This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 08/15/2025 04:02 PM AKDT
You're invited: Zoom Quarterly Board Meeting
ACoA Board Meeting September 25 via Zoom
You are invited! Please mark your calendars for our quarterly board meeting via Zoom September 25th from 9am - 4pm; lunch break 12-12:30pm. This board meeting will feature educational presentations and updates from Alaskan organizations including the Alaska Training Cooperative, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, ACLU Alaska Prison Project, the new State Falls Prevention Coalition and more. Celebrate Employ Older Adults Week with a presentation from the Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Program (MASST). Agenda attached. All are welcome and Public Comment is at 1pm. Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86170026613.Celebrating Alaska's Centenarians on National Centenarian Day September 22
We are excited to share that Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA), Alaska Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office and Alaska Pioneer Homes are working on a special project to celebrate Alaska's Centenarians on National Centenarian Day, September 22, 2025.
Are you a Centenarian (age 100 years or older)? Do you know a Centenarian in your community who we should celebrate? Reach out to us at: doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov or call 907-230-0871. Stay tuned!
ACoA Kinship Family Support Webinar with Haa Yatx’u Saani and Volunteers of America Alaska September 5
We are excited to share that in honor of Grandparents Day, we are hosting a free educational webinar on Kinship Family Support in Alaska with Haa Yatx’u Saani and Volunteers of America Alaska on Friday, Sept. 5th at 12pm. Are you a grandparent or relative raising children in your family? Want to learn what supports exist for kinship families in Alaska? Join us! All are welcome.
Zoom link to join at noon on September 5: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81324705401
Have questions or need help accessing Zoom? Call our Program Coordinator at 907-230-0871 or email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov.
ACoA Long-Term Care Medicaid Eligibility Webinar with Alaskan Attorney Amrit Kaur Khalsa August 18
We appreciate everyone who joined our Estate Planning Webinar with Chelsea Riekkola in June in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Thanks to overwhelmingly positive feedback and several suggestions for further educational classes, we are hosting a Long-Term Care Medicaid Eligibility Webinar with Alaskan Attorney Amrit Kaur Khalsa on August 18th via Zoom from 12pm to 1:30pm AKDT which will cover Miller Trusts, Transfer of Assets, and more. Zoom link to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81842574793.
AK DOH: Federal Rural Health Transformation Program - Request for Information Deadline Extended to August 22
The Alaska Department of Health is gathering input for the new Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year federal initiative established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to strengthen health systems in rural areas. They are seeking feedback and ideas from providers, Tribal Health Organizations, local governments, and community partners on how these funds can best support Alaska’s rural and frontier communities.
Organizations are encouraged to review the Request for Information (RFI) and submit concepts, priorities, or recommendations by 4:00PM on August 22, 2025. Responses may be submitted as a narrative or in a more structured format, as outlined in the RFI. Please send submissions to procurement specialist Annalisa Haynie at annalisa.haynie@alaska.gov and copy doh.procurement.proposals@alaska.gov.
Join Alaska’s New Falls Prevention Coalition – Launching This September
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older Alaskans, with approximately 32 percent of adults ages 65 and older experiencing a fall each year. The Alaska Division of Public Health’s Injury Prevention and Surveillance Unit is developing a statewide Falls Prevention Coalition to unite partners across Alaska in reducing fall risk, promoting healthy aging, and enhancing safety through collaboration, evidence-based strategies, and community engagement.
The coalition will officially launch the week of September 22 to coincide with Falls Prevention Awareness Week. They are seeking participation from organizations that work with older adults or others at risk to fall. Organizations are encouraged to complete a brief statewide survey on their fall prevention activities and related programs. Feedback will help guide resource development, strengthen community partnerships, and identify barriers to prevention.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Carie Eastaugh at carie.eastaugh@alaska.gov or Daniel Schramm at daniel.schramm@alaska.gov.
Alaska Disability Advisory Group & Partners: Emergency Preparedness Toolkit Available
The latest version of the Get Ready! Toolkit is now available. The kit contains step-by-step guidance and checklists to ensure Alaskans with disabilities are ready for a wide range of emergencies. Please share this important resource!
