Sunshine Scoop | Sunshine CHC

The Sunshine Scoop

Your monthly dose of Sunshine Community Health Center news, stories, and community connection. The Sunshine Scoop is our monthly email newsletter created to keep our community informed, connected, and inspired. It’s where we share important updates, upcoming events, helpful health resources, and the stories that reflect the heart of Sunshine Community Health Center. Whether you’re a patient, partner, or community member, the Sunshine Scoop is one of the best ways to stay in the loop.

What You'll Find Inside The Scoop

📰 Clinic news and service updates
📅 Community events and outreach opportunities
💬 Staff spotlights and Sunshine stories
🩺 Health tips, reminders, and seasonal information
🎉 Special announcements and celebrations

Each edition is designed to be easy to read, relevant, and rooted in what matters most to our community.

When to Expect It

The Sunshine Scoop typically arrives once per month, with occasional special editions for important announcements or community events. We value your time — we keep it meaningful, not overwhelming.

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KTNA Su-Valley Voice || March 2026

Sunshine Community Health Center recently joined KTNA’s Su Valley Voice for our monthly check-in with listeners across the Valley. These conversations are an opportunity to share updates on services, highlight upcoming events, and most importantly—talk about the health topics that matter most to our community.

Sunshine's AR Group Newsletter - Volume 1 Issue 2

A Powerful New Tool for Alaska: The 907 Navigation App

The 907 Navigation App, developed by the Alaska Impact Alliance, is designed to make it easier for Alaskans to find and access services across the state.

Seven Tips for Building Healthier Habits That Last

Improving your health does not require a complete life overhaul overnight. Real success often comes from small, steady efforts repeated over time

A Daughter’s Advocacy, A Nurse’s Expertise

I wanted to share a personal story that really highlights the incredible skills and training of our nursing staff here at Talkeetna Sunshine Community Health Center, especially in foot and wound care.

No Ifs, Ands, or Butts: Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters

At Sunshine Community Health Center, we are committed to making screening accessible and supportive for our patients.

KTNA Su-Valley Voice || February 2026

This month on KTNA’s Su Valley Voice, Sunshine Community Health Center joined listeners for our regular monthly check-in — sharing updates, highlighting services, and diving deep into our February health focus: Cardiovascular Health.

Sunshine CHC’s Student Scholarship Program

If you’re a high school senior passionate about healthcare , this scholarship could be the first step toward achieving your dreams. At Sunshine Community Health Center (SCHC) , we believe in investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our Student Scholarship Program supports high school seniors pursuing degrees or certificates in health care, behavioral health, and social services by awarding scholarships of $2,500 . These scholarships recognize students w

Sunshine's AR Group Newsletter - Volume 1 Issue 1

KTNA Su-Valley Voice || January 2026

During this hour-long conversation, we shared the latest updates from SCHC—including current services, job opportunities, and upcoming events—while taking a deeper dive into the month’s health theme: Healthy Starts at Home.

Sunshine Scoop || End of 2025

Sunshine Scoop - The end of 2025 and a look into 2026!

Join Our Dental Team: Dental Assistants Wanted at Sunshine Community Health Center

We are currently recruiting Dental Assistants to join our growing dental team and help us continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care across the northern valley.

Why We Use Roadside Information Signs to Connect With Our Communities

At Sunshine Community Health Center, our mission is simple and steadfast: to keep our communities informed, supported, and connected to the care they need. In a rural region as unique and spread out as ours, communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. People receive information in many different ways—and our goal is to meet community members wherever they are. Recently, we’ve heard questions and concerns about the rotating information signs and wanted to take a moment to share why

KTNA Su-Valley Voice || December 2025

In this month’s episode, we highlighted updates on services, employment opportunities, and upcoming community events. We also dedicated the hour to our December health theme: Tobacco Cessation.

Tobacco Cessation Awareness Month: Tools, Support, and Community Care

Quitting tobacco is one of the most meaningful steps someone can take to improve their long-term health, energy, and overall quality of life.

What Peer Support Really Means: Voices of Hope from Sunshine CHC

Peer Support is more than a service — it’s a relationship, a bridge, and a reminder that no one has to walk their journey alone.

What You Should Know About Opioid Overdose & Naloxone — And Why It Matters in Alaska

Opioid overdoses can affect anyone who uses prescription opioids, illicit opioids, or is around someone who does.

Celebrating Excellence in Community Health: APCA Honors Daphne and Joshua

Daphne and Joshua consistently demonstrate a deep commitment to improving healthcare access, supporting their teammates, and ensuring that every patient they encounter feels seen, respected, and cared for.

Sunshine Scoop || October 2025

Sunshine Scoop - October 2025

KTNA Su-Valley Voice || November 2025

Together, they shared updates on services, staffing, and community events, as well as insights on several important topics — from the impact of the current government shutdown on SNAP benefits and food security, to questions about immunizations, and a recap of Sunshine’s recent Health Fair.

Keep Smiling Strong - FREE Electronic Tooth Brush

As we wrap up another bright year, Sunshine Community Health Center is encouraging everyone to prioritize their smile with a full mouth dental exam and treatment plan before the end of 2025. Beginning November 10th, the first 15 patients at each clinic who complete this service will receive a free electronic toothbrush — while supplies last!

