This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 05/29/2026 09:06 AM AKDT
AK Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
ACoA's Annual Older Alaskan Data Report: Available Now
The 2025 Senior Snapshot is a comprehensive data report exploring a range of Older Alaskan data from this past fiscal year, including the costs of long-term care to the number of seniors affected by scams and fraud. Thank you to all the partners and contributors who made this publication possible.
ACoA Quarterly Board Meeting May 27 via Zoom
Thank you to all our presenters and guests who participated in our board meeting yesterday. Stay tuned for the meeting minutes.
ACoA Public Member Seat: Apply Now
Alaskans are welcome to apply to join the Alaska Commission on Aging. Responsibilities include regular committee work and quarterly meetings (four per year). This seat is not age restricted.
Save the Date: Statewide Summit on Aging this October
You're invited! Please join us this fall, either virtually or in-person at Turnagain Social Club in Anchorage for the Statewide Summit on Aging October 15-17. Continuing education credits are available. Stay tuned for more information!
Interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities? Please email us at doh.acoa.info@alaska.gov
Note: we have combined forces with the Aging and Disability Summit traditionally held at Special Olympics to bring you this Summit on Aging.
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority SFY28 Stakeholder Survey Closes Today
Help identify key issues and themes that are important for the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority to consider in their State Fiscal Year 2028 budget development process and in planning for the future. Feedback received from the survey will inform consideration of future Trust initiatives and for the develop FY28 budget recommendations that will be presented to Trustees for consideration in August. The survey takes about 10 - 15 minutes.
Submit your feedback here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CD23FS9
Please complete the survey by the end of the day!
Alaska State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Investments in Senior Services & Home-Based Care
- Increased funding for Adult Day Services to support programs that provide supervision, meals, activities, and respite for family caregivers
- Additional funding to help stabilize senior centers and support community-based services for older adults
- Increased funding for Centers for Independent Living, which help older adults and people with disabilities remain independent in their communities
- Increased General Relief payments for individuals who require temporary assisted living services
- Funding to implement recommended reimbursement rate increases for Private-Duty Nursing services
- Funding to implement recommended reimbursement rate increases for Community First Choice and Personal Care services, which help eligible Alaskans receive assistance with daily activities in their homes
- Funding to partially implement recommended reimbursement rate increases for Direct Support Professionals who provide services to individuals with disabilities and complex support needs
- Continued funding for the Senior Benefits Program
- Continued funding for the Senior Citizens Housing Development Fund
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Launches in June
Trust Beneficiary and Caregiver Listening Sessions this June
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is inviting Trust beneficiaries to share their firsthand perspectives of and experience with Alaska’s system of care, either virtually or in-person in Anchorage at the Trust office on both June 2nd and June 30th from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
The purpose of this session is for the Trust to hear firsthand from Trust beneficiaries and/or their caregivers about their experiences seeking and receiving behavioral health and disability services in Alaska.
Trust beneficiary feedback and experiences are valuable and vital, helping inform the Trust's work related to focus areas and priority initiatives.
What to expect:
• Those who would like to share comments may do so in person or virtually
• Comments will be limited to 5 minutes
• We will accommodate as many comments as practical in the time allotted
• An anonymized summary of comments received will be developed and shard with Trust stakeholders and posted to the Trust website
Written comments may be submitted by June 30, 2026 to info@mhtrust.org. Please include “Listening session” in your subject line.
Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program: June Schedule
Learn more by visiting them online, and check out their brochure here.
Self Direction in Alaska: Juneau Listening Sessions Next Week
Self-direction is a new and upcoming opportunity for Alaskans receiving Medicaid waiver services. It offers participants greater choice and control over the supports and services they receive. Whether you work in the care industry, provide Medicaid waiver services, are a caregiver, or are exploring options for a family member in Southeast Alaska, these upcoming events will help you learn what self-direction can mean for you.
Participant, Family, and Caregiver Session
Thursday, June 4
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Valley Public Library, Large Conference Room
Care Coordinator and Service Provider Session
Friday, June 5
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Valley Public Library, Large Conference Room
Join Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) to learn more, ask questions, and help shape the future of self-direction in Alaska. More information: email info@sailinc.org or call 800-478-7245.
Alaskan Way: Homeless Veteran Comfort Kits Distribution in Anchorage June 5
Join Alaskan Way and partners at the 3rd Avenue Resource Center 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM for this veteran giveaway.
