For nearly 70 years, South Peninsula Hospital has been a cornerstone of health for the communities of the Southern Kenai Peninsula. As our region grows, so must our hospital’s capacity to provide quality care close to home.

Our service area is expanding rapidly, with over 15,000 people now relying on South Peninsula Hospital. The population is growing at 4.2% — well above Alaska’s rate of less than 1% and the national average of 2%. Nearly 39% of our community is over 55, compared to 26% statewide and 30% nationally, driving increased demand for healthcare services.

These trends show that we need to plan proactively for the future. The failure of the recent bond proposition underscores the importance of aligning our plans with the community’s vision. We still need to chart a path forward — and we need your voice to be part of that conversation.

That’s why the South Peninsula Hospital Board is inviting you to join us for a community conversation: The first is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 5-7 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer; the second is Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5-7 p.m. at the Anchor Point Community and Senior Center.

At these meetings, hospital leadership will share updates on our challenges and opportunities before moving into a question and answer format. It’s important to us as a board to hear your thoughts on how to proactively plan for the evolving health needs of our growing community so we encourage you to bring thoughts and questions related to our strategic priorities. We also understand how important accurate data and up-to-date information is so we have invited a panel of hospital representatives and community leaders to help guide the conversation and discuss the planning priorities important to you. More information about our strategic priorities and the event can be found at www.sphosp.org/about/strategic-plan.

The future of South Peninsula Hospital and the future of health on the southern Kenai Peninsula are vitally intertwined. As a board, we are committed to charting a collaborative path that reflects our shared values and goals for the future. But we can’t do it without you.

Join us on Nov. 4 or Nov. 12 to be part of this critical conversation. Together, we can ensure that our hospital grows in step with our community, remaining a source of healing, health, and pride for generations to come.

We look forward to listening and planning with you for a healthy future.

Kim Frost is a long-term Alaskan and Homer resident since 2004, currently serving on the South Peninsula Hospital Board. Believing that access to quality healthcare is essential for a thriving community, she joined the Board to contribute to the hospital’s strategic planning and ensure its continued service to the region.