What is the origin story of your community’s beginnings in Anchorage?
Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center (ANHC) began in 1974 as a grassroots effort to bring medical care to Anchorage’s most underserved communities. The original clinic operated out of a trailer in Fairview, founded by a small group of passionate providers and advocates who believed everyone—regardless of income, insurance status, or background—deserved access to quality health care. What started as a modest operation has grown into one of Alaska’s largest federally qualified health centers, still driven by the same mission: to be a trusted partner in every person’s wellness by providing integrated, compassionate, and high-quality health care, regardless of ability to pay.
Where can people learn more about your community’s history?
Visit our website: https://www.anhc.org/about
Who in your community is considered to have the most knowledge about your community’s history in Anchorage?
Harold Johnston, MD, a former ANHC physician and current board member, is widely regarded as the most knowledgeable about the health center’s history in Anchorage. With much service to the organization, Harold has witnessed firsthand its growth from a small neighborhood clinic to one of Alaska’s leading federally qualified health centers. His unique perspective—as both a provider and a steward of the mission—makes him a trusted source of institutional knowledge and a passionate advocate for community health.
Tell us about three to five people - past or present - who made a mark on your community.
- Lisa Aquino – Under her leadership, ANHC has expanded services, enhanced care integration, and strengthened community partnerships while navigating major challenges.
- Casey Gokey, MD - A current physician and ANHC Chief Medical Officer who exemplifies ANHC’s mission through her dedication to accessible, culturally sensitive care. She's been integral in expanding access and bringing on more quality providers.
- Dr. John H. Schwartz – A deeply respected physician who joined ANHC in 1980, serving as Medical Director from 1981 to 1986. Dr. Schwartz dedicated his career to caring for the underserved, working tirelessly at ANHC, in shelters, and through community initiatives like Anchorage Project Access. He mentored countless clinicians and left a lasting legacy in Anchorage’s medical community through both his practice and his teaching at the Alaska Family Medicine Residency. His quiet, compassionate leadership and deep medical insight made him one of the most trusted primary care physicians in Anchorage.
What are some defining moments - the good, the bad, and the wild - that shaped your community’s identity in Anchorage?
Moving into a permanent facility in Midtown in 2012, which increased access and visibility. Achieving Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) status, which opened the door to expanded services and deeper community impact. Launching one of Anchorage’s dedicated mobile medical clinic for people experiencing homelessness, bringing care to those most vulnerable. We have so much more listed in our 2024 annual report
Why is Anchorage important to your community? What makes you stay here even during the hard times?
Anchorage is at the heart of our mission. Our patients, staff, and partners are deeply rooted in this community—many of them have been with us for generations. The challenges that Anchorage faces, from housing insecurity to systemic inequities, only deepen our commitment to stay and serve. We stay because we believe that everyone in Anchorage deserves access to care, dignity, and wellness—no matter what.
What’s one interesting fact about your community’s history that you think people in Anchorage should know about?
ANHC was one of the first clinics in Alaska to adopt an integrated care model, offering medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, lab, radiology, and social services under one roof—long before it became a national best practice. This model helps reduce stigma and meet people where they are, which is especially critical in a diverse and often underserved city like Anchorage.
Published by the Assembly Legislative Services Office
We believe that local government plays a critical role in improving our community and that it works best when residents are engaged. We provide research, communications, and project management on behalf of the Anchorage Assembly to engage our community in local government. Learn more.
