Contributed by Sierra Winter, Community Relations Manager
There are many things I love about my role at Sunshine Community Health Center, but one of my favorites is watching our communities come together. Every year, our Community Celebration reminds me that healthcare is about much more than appointments and exam rooms. It is about building relationships, creating opportunities, and making it easier for families to access the resources they need to live healthy lives.
That is exactly what you will find at our free Community Celebration from 9am to 2pm Saturday, Aug. 1, at our Talkeetna Clinic.
Whether you are looking to check a few things off your back-to-school list, complete preventive health screenings, enjoy great food, or simply spend time with friends and neighbors, there is something for everyone.
We are excited to offer an incredible lineup of free health services designed to help families stay healthy while checking a few items off their to-do lists. Children can receive free sports physicals from our medical team before the upcoming school year. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Jason Whipple with Dirty Diggers, every child who completes a sports physical will receive a free small ice cream cone from Aloha Blendz.
Our dental team will also provide free dental sealants to help protect children’s teeth from cavities. Thanks to Mayor’s Salsa, every child who receives sealants will enjoy a free sweet treat from Renee’s Bakery afterward.
Additional free services include blood chemistry panels and A1C screenings sponsored by Advanced Dermatology of Alaska and provided by Alaska Health Fair, Inc.; hearing screenings from Alaska Audiology in collaboration with Alaska Health Fair; vision screenings; and traumatic brain injury screenings aboard the Alaska Brain Bus with Dr. Grove.
Speaking of back-to-school, we are incredibly grateful to the Northern Valley Health Coalition and its many community partners for coordinating what we believe is our largest and most organized Back-to-School Supply Giveaway yet.
Families can also take advantage of free children’s haircuts provided by Tharren with The Hair and Color Bar of Wasilla, helping students head back to the classroom looking and feeling their best. This opportunity is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Bear Paw River Guides, whose support helps make one more back-to-school expense a little easier for local families.
Together, these organizations are helping ensure students begin the school year healthy, confident, and ready to learn. Many services are available while supplies last, and several require preregistration, so we encourage families to reserve appointments early.
Of course, we could not host a celebration without plenty of fun. This year, we are introducing something new: a dunk tank. Members of the Talkeetna Fire Department, along with several brave community volunteers, have volunteered to become our Splash Seat Heroes. Donations are appreciated but never required, and every dollar helps support Sunshine programs and services not covered by insurance.
The Kids Zone will once again feature bouncy houses, carnival games, crafts, and activities, while Tracy Try Photography will capture professional-quality photos throughout the day for families to enjoy after the event.
Come hungry. We are thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of local food vendors, including YKNOT BBQ, The Bruin Den, All About Potatoes, Aloha Blendz, Mayor’s Salsa, and Renee’s Bakery. Whether you are looking for coffee to start your morning or a delicious lunch while you explore, we have you covered.
One of my favorite parts of planning this event has been working alongside dozens of organizations, businesses, and talented artisans who are passionate about serving our communities. From public health resources and foster care information to Alzheimer’s support, WIC services, environmental stewardship, assistive technology, local artists, handmade crafts, and wellness resources, you will have the opportunity to connect with people making a real difference across the Upper Susitna Valley.
This event truly belongs to our community. It exists because of the generosity of sponsors, volunteers, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, Sunshine staff, and community members who believe that when we work together, we build healthier, stronger communities.
Whether you are joining us for a health screening, bringing your children for school supplies, shopping local vendors, meeting community organizations, or simply enjoying a fun summer day with your family, I hope you will stop by and celebrate with us.
On behalf of everyone at Sunshine Community Health Center, thank you for allowing us to be part of your community. We cannot wait to welcome you from 9am to 2pm Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Sunshine Community Health Center Talkeetna Clinic.
Admission is free, everyone is welcome, and we look forward to celebrating with you!
