This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 09/05/2025 09:57 AM AKDT
Kinship Webinar Today; Download the In-Home Falls Checklist
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). Facebook post here.ACoA Kinship Family Support Webinar with Haa Yatx’u Saani, Volunteers of America Alaska, and Generations United today at 12pm
We are excited to share that in honor of Grandparents Day, we are hosting a free educational webinar on Kinship Family Support in Alaska today with Haa Yatx’u Saani, Volunteers of America Alaska and special guest Robyn Wind from Generations United 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 today: 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.
AK Department of Health IPSU's In-Home Falls Checklist
Download the attached falls prevention tool: Alaska Department of Health Injury Prevention & Surveillance Unit's new In-Home Falls Checklist PDF! Share this with your networks as a tool for National Falls Prevention Awareness Week Sept. 22-26.
Did you miss last week's new ACoA resource on falls prevention? Email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov for a copy.
Alaska AI Solutions Consortium Mini-Grant Program Deadline Sept 19
The Alaska AI Solutions Consortium (AISC) is pleased to announce the launch of the Mini-Grants Program, designed to foster collaboration and support innovative projects that address community needs through artificial intelligence applications.
This program funds a UAA faculty member to work on a community organization's project. This requires a partnership between the organization and UAA faculty. They invite community organizations and partners to submit a Statement of Need if a match is needed to find a UAA faculty partner. The project duration is one year. They anticipate repeating the process in 2026 and 2027. Each year will provide a new opportunity to propose projects that strengthen our community through applied AI solutions. Deadline for Submission is September 19th.
Elder Appreciation & Wills Clinic at AFN Convention Friday October 17
The Elder Appreciation and Wills Clinic (EAWC), happening during the AFN Convention on October 17, 2025, offers free legal services to elders in Anchorage in partnership with Alaska Bar Association and Alaska Legal Services Corporation. Participants can receive a free appointment with a volunteer attorney who will help prepare essential documents, including Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directives. These documents ensure that elders' wishes are respected both after death and in case they become unable to make financial or healthcare decisions.
In addition to the legal services available, there will be drop-in booths from 8am - 5pm all day Friday, the 17th offering valuable resources for elders, such as:
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Long-term care support services intake from the Aging & Disability Resource Centers
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Assistance with public benefit applications (including SNAP appeals & status checks)
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Memory screenings and dementia consultations with Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska
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Food pantry resources with the Food Bank of Alaska
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Pre-registration is required for the free legal appointments. To schedule, elders must complete an intake form and submit it to the Alaska Bar Association by October 16, 2025. A presentation on estate planning will also be available on September 27, 2025, where attendees can get help completing the intake form.
For more details on how to register or attend, including all the upcoming Anchorage locations and events for in-person help to complete your intake form and prepare for your legal appointment, visit the Alaska Bar Association's website or call (907) 272-7469.
Disability & Aging Summit in Anchorage Oct 15; Nominate Trailblazers by Sept 5
The 11th Annual Disability and Aging Summit on October 15th at the Special Olympics in Anchorage is now open for registration! They are also still taking nominations for the 2024 Trailblazer Award honoring older Alaskans (50+) with disabilities or community champions who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Nominees should inspire others and foster a more inclusive society.
Eligibility includes: Age 50+ and living in Alaska; Documented disability or chronic health condition (for lived experience nominees); Demonstrated engagement and impact in the disability/aging community.
Community champions need only meet the Alaska residency requirement. Self-nominations are welcome. Nominations are due September 5. The award will be presented at the Disability & Aging Summit on October 15.
Alaska Training Cooperation Updates
Senior Voice September Issue is Live
Visit https://www.seniorvoicealaska.com/ to read this month's paper! We are happy to share two Alaskan Centenarian interviews as part of ACoA, Alaska Pioneer Homes and the Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman's Office Centenarians Day Celebration on September 22.
Title VI Webinar: Elevating Mental Health Sept 10
Join the Older Indians Office at the Administration for Community Living on September 10th at 10am AKTC to hear from Title VI grantees, Older Americans Act Alaska Native and American Indian Elder Services Directors, from various areas of the country on how they approach challenges of mental health, stress, and burnout. The webinar also offers action steps to implement with your elders to be seen and heard.
Zoom link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89016196922
If you have questions regarding the Title VI Webinar, please contact Laura Stevenson at Laura.Stevenson@teyacompany.com.