A Belated but Big Thank You to Our Medical Assistants

Medical Assistants (MAs) wear many hats. They greet patients, take vitals, assist in procedures, prepare exam rooms, update records, and keep the day flowing smoothly. But their work extends far beyond checklists — they are the reassuring presence that helps patients feel seen, safe, and supported.

Celebrating Our Sunshine Team: Honoring Service Milestones

Each of these anniversaries represents more than time—it represents dedication, compassion, and impact. Whether it’s one year or over 30, every role is essential, and every team member helps carry out Sunshine’s mission: Community-driven healthcare, rooted in the strength and resilience of rural Alaska.

Celebrating Crickett: A Legacy of Quality, Compliance, and Care

Crickett has been with Sunshine through decades of transformation. She has helped us navigate national reporting systems, meet federal standards, and achieve measurable improvements in community health.

Measles in Alaska: What’s Happening and What You Need to Know

The recent measles case in Anchorage is a reminder that Alaska is connected to the broader world — and that we remain vulnerable if immunity gaps exist. Measles may seem like a disease of the past, but it is still present and dangerous.

Celebrating 8 Years of Service: Curtis Harvie, DNP, ANP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC

At Sunshine Community Health Center, we are honored to celebrate eight years of service from one of our most dedicated providers: Curtis Harvie, DNP, ANP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC. His journey into medicine, his dual specialties, and his passion for holistic care have made a lasting impact on our patients and our community.

Sunshine Proud to Sponsor the Mat-Su Taste of Hope

The Taste of Hope is more than an evening of delicious food and good company—it is a community-powered effort to raise funds that directly support the American Cancer Society’s mission of improving the lives of people with cancer and their families.

Celebrating Our September Crown Award

Crystal’s dedication to behavioral health services has been nothing short of transformative. As Behavioral Health Director, she has championed the integration of mental health support into primary care, expanded access to critical services, and advocated fiercely for the well-being of our community.contributions have made a lasting impact: Sierra M., Patient Services Manager, and Crystal, LCSW, Behavioral Health Director.

KTNA Su-Valley Voice || October 2025

On behalf of Sunshine Community Health Center, thank you for joining us for this month’s episode of KTNA’s Su Valley Voice. We are grateful to KTNA for welcoming us onto the airwaves each month and for helping us strengthen communication, connection, and wellness across the Upper Susitna Valley.

Duronda "Dondi" Twigg, RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer

Duronda Twigg, RN, BSN, Chief Nursing Officer - leading the way to a healthier tomorrow!

Abby Bradley, BSN, IBCLC, Family Care Manager

Sunshine Community Health Center is proud to welcome Abby Bradley back to our team as the new Family Care Manager. Abby is no stranger to SCHC—she first joined us in 2003, shortly after moving to Alaska, and worked in various roles over the years before continuing her career in obstetric nursing at Mat-Su Regional.

Marion Ruth, FNP-C

Learn more about Marion Ruth, FNP-C and the services she provides.

Don’t Get Spooked by Sickness: Protect Yourself This Flu Season

That’s why Sunshine Community Health Center is making it easier (and more fun!) than ever to stay protected with free flu shots, spooky swag, and special event days throughout the month.

Dr. Paul Forman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer

Learn more about our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Paul Forman, MD.

Stretch Your PFD and Lighten Your Load

From October 1 through November 30, any payment you make toward bills accrued before September 30 will be matched up to 40%. It’s a chance to stretch your PFD further, reduce your balance, and lift a little weight off your shoulders.

Joshua Gilmore, Chief Executive Officer

Learn more about our amazing CEO, Joshua!

The Unsung Heroes of Healthcare: The Importance of IT in Modern Care

As we celebrate National IT Professionals Day, we want to extend our gratitude to the Sun-Tec team.

Celebrating Success: Lesa Earns CCMA Certification!

Recently, Lesa successfully passed her Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam—a huge accomplishment that reflects her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to providing excellent patient care.

Sharing the Bounty: Health, Community, and the Wild Su Feast

✨ Don’t miss your chance to win a free ticket! Sign up for our newsletter, The Sunshine Scoop, at sunshineclinic.org. All subscribers are automatically entered, and the winner will be announced October 1st.

Megan Pruitt, LPN

Megan Pruitt is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) dedicated to providing patient-centered care in rural Alaska.

KTNA Su-Valley Voice || September 2025

Joining the conversation were Abby Bradley, RN, and Duronda Twigg, RN, who brought their experience and insights as registered nurses at Sunshine.

Sunshine Scoop || September 2025

Sunshine Scoop September 2025

The Kids Are Back in School — Now It’s Time to Take Care of YOU

My dad didn’t like going to the doctor. He was strong, tough, independent — the kind of man who believed in “pushing through” whatever life threw at him. So he skipped annual checkups. He brushed off symptoms. He told himself he was fine.

Dr. Michael Randell, DDS

Sunshine Community Health Center is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Randell, a dentist serving the Talkeetna and Willow communities. With her unique blend of clinical expertise and a strong background in public health, Dr. Randell is passionate about making high-quality dental care accessible to all.

Our Mission Statement: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

At Sunshine Community Health Center, our mission statement has always been more than just words on paper — it’s been a compass guiding...

Crystal Edwards, LCSW

Crystal Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in trauma-informed care and evidence-based therapies.

Mary “Polly” Smith, DNP, PMHNP

Polly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family/Individual Across the Lifespan) from Montana State University, and completed her Psychiatric Mental Health Certification at the University of Alaska – Anchorage.