The Juneau Family Health and Birth Center is pleased to announce a refocusing of the center and its services. Following an in-depth internal analysis of the organization, its mission, and its path to serve, JFHBC’s Board of Directors has decided to center its energy on the organization’s core of providing high quality midwifery and birth center services to Juneau and Southeast Alaska.

In order to maximize staff strengths, a shift in leadership has occurred, welcoming Susan Jabal as Executive Director. Jabal has been with the organization since 2007, developing her skills as the center’s Deputy Director, and earning a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Foraker Group. She brings a wealth of business skills and experience to the position, and looks forward to further aligning the organization with the needs of the community. Kaye Kanne, JFHBC founder and longtime Executive Director, has transitioned into the role of Midwifery/Birth Center Director, where she will focus her 30-plus years of experience exclusively on providing quality, accessible midwifery care to all birthing families.

The difficult decision was also made to close the Family Health Clinic, effective Dec. 21. The organization has been proud to offer general healthcare services to the community for so many years, and to work with Robert Haight, MD, as a valued part of our team. Committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for patients, Dr. Haight, and his staff; JFHBC will be working hard to close the clinic respectfully, making a best effort to honor each person’s individual needs.

The core midwifery based services for which JFHBC is renowned will continue and expand to provide all-encompassing support for families in the birth continuum. This includes pregnancy planning, complete prenatal care, childbirth and pregnancy education, doula support, midwife attended birth in the birth center or at home, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, parenting education opportunities, well woman care, and continued family supports. All services will be offered alongside the Donated Healthcare program. No one will ever be turned away from care for inability to pay.

JFHBC is confident of a promising future, full of the renewal and growth that comes with focus and clarity. The core of the organization will remain and grow, focused solely on the path of providing wraparound services to support growing families in the Juneau and Southeast Alaska community.

JFHBC, located at 1601 Salmon Creek Lane, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering families. Since 1996, it has continuously provided high-quality midwifery services, family education, and ongoing support services that are family centered, preventative, affordable, accessible, and culturally respectful — all in a warm and welcoming setting. To learn more, contact Susan Jabal at 907.796.2457 or susan@juneaubirthcenter.org.