ANHC Celebrates 50 Years of Care and Community
On May 1, 2025, Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC) marked a milestone 50 years in the making. Surrounded by longtime supporters, former staff, current team members, and community partners, we celebrated five decades of delivering compassionate and accessible care to Anchorage residents.
While the reception was one special evening, the milestone belongs to everyone who has been part of ANHC’s journey — from patients and providers to advocates and allies. Check out the slideshow below for a few special moments from the celebration.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present
The evening included brief but heartfelt remarks by CEO Lisa DH Aquino, reflecting on ANHC’s founding during the community health center movement and its continued mission to serve those historically excluded from the healthcare system.
Dr. Sarah Dewane, Chief Health Integration Officer, followed with a patient impact story that underscored the very heart of ANHC’s mission: providing accessible, integrated care that changes lives.
Throughout the event, a commemorative video played in the background — featuring reflections from ANHC staff, former employees, board members, and patients. It traced ANHC’s growth over five decades while reminding us of the personal stories behind the statistics. A highlight was a moving video from Teresa Olorunlowo, who began as a patient and now also serves as a dedicated ANHC board member. Her story is a powerful testament to what community health truly means.
A Night of Gratitude and Connection
The room was filled with laughter, hugs, and the kind of conversations that come from decades of shared purpose. It was a night of celebration — not just of ANHC’s past, but of the relationships and trust that have carried it forward.
“If you’re in this room tonight, you are already part of this journey. You’ve helped shape who we are and where we’re going. And we are so thankful,” Lisa shared. “We’re not just a clinic. We are a community hub. A place of connection, of healing, of trust. And everything we’ve built — we’ve built together.”
Looking Ahead: The next 50 Years
As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with an eye toward the future. Anchorage continues to grow and evolve — and so must ANHC. We remain committed to meeting people where they are, removing barriers to care, and nurturing the wellbeing of our unique community.
To everyone who has walked with us on this journey — whether for five days or 50 years — thank you. This celebration was for you, and we’re honored to continue the work together.