Communicating with Heart in Public Health Webinar Sept 10
This webinar, hosted by the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC), will explore how active, intentional listening can deepen our understanding of our communities’ needs, beliefs, and lived experiences for more effective communication. Building on PHCC’s H.E.A.R.T. framework, attendees will gain tips, tools, and real examples on communicating public health guidance and data with care and clarity. By the end of this webinar, you will be able to: 1. Understand ways to use the H.E.A.R.T. framework in your public health communications. 2. Apply active listening and information gathering strategies to strengthen your understanding of community needs and perspectives. 3. Balance empathy and community insights in communication planning and message development.
2025 Alaska State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Anchorage Sept 11
The 2025 Alaska State of Reform Health Policy Conference will once again be taking place in-person on September 11th, 2025 at the Hilton Anchorage.
Managing constant change in healthcare takes more than just hard work. It takes a solid understanding of the legislative process and knowledge about intricacies of the healthcare system. That’s where State of Reform comes in. State of Reform pulls together practitioners, thought leaders, and policymakers – each working to improve the healthcare system in their own way – into a unified conversation in a single place. It is sure to be one of the most diverse statewide gatherings of senior healthcare leaders, and one of the most important events in Alaska healthcare.
Join the conversation with other healthcare executives, and help shape reform! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact them at info@stateofreform.com.
7th Annual NYP Community Older Adult Falls Prevention Symposium Sept 16 - 17
New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine and the Carter Burden Network will host the 7th Annual Community Older Adult Falls Prevention Symposium on Tuesday, September 16 at 7am AKTC. This free, half-day event brings together health care professionals and human services workers to explore strategies, research, and innovations in reducing falls among older adults. The symposium features expert presentations from leaders across medicine, public health, technology, and community services, covering topics such as trauma care, EMS partnerships, wearable technology, fragility fracture management, AI for injury prevention, and podiatry collaborations. With perspectives from organizations including NYC DOHMH, HCA Healthcare, Apple Health, Duke University, and Maine Health, the program highlights both cutting-edge tools and real-world practices to improve safety and quality of life for older adults.
Aging Victoriously! is a free online celebration of aging, focused on fitness, fun, and practical ways to live your best life every day. Hosted by New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center Trauma Center, the event will take place on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 7am - 9am. Special guests will share their insights and inspiration on healthy, vibrant aging.
Fairbanks Alzheimer's and Dementia Caregiver Training Day October 1
Wednesday, October 1st from 10am - 3pm at Fairbanks Senior Center: 1424 Moore St.
Join for a Caregiver Training Day in Fairbanks designed to provide education, tools, and training for those who are caretaking for someone experiencing Alzheimer's or related dementias.
Educators from Alzheimer's Resource Alaska will be at the Fairbanks Senior Center providing training for caregivers and activities for those living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, please sign up early! To register or for any questions, contact the Fairbanks Senior Center at: (907) 452-1735.
Dementia Training for Professionals in Fairbanks Oct 2
Medical professionals are invited to participate in a Dementia Training and Virtual Dementia Tour on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. This immersive 30-minute experience, developed by P.K. Beville, provides unique insight into the day-to-day realities of living with dementia and helps deepen understanding of patient needs. Two sessions will be offered, 8am - 12pm and 12:30pm - 4:30pm, in the Miss Ghezzi Conference Room, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital 3rd Floor (1650 Cowles St.). FHP employees may register via HealthStream (CEUs pending), and community professionals are welcome by emailing FHPEducation@foundationhealth.org. For questions, call 907-458-5580.
National Academy of Medicine Annual Meeting Online Oct 19-20
The National Academy of Medicine Annual Meeting invites both its membership and the public to participate, in-person in Washington, D.C., or virtually, in a multifaceted program that fosters scientific exchange, leadership engagement, and innovation. The President’s Address leads into a public-facing scientific session titled “Frontiers of AI & Health: Care, Discovery, and Education,” including a keynote by Aviv Regev, PhD, and an expert panel on how artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare and training. $50 to attend virtually. Recordings of public sessions will be available free of charge in the weeks following the event.
E4 Center: Suicide Prevention Resources for Older Adults
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with National Suicide Prevention Week observed September 7–13 and 988 Day recognized on September 8. The E4 Center is highlighting its extensive resources on suicide prevention and older adults, including two key publications—Equity Focused Suicide Prevention Resources for Older Adults and Suicide and Older Adults Resources—as well as a wide range of recorded webinars addressing crisis systems, firearm safety, social connection, and the 988 Lifeline. The Center has also developed specialized training modules for crisis call center staff to better understand the needs of older adults, along with a dedicated course on suicide in later life as part of its Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health Program. A new module, Understanding the Needs of Older Adults in Crisis, will be released soon on the Learning Hub. Learn more here.