Save the Date: Disability & Aging Summit October 14-15
The 11th annual Disability and Aging Summit is scheduled for October 14-15th in Anchorage. Planning is still in process by the Alaska Disability & Aging Coalition. For more information, contact Emily Vandergon at 907-222-7625 or emily2@specialolympicsalaska.org. Note: this year's event does overlap with First Alaskans Institute's annual Elders & Youth Conference.
MapHabit: Available for free in Alaska; Limited Spots Open
MapHabit is an evidence-based cognitive support platform that empowers individuals living with dementia or traumatic brain injury, as well as their care partners, to build confidence, maintain routines, and foster dignity through daily moments of progress. It is a neuroscience-based, habit-forming technology that delivers structured, step-by-step visual guides that promote independence, support meaningful engagement, and improve communication within the care team. With a vision of a future where cognitive differences don’t limit potential, MapHabit equips every care team with tools to unlock it.
Watch a short video About MapHabit to see how it can be used. Please note that this video features someone living with an different intellectual abilities, as MapHabit supports this population as well
MapHabit is offering their services to Alaskan families, free of charge, due to a grant funded by the Alaska Health Trust Fund. Participant slots are limited, so don't hesitate to reach out. After filling out a short form, you will have a short video meeting with a MapHabit coach, where they will tell you about and show you the program. This is called an Interest Call. You will decide together if the program is a good fit for your family. Their is no cost or obligation for attending this meeting. You can get our information from our flyer or you can click here to register for an Interest Call.
RurAL CAP AmeriCorps Seniors: Summer newsletter and new video
Rural CAP AmeriCorps Seniors is currently recruiting Senior Companion and Elder Mentor volunteers to serve communities across Alaska.The program offers meaningful opportunities for older adults to support their peers through companionship and mentorship. Organizations and community partners are encouraged to help recruit volunteers or invite staff to give in-person or virtual presentations about the program. Flyers, applications, and additional resources can be found at www.eldermentor.org. Check out this new video on Alaska AmeriCorps Seniors programs. Individuals who know someone who could benefit from a Senior Companion visit can complete this referral form.
McLane Hunger Solutions – Ready to Support Senior Meal Programs in Alaska
Shelf-stable options for Alaska’s senior meal programs — shipped to you or directly to those you serve.
McLane Hunger Solutions provides high-quality, shelf-stable meals for government programs nationwide — and now we have options designed specifically for senior nutrition programs in Alaska. Our OAA-compliant, registered dietitian–approved meals meet federal and state guidelines, with reliable supply and flexible delivery to fit your program’s needs. We can ship to your organization for distribution or directly to your recipients.
Email us at info@mclanehungersolutions.com or click below to schedule.
Plan Your Senior Meal Program here.
National Rural Health Association Funding Announcements
Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals Program
Applications are now being accepted to receive two years of technical assistance through the Targeted Technical Assistance Program. This program is for rural hospitals interested in addressing financial and operational challenges and maintaining essential health services in their communities. Applications are due September 30. Learn more and apply here.
Apply for the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program
Rural hospitals can now apply to be part of the fall 2025 cohort of the Rural Hospital Stabilization Program. The program helps hospitals improve financial stability through comprehensive assessment and planning that support data-driven decisions, expand needed services and keep care close to home. Eligible hospitals include Critical Access Hospitals, Prospective Payment System hospitals, Rural Emergency Hospitals, and Indian Health Service hospitals. Applications are due August 20. Apply here.
Voices of Alzheimer's: AAIC 2025 Debrief – What the Latest Alzheimer’s Research Means for Patients and Families August 21
Join Voices of Alzheimer’s on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT for a special webinar breaking down the most important findings from the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).
Featured speakers include Deborah Kan, Founder & Executive Editor of Being Patient, and Ben Tiede, Executive Director of the Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimer’s Disease, with moderation by Jim Taylor, President & CEO of Voices of Alzheimer’s.
This session will highlight the latest research on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and equitable care, with time for live Q&A so participants can bring their questions directly to the experts.
Justice in Aging Updates
Sign-On Opportunity to Support FY26 Funding for HUD Programs: Congress is in the process of negotiating spending bills for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, including spending bills for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing programs. Current proposals in the House and Senate include cuts to federal rental assistance that would result in fewer households being served and more people at risk of homelessness. Proposed cuts to the Housing Choice Voucher program, the country’s largest federal rental assistance program, would affect up to an estimated 71,000 older adults age 62 and over.
