opportunity to integrate with other public health programs
KODIAK, Alaska – After nearly 15 years of growth and success, Kodiak KINDNESS is set to begin operating as an independent provider and no longer be part of Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center (PKIMC), effective March 1, 2021.
KINDNESS — which stands for Kodiak Infant Nutrition and Development — provides free infant nutrition and breastfeeding support to families in Kodiak.
This is a positive change for Kodiak KINDNESS, as it provides the opportunity for improved sustainability for the program and greater integration with other community public health programs. For the hospital, this change allows community benefit funds (which had funded KINDNESS since 2015) to be reallocated to help address other needs in the community.
Heather Preece, founder of the Kodiak KINDNESS Project, will continue leading the program as executive director of the new nonprofit.
“Most importantly, all Kodiak families, regardless of where their baby is born or how their baby is fed, will continue to receive KINDNESS services without disruption,” said Preece. “Families will keep receiving free, excellent infant-feeding support whenever they need it, through the first year of life.”
As an independent organization, KINDNESS will operate as its own 501©3 Alaska nonprofit. Providence will partner with the Kodiak Community Health Center and the Kodiak Area Native Association as supportive community partners for the new independent KINDNESS.
Preece said this milestone is worth celebrating and exciting news. She’s also grateful for the support of Providence to help bring these services to the community.
“KINDNESS could not have achieved the level of success it has without Providence’s support,” said Preece. “We look forward to continued collaboration for the benefit of Kodiak families raising a healthier next generation.”
To learn more about Kodiak KINDNESS, contact Heather Preece at heather.preece@kodiakkindness.org or visit the KINDNESS website www.kodiakkindness.org.
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About Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center
Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center provides comprehensive health care to residents and visitors of Kodiak Island. Part of Providence Health & Services Alaska, this critical access hospital features 25 acute care beds, including four birthing suites, two psychiatric care beds and two intensive care beds. For more information about Providence, visit alaska.providence.org/locations/p/pkimc.
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