The key concepts of the model are shared responsibility, commitment to quality, and family wellness.  Building strong relationships is an overriding goal of the new model; a visible sign of this importance is reflected in the operational principles, which are written so that the first letter of each one spells out “RELATIONSHIPS”.

Recognizing that health care is a service industry, Southcentral Foundation uses many different methods to engage, gain feedback from, and listen to the customer-owners.  By taking nothing for granted and rethinking everything in the system so that it would be built on the values, wants and needs of Alaska Native people and the community, The Values Driven System has been able to produce a dramatic increase in system performance, improved health outcomes, reduced per capita cost, improved individual experience of care, and improved staff satisfaction.

The Board of Directors has seven members, all of whom are Alaska Natives and shareholders.  The tribal authority appoints the board members.  The Board members are committed to the principles and vision of the model, and they actively drive, encourage, and support the organization to innovate and explore change.

Southcentral Foundation has developed an employment program for youth between the ages of 16 and 20 to work in the health care environment.  The goal of this program is to train the future Alaska Native workforce including the development of future Alaska Native Leadership.  65 youth work in the program each summer.  Each year, 5 individuals receive college scholarships.  In addition, SCF employs 10 high-risk youth over the winter.