Celebrate National Kinship Care Month with Generations United
September is National Kinship Care Month, and across the country, communities are raising awareness about both the strengths and unique needs of kinship families.
To help you take part, Generations United Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network created a digital media toolkit with customizable resources to support your outreach. Use it to amplify and celebrate the impact of kinship care and spark conversations in your community.
John A. Hartford Foundation: Age-Friendly Public Health in Action Across the Nation
In honor of Healthy Aging Month, the Foundation is highlighting Age-Friendly health initiatives nationwide.
A Statewide Approach to Making Public Health Age-Friendly in Tennessee: Tennessee recently became the first state in the nation to have all 89 of its local health departments recognized as Age-Friendly Public Health Systems—a milestone achievement in improving the health of older adults that leads the way for other states.
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One standout initiative of the Tennessee Department of Health is its proactive approach to dementia prevention, shifting away from a crisis response model.
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By focusing on brain health, risk reduction and supportive environments, the state aims to prevent or delay up to 45% of dementia cases.
How Public Health Is Mobilizing to Meet the Needs of Older Adults: APHA highlights the importance of public health approaches to support the health of older adults and traces the growth of the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems movement.
Prioritizing Public Health for Rural Older Adults: Lessons from Mississippi: The National Rural Health Association shares how the Mississippi Department of Health became a national leader in age-friendly public health for rural populations.
Understanding and Addressing the Needs of Tribal Elders in Washington State: ASA's Generations journal published learnings from Washington State's groundbreaking partnership to improve the health of older adults in tribal communities.
View all of JAHF updates here.
National Rural Health Association: Rural Health Transformation Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a new webpage for the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). While applications are not yet open, the webpage provides an overview of the program’s strategic goals, structure, eligible uses of funds, and anticipated application timeline. CMS also shares resources on applying for grants and offers an RHTP overview presentation. Stakeholders with questions may contact MAHARural@cms.hhs.gov. The National Rural Health Association will continue to provide timely updates as new information becomes available, and its full summary of the program can be found here.
NOSORH Rural Health Grant Writing Institute & Virtual Rural Health University
Ready to boost your grant writing skills? The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health Grant Writing Institute is a nine-session virtual series designed to help rural health professionals turn great ideas into fundable projects. Learn how to find the right funding, tell your story with data, build strong budgets, and more. The Fall Institute runs from October 14 to November 11, 2025. Registration opens September 12, so stay tuned!
The first course in the new “Foundations for Rural Health” series is live: Foundations of Financial Literacy. This short, self-paced course is designed to help rural health professionals build confidence and competence in nonprofit and government finance basics—from budgets, balance sheets, and essential financial terms. It’s the starting point for their growing Foundations for Rural Health series, which will continue to expand into other key rural topics in the months ahead. Explore Rural Health University and start learning today!
New Toolkit Supports Primary Care Teams in Addressing Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence (UI)—the loss of bladder control—is a common chronic condition that affects more than half of U.S. women aged 20 and older. Despite its prevalence, fewer than 30% of women over 40 receive treatment.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released Steps for Increasing Urinary Incontinence Screening: A Guide for Primary Care Practices, a practical toolkit designed to help primary care teams integrate UI screening and follow-up care into routine practice. The resource is built to fit seamlessly into existing workflows with minimal disruption. The toolkit offers step-by-step strategies for planning, implementation, and follow-up, equipping care teams to improve screening rates and enhance patient outcomes.
Voices for National Service: OMB to Release FY 2025 AmeriCorps Funds
On August 28, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced the release of approximately $200 million in funds for Fiscal Year 2025 that had been previously withheld from AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs across the United States. This decision lifts the hold on more than 180 programs that deliver vital services—such as classroom assistance, disaster response, and support for seniors—to communities nationwide.
Voices for National Service shares that this funding release will allow AmeriCorps members, including Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions, to resume their community service roles promptly.
The Dog Aging Project: Enroll Your Canine
The Dog Aging Project is an innovative initiative that brings together a community of dogs, owners, veterinarians, researchers, and volunteers to carry out the most ambitious canine health study in the world. You're invited to enroll your pet and help future generations of dogs live the best lives possible!
Aging News
Emma Maria Mazzenga, a 92-year-old retired chemistry teacher from Padua, Italy, is rewriting expectations of aging. Last year, she shattered the outdoor 200-meter world record for women over 90—clocking an astonishing 51.47 seconds, then toppling her own record again a month later. Read more here.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.