Alaska Events for National Cancer Survivor Day June 7
Groups across the state will host events in June to honor thousands of Alaska cancer survivors and show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be beautiful, meaningful, and triumphant. National Cancer Survivors Day is June 7, but events can take place throughout the month.
Over 38,000 cancer survivors live in our state, according to the Alaska Cancer Registry. National Cancer Survivors Day and the events surrounding it also recognize the contributions of families, friends, and health care providers who support survivors.
This year, events include community picnics, music and performances, telethons, support groups, and more. The Alaska Cancer Partnership is sharing details for Survivors Day events at AlaskaCancerPartnership.org/cancer-survivors-day. A few highlights include:
- Anchorage — Several cancer support nonprofits are partnering to celebrate thriving together at the Russian Jack Park Chalet with food, music, and prizes.
- Fairbanks — Join Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska for its 5k fundraiser along the Chena River.
- Petersburg — Petersburg Beat the Odds will be hosting a support group meeting with lunch at the local library.
The Alaska Cancer Partnership is a coalition of organizations that supports cancer survivors and care providers with resources year-round.
Pathways to Brain Health: An Interprofessional Dementia Summit in Anchorage June 10
Join healthcare professionals from across Alaska for a collaborative, evidence-based summit focused on dementia prevention, brain health, interdisciplinary care, and practical strategies to support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
This one-day summit will feature keynote presentations, interactive breakout sessions, hands-on learning experiences, and expert panel discussions designed to provide actionable tools for healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines. Continuing education credits available.
Alzheimer's Resource Alaska: Forget Me Not Chorus Wasilla Concert June 23
Each year, Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (MFPW). Supported by ACL’s Senior Medicare Patrol Resource Center, the week highlights steps everyone can take to recognize, prevent, and report fraud.
Fraud, errors, and abuse cost Medicare an estimated $60 billion each year. These issues affect beneficiaries and families across the country, often creating significant financial burdens. Raising awareness about common scams and encouraging people to review and protect their Medicare information can make a real difference.
Organizations across the country can make an impact by educating people about spotting suspicious charges, protecting their Medicare numbers, and reporting concerns.
Visit ACL’s MFPW webpage to access ready-to-share resources, including graphics, videos, and social media content. Alaska's Medicare Information Office is your local source for all things Medicare, including Senior Medicare Patrol.
Elder Justice Coordinating Council: Federal Action Plan Webinar June 9
On June 9th, join the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) for a milestone event in the movement for combating elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, and frauds and scams. The EJCC is moving from policy to practice to advance Elder Justice — adopting the Federal Elder Justice Action Plan and launching the EJCC’s "Never, Ever" campaign. Witness how the federal government is securing "quick wins" and operating as a unified force to uphold elder justice nationwide, as we commemorate Elder Justice Awareness Month.
Save the Date: Walk for Parkinson's in Anchorage July 18
Join the Anchorage Parkinson's Support Group and friends for the Walk for Parkinson's benefit event on Saturday July 18th at 11am, at Ruth Arcand Park Pavillion. More details coming soon!
FTA: Tribal Transit Competitive Program - Apply by August 25
Federally recognized tribes may use the funding for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural tribal communities. All activities eligible under Section 5311 are also eligible under the TTP. No local match is required for the tribal transit competitive program, but FTA does permit a tribe to voluntarily provide match or contribute to their project with eligible matching funds.
ACDC: Homeowner Assistance Fund Program - Apply by Sept 30
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The household experienced material financial hardship after January 21, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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The home is a single-family cabin, house, or mobile home.
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The household owns and occupies the home as its primary residence and will continue to live in it after receiving HAF assistance.
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The household’s adjusted gross income must be equal to or less than 150% of area median income. See limits below.
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A non-resident homeowner’s income must be calculated with the residents’ income.
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The home needs critical repairs or health and safety improvements.
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It must be feasible to provide the requested home improvements during the grant period.
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An adult resident must be available throughout the HAF project to give access to workers.
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The home is not actively being marketed for sale or rent.
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Co-owners may not separately apply for HAF Program assistance.
- Other guidelines may apply
Funded by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Alaska News
Healthcare bills spurred by $50B federal program await Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s signature
Aging and Disability News
Age-Friendly Public Health Podcast - Aging Well in Rural America: Partnerships, Policy, and Progress
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
HHS Welcomes 10 New States (AK) into CCBHC Medicaid Demonstration Program
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.