The Sound Wellness Alliance Network, SWAN for short, is a newly-formed community network with a vision to improve the health status of every Prince William Sound resident. SWAN is an extension of Providence Valdez Medical Center’s employee healthy living program. It is a community-inspired endeavor and is focused on creating health and wellness for all residents. Funding for SWAN initiatives is made possible by a grant from Providence Health & Services Alaska. SWAN applied for and secured $100,000 for the community of Valdez. The grant is based on what Providence calls Community Benefit Strategic Investment and it infuses money earmarked for health and wellness initiatives into the communities of Valdez, Seward, Kodiak and Anchorage. Providence is serious about developing sustainable health and wellness programs in the communities it serves.
History
2007 Valdez Community Needs Assessment finds:
- 56% of Valdez residents reported their physical health was excellent or very good. Healthy Alaskans 2010 Objective was 75%
- 39% of Valdez residents did not have an annual preventive exam in the past year.
Spring 2009 - Providence Strategic Planning Committee formed a retention committee called STAY – Striving Towards Alotta Years
- STAY Committee was extremely energized and wanted to share their great healthy living ideas with the community.
Summer 2009
- Healthy Living Coalition was formed
Fall 2009
- SWAN name was developed
March 2010
- SWAN applied for and received a Community Benefit Strategic Investment (CBSI) $100,000 grant from Providence Health and Services.
May 2010
- Part Time Coordinator was hired
