Alaska Legislature Honors Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center’s 50 Years of Community Care
September 24, 2025
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC) was recently honored by the Alaska Legislature with two formal legislative citations—a powerful recognition of both ANHC’s 50 years of service to the Anchorage community and the leadership that has helped guide the organization forward.
Presented during a gathering with staff, board members, and community supporters, the citations commemorate ANHC’s legacy as a trusted safety-net provider and celebrate the values that have defined the organization since its founding in 1974.
Honoring 50 Years of Service to Anchorage
One citation recognizes the 50th anniversary of ANHC, highlighting the organization’s origins during the War on Poverty era and its early commitment to providing high-quality, affordable care regardless of income, insurance status, or background.
The citation reflects ANHC’s growth over five decades—from a small clinic serving uninsured residents to a comprehensive, integrated health center offering primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, pharmacy services, and patient support programs, all under one roof. It also acknowledges ANHC’s continued role as a safety-net provider, eliminating barriers to care through language access, transportation support, insurance enrollment assistance, and a sliding fee scale.
For many in Anchorage, ANHC has been—and continues to be—a cornerstone of accessible, patient-centered healthcare.
Recognizing Leadership in Public Health and Community Advocacy
The second citation honors Lisa Aquino, ANHC Chief Executive Officer, for her lifelong dedication to public health, community advocacy, and service to Alaska’s most vulnerable populations.
The Legislature recognized Lisa’s career path—from her early public health work with the State of Alaska and international experience abroad, to her leadership roles in nonprofit and social service organizations, and ultimately her stewardship of ANHC. The citation emphasizes her guiding principle: showing up for people on their hardest days and ensuring systems work better for those who too often fall through the cracks.
Under Lisa’s leadership, ANHC has remained grounded in compassion while continuing to evolve—supporting staff, strengthening integrated care, and staying focused on the mission of providing locally based, affordable healthcare to the Anchorage community.
A Shared Moment of Gratitude and Reflection
These legislative citations are more than framed documents—they represent the collective efforts of generations of staff, board members, patients, partners, and advocates who have shaped ANHC’s story. They also reflect the trust placed in community health centers as essential pillars of Alaska’s healthcare system.
As ANHC celebrates its 50th anniversary, this recognition from the Alaska Legislature affirms what patients and community members have known for decades: Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center is a place where care, dignity, and community come first.
We are deeply grateful for this honor and for the opportunity to continue serving Anchorage for generations to come.