News and Press Releases

Oct 19, 2022

Donations support health of Alaskans in Fairbanks, Homer and Mat-Su Valley

First National Bank Alaska is giving today to shape a brighter tomorrow

ALASKA – First National Bank Alaska, which opened in 1922, is marking a century of business by investing in the success of Alaskans for the next 100 years and beyond. As part of the centennial celebrations in 2022, each of the bank’s branches will make a meaningful donation to a local community organization and help shape a brighter tomorrow for all Alaskans.

Recently, First National’s Homer Branch donated $1,500 to Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic (KBFPC) to help purchase blood pressure monitors, cuffs and supporting materials. KBFPC provides preventative health services, education and outreach to community members historically underserved or with higher risk factors in the Homer area and the Kenai Peninsula region.

Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Almost half of U.S. adults, and approximately four in 10 adult women, have hypertension (blood pressure greater than 130/80). Often, KBFPC is the only healthcare provider their clients see, so it is important to consider related health conditions, like screening for high blood pressure, and to strengthen support for clients with or at risk for hypertension.

“In order to more effectively support clients with high blood pressure and engage clients as drivers of their own wellness, we’re partnering with First National Bank Alaska. With these tools, clients can self-monitor and manage their blood pressure at home,” said Claudia Haines, CEO of KBFPC. “Since COVID, there are no longer any public places for community members to check their blood pressure, creating yet another barrier for people trying to monitor their health. Having a blood pressure monitor and handy tools at home is a critical part of health between clinic visits and will greatly improve accessibility and health outcomes.”

Wasilla Branch donated 100 toiletry kits to MyHouse for homeless and at-risk teenagers and young adults in the Mat-Su Valley. Kits include an assortment of travel-sized items: shampoo and conditioner, lotion, disposable razors, tampons, lip balm, deodorant, socks, soap, wipes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, USB cables, and candies. MyHouse has 36 beds of transitional housing for youth ages 14-26. Youth also drop in for case management and other services, such as food, clothing, laundry, transportation assistance, job training, parenting or other life skills classes, mentoring, and more.

“These toiletry kits help reduce operational expenses for basic, essential support for quality of life for homeless or at-risk youth struggling to maintain personal hygiene. The pre-made kits also enable convenient distribution to youth who may come to MyHouse,” said Jay Dagenhart, MyHouse Outreach Program Coordinator.

Johansen Branch in Fairbanks donated more than 100 winter gear items and toiletry kits to Fairbanks Youth Advocates (FYA) for their emergency youth shelter, The Door. Items include warm hats, gloves, socks, deodorant, soap, razors and more. The Door offers a safe place to sleep, home-cooked meals, clothing, supplies and connections to community resources to help youth find stability.

“As colder weather hits the Fairbanks area, these hats and gloves will help keep our youth warm this winter,” said FYA Executive Director Brian Taylor. “The help of generous community donors helps FYA make greater impact in these young people’s lives. No matter what the gift size, large or small, the compassion shown to these youths demonstrates that the community cares about helping them through often difficult times.”

These donations help stabilize the lives and health of Alaskans by providing valuable tools, addressing immediate needs, connecting Alaskans with community, and empowering them to reach personal success, which benefits these Alaskans, their families, and the long-term health of local communities.

First National has 28 locations in 19 communities across the state. Each year, First National contributes about $1 million to charities and community events in Alaska through cash and other in-kind donations. We are proud to help Alaskans overcome challenges, succeed, and thrive.

Other donations through First National’s Giving Today, Shaping Tomorrow program include Muldoon Branch to Kids’ Corps, Inc., Seward Branch to SeaView Community Services, Healy Branch to Neighbor to Neighbor, Kodiak Branch to Kodiak Women's Resource & Crisis Center, Metro Branch to Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis, Dimond Branch to Covenant House Alaska, Kuskokwim Branch to Bethel Winter House, and Soldotna Branch to Sterling Area Senior Citizens.

Alaska’s community bank since 1922, First National proudly meets the financial needs of Alaskans by providing banking services across Alaska, the nation and around the world. In 2021, American Banker recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” for the fourth year in a row, and Anchorage Daily News readers voted the bank one of the state’s top three financial institutions for the third year in a row in the ADN “Best of Alaska” Awards. In 2022, Alaska Business readers voted the bank the “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the seventh year in a row and Best Bank/Credit Union for a second time.

First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

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First National Loan Officer Cinda Martin and Homer Branch Manager Erik Niebuhr present a donation check to Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic CEO Claudia Haines and Clinical Provider and Medical Director Robin Holmes, MD.

 

First National Wasilla Branch delivered toiletry kits MyHouse for at-risk youth. From left to right: First National Personal Banker Kim Locke, Wasilla Branch Manager Danielle Howard, Regional Branch Manager Craig Thorn, and MyHouse Outreach Project Coordinator Jay Dagenhart.

 

Fairbanks Youth Advocates Executive Director Brian Taylor (left) received winter gear and toiletry kits for their youth shelter from First National Johansen Branch Operations Supervisor Jill Sloat, Regional Branch Manager Pam Wentz, Lending Associate Susan Forness, and Operations Supervisor Adrienne Buniag.

 

Contact: Marketing Department, (907) 777-3409