As we celebrate Joshua Gilmore’s 2nd anniversary as Chief Executive Officer of Sunshine Community Health Center (Sunshine CHC), we reflect on an extraordinary period of growth, development, and achievement under his leadership. Joshua has not only empowered the team but has also made possible countless initiatives that were once just aspirations. His relentless pursuit of funding and community collaboration has led to a series of remarkable successes for Sunshine CHC.
Since Joshua's arrival, Sunshine CHC has accomplished so much:
Breaking Records in Financial and Clinical Operations: Our billing department broke cash collection records, and Sunshine CHC saw the highest provider visit numbers in its history. Additionally, Joshua led efforts to secure Medicaid reimbursement adjustments, improving the rates at which Medicaid covers patient services, and ensuring the financial health of our clinics.
Clinic Expansion Projects: We’ve broken ground on expanding both Talkeetna and Willow clinic facilities. As part of the expansion, we developed a firewood assistance program using the cleared land, providing firewood to community members in need.
School Supply and Sports Physicals Drive: Despite rainy weather, our 2nd annual community celebration was a success, where we distributed 98 backpacks filled with school supplies and provided free sports physicals to children in the community.
Mobile Healthcare Access: A new mobile unit now allows us to deliver healthcare to remote communities, breaking down barriers such as transportation and ensuring everyone has access to vital services.
New Programs and Services: Joshua has spearheaded the creation of several new programs, including:
An Infusion Therapy program, making complex treatments more accessible.
A Palliative Care program, providing compassionate care to those facing serious illness.
School-based behavioral health services in Wasilla and Northern Valley schools, bringing mental health support directly to students.
Telepharmacy services at both clinic locations, improving patient access to medications.
Behavioral Health Growth: As part of the expansion, we’re building Conex offices to accommodate a growing behavioral health department.
Community Health Initiatives: Sunshine CHC has coordinated successful health fairs with Alaska Health Fairs and launched a Community Health Worker Ride-Along program, further embedding us in the communities we serve.
Sunshine Station Childcare Center: Thanks to Joshua’s leadership, the childcare center has expanded its capacity, now accommodating up to 25 children by utilizing the entire cottage building.
Annual Community Celebration: Despite the rainy weather, we successfully hosted our 2nd annual community celebration, bringing together residents and staff in a joyful event, thanks to Joshua’s leadership and the dedication of our team. We provided 98 backpacks with school supplies and FREE sports physicals to our Northern Valley Valley students.
Facilities and Infrastructure: Our FABULOUS facilities team has gone above and beyond in upgrading our infrastructure. Notably, they repaired the HVAC system, reducing the spread of germs and improving clinic safety and comfort. The team also saved significant costs with the purchase of a plow truck with a sander, allowing us to handle winter maintenance in-house.
Department of Health Award: Sunshine CHC was recognized by the Department of Health for going above and beyond to meet the unique needs of rural patients.
Community Star Award Nomination: Sunshine CHC has been nominated by the Alaska State Office of Rural Health as Alaska’s 2024 Community Star! This prestigious award celebrates rural healthcare leaders who inspire others with their exceptional work.
Community Relations and Engagement: Under Joshua’s leadership, Sunshine CHC has increased community engagement, highlighted by:
Quarterly Community Dinners to gather direct feedback from community members and identify areas for growth.
Regular KTNA radio interviews through Su-Valley Voice to keep the community informed about health services and topics.
Winning a $500 National Association of Community Health Center Scholarship for our outstanding Community Relations work.
Health Equity and Food Security: Joshua led the creation of a Health Equity Director position to focus on addressing social determinants of health. We’ve also developed a staff food pantry to support food-insecure staff and patients, ensuring no one goes hungry.
Monthly Clinic Incentives: Each month, we offer incentives focused on specific healthcare services. Patients receive gifts as a thank you for addressing their health needs, reinforcing the importance of preventative care.
Northern Valley Health Coalition: Joshua helped create the Northern Valley Health Coalition, a community-led group dedicated to improving the social, health, and economic conditions in our communities for better health outcomes.
Joshua’s leadership has also extended to the national stage. He has represented Sunshine CHC and rural Alaskan healthcare at prominent conferences, advocating for the unique needs of our communities while learning and building relationships across the healthcare industry. His attendance at the following conferences has been instrumental in our growth:
National Rural Health Care Association Grassroots and Policy Meetings
National Rural Health Care Association Annual Conference
Alaska Primary Care Association Spring Summit
Alaska Primary Care Association Leader Dinner
Alaska Primary Care Association Leader Peer Networking Conference
Beckers Summit Conference
Northwest Region Primary Care Association Spring Summit
These milestones are a testament to Joshua’s commitment to both our internal team and the broader community. His vision, passion, and tireless advocacy for Sunshine CHC have brought us closer to achieving sustainable, equitable healthcare for all.
As we celebrate Joshua’s 2nd anniversary, we are excited to continue building on this foundation of success. His leadership has transformed Sunshine CHC, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones with him in the years to come.
Thank you, Joshua, for your unwavering dedication to our patients, our staff, and our community. Here’s to many more years of growth and service!
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Sunshine Community Health Center
1-907-376-2273 (PANGANGALAGA)
*This article was written with the support of AI*