Organizations can urge Congress to fully fund all HUD housing programs by signing on to this letter by the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Housing Task Force, which Justice in Aging co-chairs. The deadline for sign-on is Wednesday, August 28, 2025.
New Documentary Highlights Importance of Social Security: The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare recently released a new documentary in honor of Social Security’s 90th anniversary. “Social Security: 90 Years Strong” highlights the history of Social Security and its role as a lifeline for older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. Justice in Aging’s Managing Director of Economic Security, Tracey Gronniger, is featured in the film.
Watch the documentary, and read more about why Social Security is vital to Americans nationwide.
Registration is Open for the 2025 Virtual HCBS Conference
Registration for the ADvancing States 2025 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Conference is open.
This annual event is the premier gathering of state and national leaders, policymakers, and professionals working to improve and expand long-term services and supports (LTSS) on September 17–18th.
The virtual HCBS Conference offers a full and engaging experience for professionals participating remotely. Attendees will have access to a wide range of sessions, opportunities to connect with peers across the country, and an interactive virtual exhibit hall featuring leading sponsors and exhibitors all from the comfort of their own space.
Click here for more details about the HCBS Conference and to register.
If you have any questions, contact: inform@hcbsconference.org.
Letter of Intent Open for 5310 Transportation Grants Until Sept 19
Intent to Apply for the 5310/AMHT-grant is now open. The deadline for ITA submission is 4:30 pm, September 19. All the ITA documents, as well as the information on key dates and timeline, are available on the Alaska DOT&PF website.
Please share this announcement within your respective networks and direct any questions regarding the ITA to dot.alaska.transit@alaska.gov
BBB Institute’s “Meet Sue” Campaign Shines Light on Gift Card Scams
The Better Business Bureau Institute for Marketplace Trust has launched the Meet Sue campaign to draw attention to a fast-growing scam tactic that targets people of all ages, with older adults often at highest risk.
At the center of the campaign is Sue, a lively, relatable character who guides viewers through common fraud scenarios. She highlights red flags, explains how scammers operate, and shares straightforward strategies to safeguard your money.
The campaign provides a full set of ready-to-use materials—including videos, social media posts, and graphics—so organizations and individuals can easily spread the word within their communities.
One major focus is on scams where criminals pressure victims into buying gift cards on the spot, creating urgency to trick people into handing over money. Meet Sue demystifies these tactics and equips viewers to spot, resist, and report suspicious activity.
To view the toolkit and meet Sue yourself, visit bbbmarketplacetrust.org/meet-sue and share these resources to help protect others.
NCEA Releases New Fact Sheet on Caregiving and Wellness
The National Center on Elder Abuse has published a new resource, Caregiving Q&A: Supporting Wellness for Yourself and Your Loved Ones. This fact sheet explores the role of caregivers, the positive impacts of caregiving, and strategies for supporting both caregivers and care recipients. It also offers practical self-care tips and guidance on how communities can better recognize and assist caregivers.
Disability Scoop Highlights Caregiver Strain
Disability Scoop, the nation’s largest news source covering developmental disabilities, recently reported on new findings showing that family caregivers are facing increasing stress as they support loved ones with disabilities and complex health needs. The report emphasizes the emotional, physical, and financial toll on caregivers, while calling attention to the urgent need for stronger support systems and wellness resources. View all news in their recent update here.
SAMHSA: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit Live
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember those we have lost to suicide, acknowledge the millions more who have experienced suicidal thoughts, and support the families and communities that have been affected by suicide. It is also a time to uplift the voices of those with lived experience and provide resources and information to help prevent suicide.
Download the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit and share resources with your communities and networks.
KFF News & MedPage Today
Breaking Down Why Medicare Part D Premiums Are Likely To Go Up
Military.com: Caregivers Sue VA Over Denial Of Benefits
Dementia Follows a Different Course in Men
Disclaimer: The information and announcements included in this email are being redistributed for informational purposes only. Our agency does not necessarily endorse or support the views, opinions, or activities of these organizations, and inclusion in this email does not imply any affiliation or recommendation.