The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has come under intense scrutiny recently, with Assemblyman Rob Yundt leading the charge to address what he perceives as oppressive operational practices within the organization. The foundation, built on the noble premise of promoting the health and wellbeing of Mat-Su residents, derives a substantial portion of its wealth from a 35% stake in the annual profits of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center.
Controversial Funding and Lack of Member Representation
However, the foundation’s allocation of funds has sparked controversy, particularly due to its support of workshops, events, and training sessions that promote leftist ideologies, critical race theory, and LGBTQ agendas. These decisions have raised concerns among many residents in the traditionally conservative Mat-Su area, who view them as undermining traditional family values.
Moreover, a significant portion of the foundation’s members seek changes to the bylaws governing board member elections. Presently, only sitting board members have the authority to select and replace their peers, leaving the broader membership disenfranchised from the decision-making process.
Assemblyman Rob Yundt’s Resolution for Change
Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman Rob Yundt has introduced a resolution against the Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) for its control over profits from the local hospital and controversial funding choices. The foundation, originally for community health, shares 35% of profits from Mat-Su Regional Medical Center and funds groups in line with its ideology. It has faced criticism for supporting leftist ideologies and for its board election bylaws that exclude member input. Yundt’s resolution calls for bylaw amendments for member voting rights and reduced hospital costs, as the foundation’s profit share has led to high hospital prices in the region. The resolution requests two key actions at the upcoming membership meeting on June 10.
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Firstly, Yundt advocates for amending the bylaws to allow dues-paying members the right to vote on all future board of directors. This move aims to empower the broader membership and address concerns of “taxation without representation” within the organization.
Secondly, the resolution calls for a reduction in costs at the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, where the MSHF holds a significant ownership stake. Yundt highlights the high hospital prices in Alaska and emphasizes the need for the foundation to prioritize affordable healthcare for the community.
The Path Forward: Taking Action and Seeking Accountability
"A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge." - Proverbs 29:7
As concerned citizens, it is crucial to engage with the MSHF and advocate for meaningful change. The upcoming membership meeting on June 10 provides an opportunity for new and continuing members to voice their opinions and push for reforms. By joining the foundation, attending meetings, and reaching out to board members and leadership, individuals can play a role in shaping the future direction of the organization.
Holding Mat-Su Health Foundation Accountable
The case of the Mat-Su Health Foundation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in organizational governance. By actively participating in the decision-making processes of institutions that impact our communities, we can strive for fair representation and responsible stewardship of resources.
“With a single hospital, there isn’t much choice for the residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough,” Yundt wrote. “An overwhelming majority of people would prefer to pay less in the first instance rather than have some portion of their hospital billings to be siphoned through a foundation where the Board of Directors controls itself, and the foundation decides where the money will be spent. Likewise, an overwhelming majority of patients at the hospital would not be in favor of paying higher Hospital bills so MSHF could build a facility in Wasilla currently valued at $20,638,600, even though they pay no taxes on it.”
The Mat-Su Health Foundation (MSHF) has reported significant earnings, accumulating $330 million in hospital profits over the past 15 years. The organization’s 2022 Annual Report revealed that it garnered a staggering $45 million from the hospital’s profits in that year alone. This amounts to a daily profit of $123,342, a substantial sum for a non-profit entity, as noted by Yundt.
Upcoming Opportunities for Involvement:
- The MSHF will hold its next annual membership meeting on June 10 at The Menard Center in Wasilla. Membership is affordably priced at $5 per year, allowing both new and existing members to participate and express their opinions. Join the MSHF by following this link.
- To engage with the current MSHF Board of Directors and suggest amendments to the bylaws at the upcoming meeting, members can reach out via email here.
- Contact Elizabeth Ripley, President and CEO of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, at eripley@healthymatsu.org or call (907) 373-2805 for direct communication.
- For further inquiries or engagement with the MSHF administration, click here.
- Discover the current members of the MSHF Board of Directors by clicking here.
- Interested individuals can apply to serve on the MSHF Board of Directors here.
- The community is also invited to provide testimonies during the Mat-Su Borough Assembly meeting on June 4, starting at 6 p.m. at the Mat-Su Borough Assembly building in Palmer. For more details, click here.
FAQs:
Why is Assemblyman Yundt targeting the Mat-Su Health Foundation?
Assemblyman Yundt aims to address concerns regarding the foundation’s funding decisions and lack of member representation in key governance matters.
How can individuals get involved in advocating for change within the foundation?
By becoming members, attending meetings, and reaching out to board members and leadership, individuals can voice their concerns and push for reforms.
What are the potential implications of the resolution introduced by Yundt?
If successful, the resolution could lead to increased transparency, member participation, and affordability in healthcare services provided by the foundation.
