South Peninsula Hospital

12/10/2025

Join us tonight for another Wellness Wednesday! This evening, Lucy Mahan, LPC, CDCII will be covering this week's topic: Your Activated Nervous System. Join us for an evening of free health education, food & movement from 5:30-7:30pm at Kachemak Bay Campus (533 E. Pioneer Ave). You can find more information about this and future Wellness Wednesdays at https://www.sphosp.org.

12/05/2025

Last month, we celebrated the retirement of Julie McCarron, MS, DNP, CNM, APRN, IBCLC. SPH staff, Julie’s family, and many of the women and babies she’s cared for over the years gathered to honor her incredible dedication to this community. We’re deeply grateful for her 26 years of service and wish her all the best in her next chapter!

12/04/2025

From discussing who's eligible for an RSV vaccine to sharing upcoming community events, our Health and Wellness Department's Healthy In Homer newsletter is a great way to stay up to date. Check out December's edition here: https://mailchi.mp/sphosp/healthy-in-homer-december-2025.

Don't miss your monthly newsletter from SPH's Community Health and Wellness Department!

12/03/2025

Congratulations to Carolyn Farren on her 20-year work anniversary as a Clinical Coder with the Medical Records team at South Peninsula Hospital. Raised in the medical environment and starting her career at Homer Medical, it's no surprise that Carolyn is dedicating her life to healthcare. Thank you, Carolyn for you dedication and service to SPH and our community!

12/02/2025

As we approach the winter solstice and our daylight fades, many of us feel a natural shift in energy and mood. This is a good time to offer your mental health a little extra care. Take a quiet, mindful minute today - slow your breathing, notice the moment, and let your body soften. Small pauses like this can help steady us through the darker months.
Check out these helpful resources from Serene Waters’ mental health therapist, Vicki Jackson, MSW, LCSW.

11/29/2025

Let this be your reminder to get outside!

🌊 Research shows that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature can significantly improve mental and physical well-being. And places with water, known as “blue spaces," are especially powerful in reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and supporting mood.

🧠 In Alaska, 23% of adults report experiencing poor mental health, which makes these everyday wellness tools even more important. Taking time in nature isn’t just a break, it’s a boost.

📍 As the weather starts to shift and the days become shorter, make sure to prioritize getting time outside. For activities and ideas, check out the City of Homer Parks and Recreation Program, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center, and the Pratt Museum.

City of Homer Parks and Recreation Program - https://www.cityofhomer-ak.gov/com-rec
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies - https://akcoastalstudies.org
Alaska Islands and Oceans Visitor Center - https://www.fws.gov/refuge/alaska-maritime/visit-us
Pratt Museum - https://www.prattmuseum.org

11/28/2025

South Peninsula Hospital wants to hear from you! We’re conducting our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to learn what matters most when it comes to our community’s health.

Your feedback helps shape future services and programs that support a healthier Homer. The survey is short, confidential, and every response counts. Plus, you’ll be entered to win Homer Bucks just for participating!

The survey will close at the end of this month, so be sure to provide your input and take the survey here:

We want to hear from you!

11/27/2025

From all of us at South Peninsula Hospital, we'd like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Today and every day, we give thanks for a supportive community. Please note that holiday hours may vary from location to location, so be sure to check with your providers and clinics for details. We hope you all have a safe and restful holiday.

11/26/2025

It was a pleasure having these future healthcare professionals spend the day with us. Best of luck as you continue your studies, and we look forward to welcoming you into the workforce soon!

11/25/2025

Please join us in welcoming Teresa Kirchner, MSN, APRN, FNP to the SPH Long Term Care team! Teresa joins Dr. Joe Llenos in providing daily care for our residents. With a lifelong passion for ensuring elders and those in greatest need receive compassionate, high-quality care, she’s a perfect fit for this role. Teresa began her healthcare journey as a C.N.A. in Wisconsin, and has since become a family nurse practitioner. After moving to Anchor Point six years ago, she’s served communities across the Kenai Peninsula through Chugachmiut. Welcome, Teresa!

11/21/2025

Please join us in welcoming Ian Lawrence, MD to the SPH Hospitalist team! Hospitalists care for patients during their hospital stay from admission through discharge, ensuring seamless, attentive care. Dr. Lawrence specializes in internal medicine and pediatrics, allowing him to treat both adults and children in the inpatient setting.

A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, he was drawn to Homer for its strong healthcare community and incredible quality of life. Formerly a teacher and youth coach in California, Dr. Lawrence looks forward to joining our close-knit community and exploring the great outdoors. Welcome, Dr. Lawrence!

11/19/2025

South Peninsula Hospital is conducting our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), and we need your voice!

Your feedback helps us better understand the health needs of our community and guides how we plan services for the future. The survey is anonymous, quick to complete, and your input truly makes a difference. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered to win Homer Bucks!

Take the survey here:

We want to hear from you!