National Health Center week.  Information on the past history and current goals of Turnagain Community Health will remain on display at the Clinic. 

Chief Operations Officer Clare Jackson displays the new logo at 10th Anniversary Celebration. (Photo by Brooks Chandler)