Business Details
39 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Community Health Partner in Talkeetna, AK
Sunshine Community Health Center was founded in 1987 to address critical healthcare gaps in Alaska's Upper Susitna Valley. Our organization delivers comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health, and dental care services to underserved communities. With two full-service clinics in Talkeetna and Willow, we maintain a patient-centered approach that integrates preventive care, chronic disease management, and emergency services. Our team of certified professionals includes physicians, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists, and dental providers who collectively bring decades of rural healthcare experience. We prioritize cultural competence and community engagement through outreach programs, school-based services, and public health education initiatives.Our accreditation by the Federal Public Health Service and recognition through HRSA awards validate our commitment to quality care. We operate under core values of compassion, integrity, and fiscal responsibility while maintaining 24/7 emergency access through after-hours call services. Our innovative palliative care program demonstrates our dedication to addressing end-of-life needs in remote areas. Through strategic partnerships and volunteer engagement, we continue expanding services to meet evolving community health requirements.
Services
Medical Care
Behavioral Health
Dental Services
Lab Testing
X-Ray Services
Palliative Care
Women's Health
Men's Health
Addiction Treatment
DOT Exams
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We offer a full spectrum of medical, behavioral, and dental care services
- Our team includes certified professionals with decades of combined rural healthcare experience
- We maintain Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status for quality assurance
- Our sliding fee scale ensures care accessibility for all income levels
- We provide after-hours emergency medical consultation services
Associations and certifications
- HRSA
- Federal Public Health Service (PHS)
What people say
Lifesaving care
Knowledgeable staff
Holistic approach
Urgent issue handled
Proactive healthcare
Services
Medical Care
Our primary medical services include preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and acute care treatment. Board-certified providers deliver comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages through regular check-ups and personalized treatment plans. Services include immunizations, women's health exams, and coordinated specialty care referrals.
Behavioral Health
Integrated behavioral health services address mental health conditions and substance use disorders through evidence-based therapies. Our licensed clinicians provide individual and group counseling using approaches like CBT and DBT. Psychiatric medication management is available with same-day crisis intervention capabilities.
Dental Services
Preventive and restorative dental care includes routine cleanings, emergency exams, and fillings for patients of all ages. Our dental hygienists provide oral health education while addressing immediate dental concerns through diagnostic imaging and treatment planning.
Lab Testing
On-site laboratory services offer blood testing, urinalysis, and diagnostic screenings with rapid results processing. We accommodate external lab orders and maintain strict quality controls for accurate diagnostics that support timely treatment decisions.
Palliative Care
Specialized palliative care focuses on symptom management for patients with chronic or terminal illnesses. Our interdisciplinary team provides home visits, telehealth consultations, and medication management to improve quality of life for patients and families.
People
Dr. Paul Forman
Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Forman leads our clinical operations with over 25 years of rural healthcare experience. He oversees quality assurance programs and provider training initiatives while maintaining active patient care responsibilities.
Curtis Harvie
Family Nurse Practitioner
Curtis Harvie holds multiple advanced nursing certifications and specializes in integrated care models. With 8 years at Sunshine, he develops clinical protocols and provides direct patient care across both clinic locations.
Duronda Twigg
Chief Nursing Officer
With 15+ years in rural healthcare leadership, Duronda manages nursing staff and patient safety programs. She implements evidence-based practices that have improved clinical outcomes across our service areas.
Joshua Gilmore
Chief Executive Officer
Joshua oversees organizational strategy and community partnerships. His leadership has expanded service offerings while maintaining financial sustainability through federal grant management and operational efficiency.
Sierra Winter Smith
Community Relations Manager
Sierra coordinates outreach programs and community health initiatives. She manages volunteer engagement and serves as liaison between the clinic and local schools and social service organizations.
Questions
What services does Sunshine Community Health Center offer?
We provide medical care, behavioral health services, dental care, lab testing, X-rays, palliative care, DOT exams, and specialized programs for women's and men's health.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients at both our Talkeetna and Willow locations. Appointments can be scheduled by phone or through our online patient portal.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid. For uninsured patients, we offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size.
Are evening or weekend appointments available?
Standard hours are Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. After-hours phone consultations are available, but we don't currently offer weekend clinic hours.
How can I get prescription medications?
Our limited dispensary provides short-term medications. Most prescriptions are filled through Three Bears Pharmacy in Wasilla, with delivery available to our clinics.
What should I do in a medical emergency?
Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies. For non-urgent after-hours concerns, contact our main line for guidance from on-call staff.