Connect

Supporting Social Connections in the Mat-Su Borough, Alaska

Mat-Su Health Foundation
2021 - Present 
Region

 

Overview

The Mat-Su Health Foundation aims to make the Mat-Su the healthiest borough in Alaska. They recognize the importance of social connections as one of five protective factors and aim to create a more supportive, and welcoming community. They currently support Connect Mat-Su, a comprehensive health and social services information and referral hub, along with various programs and events. The Mat-Su Health Foundation serves key roles as a convener and funder and is interested in strengthening community-level supports that enable more people to interact and build positive relationships across the region.

Our Support

Healthy Places by Design is facilitating an information gathering process with key Mat-Su leaders and residents to discuss concepts related to socially connected communities, how various sectors can contribute to stronger social connections, and what type of philanthropic investments could best support community-level strategies to reduce social isolation. This work is intended to inform future philanthropic investments that will support social connections. The Socially Connected Communities: Solutions to Social Isolation report inspired this work and serves as a framework for the conversations.