This Week's Updates

Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 01/23/2026 10:00 AM AKST

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HB 255: PFD Senior Raffle Bill Introduced 

ACoA February Quarterly Meeting 

Our next quarterly board meeting is in-person in Juneau and via Zoom on February 10th from 9am-2:15pm and February 12th 8am-11am. Public Notice, including the agenda, available here. 

The ACoA Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Report and the 2025 Senior Snapshot, our annual data report, will be released in February! Stay tuned. 

ACoA Webinar: Social Security Administration 101

Thank you to everyone who joined our webinar last week with Social Security Administration Regional Public Affairs Specialist Nathan Cole, and a big thanks for his very informative and well-received presentation.

We will host another educational webinar with Nathan on Tuesday, April 7th at 12pm! Details coming soon.

House Bill 255: Senior Citizen Grants Dividend Raffle 

Alaska House Representative Will Stapp has introduced HB 255, known as the PFD Senior Raffle Bill, which establishes two new funding mechanisms, the Senior Citizen Grants Endowment Fund and the Senior Citizen Grants Dividend Raffle Fund, to strengthen financial support for organizations serving older Alaskans. Through this legislation, Alaskans may choose to direct a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) toward these funds and participate in associated raffles, creating a voluntary and dedicated revenue source for senior services statewide.

Read the bill: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB255)

Under the bill, contributions are distributed according to a defined formula: 25 percent is deposited into the endowment fund, 25 percent into the dividend raffle fund, and the remaining 50 percent is appropriated to the Department of Health for grants to nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to seniors. Within that portion, 50 percent is designated for organizations that deliver meals to seniors in their homes, 25 percent for organizations providing transportation services to seniors, and 25 percent for organizations offering supportive housing services for older Alaskans.

HB 255 also updates statutory definitions related to gaming to clarify that participation in a Permanent Fund Dividend raffle does not constitute gambling. The bill assigns administrative responsibility to the Department of Revenue, including establishing donation procedures and overseeing raffle operations. The provisions of the legislation would apply to Permanent Fund Dividend applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027. 

The senior raffle is modeled on the PFD education raffle, and is likewise intended to provide additional support, not supplanting existing senior programs, nor compete with the education raffle.

Apply to be a Long-Term Care Ombudsman by January 27 

Alaska Long Term Care Ombudsman Office (AKOLTCO) is seeking applicants for an Assistant Long-Term Care Ombudsman position in Anchorage. This role advocates for older Alaskans living in long-term care facilities by reviewing and investigating complaints, conducting unannounced facility visits, and providing training to administrators and providers to support resident health and safety.
AKOLTCO provides essential services to elders statewide and is administered by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, per AS 47.62.010. This is a fully exempt, professional position with a starting salary of $70,590 annually, plus a full State of Alaska benefits package.
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:
Valette Keller, Administrative Manager
3745 Community Park Loop, Suite 200
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority 
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 269-6039
Application deadline: January 27, 2026. Inquiries will be kept confidential. A complete position description is available online. The Trust and the State of Alaska are equal employment opportunity employers and support workplace diversity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

OLÉ! Lifelong Education Spring Enrollment Now Open

OLÉ! is affiliated with UAA: University of Alaska Anchorage. Courses are open to any adult but are specifically designed for people over the age of 50. Members pay $200 per rolling year, which allows them to register for as many courses as they'd like. The spring semester begins in February and finishes in April. Spring semester includes a one-week break in March. Hikes, tours and special activities may be offered, particularly between semesters and during the summer term when classes are not in session.
View the course catalog: https://www.oleanchorage.org/

Anchorage Loussac Library: Free Elder Endeavors Resumes in February 

Elder Endeavors is the 2nd Wednesday of every month, February through May, 1:30-3:30pm at Loussac Library. A monthly event for seniors, this program is an opportunity to enjoy community connection, learn about a new topic, or participate in a fun activity.  

February 11th Movie Matinee flyer

February: Movie Matinee (Feb 11th)

  • Get together with others to watch an emotional, heartwarming movie filled with fun and adventure while you enjoy some buttery movie theater popcorn. Room: Learning Commons.

March: Story Circle (Mar 11th)

  • Love sharing stories with others? Come hang out with others and tell stories of your craziest Winters in Alaska or beyond. Room: Ann Stevens Room.

 April: Plan With a Pal: End of Life Planning Workshop (Apr 8th)

  • Preparing for end of life involves some tough conversations, but it can be easier with an expert and a therapy dog by your side. Come join UAA Professor Dr. Corrie Whitmore and friends to fill out Advanced Health Care Directives and learn more about other ways to start preparing now. Come by yourself or bring family along to be a part of the conversation. Room: Raven Room.

 May: Poetry Walk (May 13th)

  • Get inspired and take a stroll with the group through Cuddy Park. Their facilitator, Candace Blas, will guide everyone through meditations to take notice of our surrounding environment and inner thoughts. Departs from the Ann Stevens Room. 

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.