SEARHC’s ‘Move for a Cause’ campaign to support physical fitness, and benefit Southeast Alaska Independent Living

Southeast Alaska’s regional health consortium is inviting the public to join a physical activity campaign, ‘Move for a Cause’ for the month of April. The spring initiative aims to encourage physical fitness and wellbeing, and will generate donations to a non-profit cause – this year to Southeast Alaska Independent Living, or SAIL.

Doug Osbourne is a health educator with SEARHC based in Sitka. He says the four-week program is for all ages and abilities in Southeast Alaska.

“And the idea is to give individuals some support as they set and strive and meet their fitness goals. And at the same time, raising some money for a great cause,” Osbourne said.

Each week participants set a fitness goal and track progress. Osbourne says it can be anything from walking the dog, to biking, running, gym or pool time, or whatever is available.

“So I think this is a good chance to really think about what part does physical fitness play in my life. And for a lot of people, it’s getting outside, it’s getting fresh air, it’s seeing what’s going on in your community in your neighborhood. And it’s getting those kind of feel good chemicals flowing through your body as you are moving,” Osbourne said. “And I think it’s just connected to so many parts of health, not just your physical health, and just how well you’ll sleep, but your mental health, your emotional health.”

Participants submit weekly progress toward their goal, and at the end of the four weeks, SEARHC will make a donation on each person’s behalf to SAIL.

Janine Allen is an independent living advocate with SAIL based in Haines. They have centers in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan that support seniors and people with disabilities.

“​​We’re really grateful that SEARHC has selected SAIL is a cause worth moving for,” Allen said.

Allen says in Haines they’re seeing a wide variety of community needs, going into the third year of  the pandemic. SAIL works to help people connect with programs and resources, from housing to medical care and food aid.

“We’re just trying to help people do and take care of what they need right now,” she said. “We’re seeing a lot of need across the community for things like heating oil, especially with prices so high, that’s been a real need. We’re seeing a lot of food insecurity. So trying to help connect people will make sure they have access to Salvation Army resources, the senior center lunches if they’re eligible, that sort of thing.” 

SEARHC’s Doug Osbourne says last year’s ‘Move for a Cause’ had over 700 participants and donated over $3,000 to the non-profits CoastAlaska and the Southeast Alaska Food Bank. And they hope to meet that goal or higher this year.

The program starts Friday April 1, for more information or to sign up see searhc.org/moveforacause.