Alaska health care employers cannot keep their organizations fully staffed
Shane Ersland | Apr 11, 2022 | Alaska
Lawmakers debate time used to transport patients to crisis stabilization centers
Shane Ersland | Mar 30, 2022 | Alaska
Alaska lawmakers discussed concerns about the amount of time patients spend at crisis stabilization centers during a Senate Health & Social Services Committee meeting on Tuesday. Committee members discussed a proposed amendment to Senate Bill 124, which would establish various definitions for mental health facility measures. Sen. Lora
Lawmakers debate notifications made when respondents enter mental health facilities
Shane Ersland | Mar 25, 2022 | Alaska
Alaska lawmakers this week debated an amendment that would allow notifications to family members when people are admitted to mental health facilities. Senate Health & Social Services Committee members discussed adopting an amendment to Senate Bill 124–which relates to admissions and detentions at subacute mental facilities–during a March
Division of DHSS gives Alaska rare opportunity in health care reform
Shane Ersland | Mar 24, 2022 | Alaska
The upcoming split in Alaska’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) could provide an opportunity for the state to become a leader in health care reform. Dr. Anne Zink—the chief medical officer for the state—discussed health care initiatives during a March 22 meeting with the Senate Health
5 Things Alaska: Q&A w/ Rep. Snyder, Student mental health, DHSS split
Emily Boerger | Feb 16, 2022 | Alaska
Though the COVID-19 case rate remains high across the entire state, the latest dashboard data shows that last week saw a 45% decrease in cases compared to the first week in February. There are also currently 103 COVID hospitalizations in the state—a significant improvement compared to earlier this month. As we navigate these ever-changing and
Murkowski introduces suicide prevention bill
Aaron Kunkler | Feb 14, 2022 | Alaska
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R - AK), along with Sen. Jacky Rosen (D - NV), introduced a bill that would allow direct federal funding for school districts to promote student mental health and suicide prevention efforts. The bill is known as the Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Act, and would
Alaska COVID cases, while still high, are declining
Aaron Kunkler | Feb 9, 2022 | Alaska
Alaska is experiencing the highest rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents seen anywhere in the country, even as overall cases continue to decline. According to the state’s COVID dashboard, cases for the week beginning Feb. 2 were 36% lower than the previous week, with mid-January marking the highwater mark