SEARHC Continues $375,000 Investment in Healthy Is Here Grants for Tribal-Led Wellness Efforts Across Southeast Alaska 

JUNEAU, Alaska — The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is continuing its investment in local communities with another $375,000 in funding through the Healthy Is Here grant program, a longstanding commitment to Tribal-led health and wellness across Southeast Alaska. Each of SEARHC’s 15 Tribal partners received a $25,000 grant to support projects and activities that reflect their priorities.

Since the Healthy Is Here program launched in 2017, SEARHC has invested more than $3 million in locally driven wellness initiatives. The program provides flexible resources that allow each Tribe to invest in projects that best support the health and well-being of its community. Healthy Is Here recognizes that health extends beyond clinics and hospitals. The program supports a broad definition of wellness that includes healthy foods, cultural identity, physical activity, traditional practices, community connection and opportunities for people of every generation to thrive.

The renewed investment comes as many Southeast Alaska communities prepare for a new year of programming and initiatives:

• In Petersburg, funding has helped provide locally harvested salmon for Elder food boxes, reimburse school activity fees for youth and families, and expand access to community recreation.
• In Klukwan, Healthy Is Here supported swimming lessons, Native Youth Olympics participation, community wellness gatherings, food security efforts and construction of a new smokehouse that will preserve traditional knowledge for future generations.
• In Hoonah, funding continued to strengthen local food systems through hydroponic gardening, youth internships and expanded food production.
• In Juneau, Healthy Is Here is helping build a shared community smokehouse that will support traditional food harvesting and cultural practices.

Other communities focused their investments on youth athletics, cultural education, traditional food harvesting, community gardens, Elder wellness, recreation, cultural celebrations and substance-free community events that create safe, welcoming spaces for connection. From Haines to Hydaburg, each Tribe used the funding to address locally identified priorities while strengthening the connections that contribute to healthier communities.

“Healthy Is Here reflects our Board’s belief that the people in the community are best positioned to define what wellness looks like,” said Kimberley Strong, Chair of the SEARHC Board of Directors. “For nearly a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how these investments strengthen communities by supporting culture, creating opportunities for youth, caring for Elders and building healthier futures. We are proud to continue partnering with our Tribal communities in this important work.”

As SEARHC marks another year of supporting the Healthy Is Here program, the organization remains committed to working alongside Tribal communities to improve health outcomes through partnership, local leadership and community-driven solutions.

About SEARHC

The SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest Native-run health organizations. SEARHC provides comprehensive health care and community wellness services throughout Southeast Alaska while partnering with Tribal communities to build healthier people, healthier families and healthier communities.