Surfer’s Beach, Kodiak Island, Alaska

Awards & Publications

Kodiak Chamber of Commerce President's Award

After less than three years of independent operations as a new nonprofit, KINDNESS was recognized with the highest award granted yearly by the President of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, out of a field of over 300 member organizations. In her comments, the president noted the oft-overlooked ripple effect of the comprehensive support Kodiak KINDNESS provides for families with newborns that benefits the entire community.

IBCLE Recognised Breastfeeding Support Counsellor Organization

This designation allows volunteers and employees to automatically use their hours working with KINDNESS toward their IBCLC certification. Learn more about IBCLE >>>

Providence “Hear Me Now”

Modelled after NPR’s StoryCorps program, this podcast of an inspiring interview between a KINDNESS coach and participant was aired in 2017.  Listen to the story (5 min) >>>

  Heather Preece

President’s Award for Strategic Innovation

KINDNESS was one of 5 initiatives chosen from across the entire Providence Health System (encompassing 30 hospitals in California, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Idaho and Alaska) for this prestigious award. The President’s award aims to spread successful programs and initiatives among Providence Ministries. Watch the video (1:50) >>>

Alaska Rural Health Conference Award

KINDNESS was recognized for significant contributions to the health and safety of rural Alaskans, including evidence of improved health outcomes, number of rural Alaskans impacted, innovative approach to quality improvement and program applicability to other organizations and communities.

Community Connection

KINDNESS was highlighted in the Ideas and Innovations for Hospital Leaders issue of American Hospital Association Newsletter, a national publication intended to showcase successful community based health care initiatives. Read newsletter >>>

Outreach Lactation Program Podcast

KINDNESS has been showcased since 2009 by Lactation Education Resources LLC, in a 30-minute educational podcast as an example of a successful community outreach lactation program. 

  Heather Preece

The Story of “KINDNESS” from Rural Alaska:

A Model for Comprehensive Infant Feeding Support

In November 2019, a program report on KINDNESS was published in the journal Clinical Lactation. This was a huge accomplishment and the culmination of years of data analysis and background research by several KINDNESS team members and supportive professionals. This article put Kodiak on the map in the world of breastfeeding literature! It shows that what we do is validated professionally, and proves positive health outcomes with our public health program model. We hope to use this article to help spread KINDNESS satellite programs around rural Alaska, and support grant applications for sustainable funding.  We’re impressed you’ve read this far…we hope you have the time to read the article – and enjoy it!