Alaska adults can visit freshstart.alaska.gov to read brief descriptions of the programs and how they work. Many programs are free or low-cost.

“The Alaska Department of Health created Fresh Start to take the guesswork out of finding programs for better health,” said Lindsey Kato, director of the Division of Public Health that runs the campaign. “Now, many programs to help Alaskans prevent or manage ongoing chronic diseases can be found on one website – freshstart.alaska.gov. All you need to know is your health goal. Once you find that goal on the website, you click to read more and connect with the program that’s right for you.”

Meet many health goals. Get support along the way.

Fresh Start programs have helped thousands of Alaskans meet many health goals:

• lose weight and prevent diabetes
• lower blood sugar to manage diabetes
• lower blood pressure
• stop smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco

These Fresh Start programs match participating Alaskans with a coach for support. Some programs also connect participants with others — often Alaskans — who are working toward the same goal. Adults with more than one health goal can join multiple Fresh Start programs at the same time.

Thousands of Alaskans have joined. Are you ready?

The Alaska health department created Fresh Start almost three year ago because so many adults could benefit from an easier way to find and join programs for better health. Three out of four (75%) Alaska adults live with at least one ongoing chronic disease or a related behavior, like smoking.

Some Fresh Start programs have stayed the same over the years. That includes the state‘s free, confidential and 24/7 Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line. It also includes a partnership with the nonprofit Healthy Futures program. The Healthy Futures Challenge provides a free, fun way for kids attending participating schools to get out and play with friends and family.

Some Fresh Start programs include new partnerships that provide more ways for Alaskans to lose weight and prevent diabetes, manage diabetes, and lower blood pressure. The Alaska Department of Health is working with clinics and organizations based in Alaska communities, as well as a new online partnership called Health and Lifestyle Training (HALT) to support those programs. These collaborations are making it possible for more Alaskans to enroll in Fresh Start programs, whether the programs are based in local communities, offered online, or combine online and in-person participation.

Alaska’s new HALT partnership opens up more opportunities for Alaskans living in communities that don’t have local programs. To ensure any Alaskan motivated to make a healthy change can access the support they need, the Alaska Department of Health is providing free online programs for up to 500 Alaskans this year focused on losing weight or achieving a healthy weight, preventing diabetes, or lowering blood pressure.

“Fresh Start is built to evolve,” Kato said. “We’re growing new options for better health, but Alaskans can still find them in one place at freshstart.alaska.gov.”

Learn more, sign up and request materials.

• Sign up: Visit freshstart.alaska.gov to find the program that’s right for you or someone you know.
  
  
• Share the message: Health care providers and anyone wanting to share Fresh Start programs can request free materials by filling out this simple online survey. All materials and handouts are free to request and mail in print form, as well as free to download online. See available options under the Materials and Handouts headline on freshstart.alaska.gov.
  
  
• Follow along: Read Fresh Start updates by signing up for a free email listserv.