This Week's Updates
Alaska Department of Health sent this bulletin at 07/24/2026 02:13 PM AKDT
Anchorage Disability Pride Tomorrow
Sponsor and/or Exhibit at the 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 early registration details next week. Seniors ages 65+ and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities have waived registration costs.
Interested in sponsorship or exhibitor opportunities? Review our Sponsorship Prospectus here.
To register as a sponsor and/or exhibitor, visit myalaskatix.com/events/alaska-statewide-summit-on-aging-10-15-2026 and click "Buy Tickets." Exhibitor space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sponsorships are critical to ensuring rural voices are represented. Thank you for your support!
If you have any questions, contact Jenny at jenny@northernlightsconsulting.org. Note: we have combined forces with the Aging and Disability Summit traditionally held at Special Olympics to bring you this Summit on Aging.
Disability Pride Tomorrow in Anchorage
Speech Language Therapy Available Virtually at No Cost
Are you a care partner or adult seeking speech language therapy services? Virtual Patient Education (VPEd) is offering speech services from speech-language pathology graduate students virtually, at no cost to you. Call 616-288-4785 or visit Virtual Patient Education.
AARP's Caregiver "Pit Stop" Next Wednesday in Anchorage
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority: Improving Lives Conference Early Registration
The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is hosting the Improving Lives Conference on September 17–18, 2026, at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage. This year’s event builds on past efforts to enhance Alaska’s behavioral health and disability care system, uniting leaders, providers, advocates, policymakers, and Trust beneficiaries across the state.
In addition to the main conference sessions, three pre‑conference workshops will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the same venue. Participants can choose from:
- “Improving Complex Care in Alaska: Where You Fit In,” presented by the Alaska Department of Health and Department of Family & Community Services – a deep dive into cross‑system coordination and collaborative care planning.
- “‘Super Advocate’ Advocacy Training,” led by the Trust’s Joint Advocacy Coordinator, offering practical tools for engaging with policymakers and public testimony.
- The “RHTP Workshop: Transforming Beneficiary Health in Alaska,” presented by the Department of Health Rural Health Transformation Program Team, addressing future support innovations.
These pre-conference sessions provide early access to specialized, interactive content aimed at enhancing collaboration, policy engagement, and beneficiary health outcomes.
Attendees can expect insightful keynote presentations, hands-on trainings, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen Alaska’s continuum of care and improve quality of life for Trust beneficiaries.
Early registration closes August 15!
First Alaskans Institute Elders and Youth Conference October 18-21
The Annual Statewide Elders & Youth Conference October 18-21st in Anchorage is hosted by First Alaskans Institute. This year's theme, k'ets'e kk'ūdaa neehūghleł (Denaakk'e, Koyukon Athabascan) — "We are approaching change" — was inspired by the concept of Adapting to Changing Landscapes. Registration is open now! Join Elders, youth, and community members from across Alaska for four days of connection, learning, and celebration.
Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging: New Congressional Bills & Federal Legislative Updates
Several federal policy proposals aimed at strengthening supports for older adults and other vulnerable populations are currently advancing in Congress. Senators Chris Murphy and Kirsten Gillibrand have introduced the Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults (SILO) Act, which would provide $62.5 million annually to Area Agencies on Aging and community organizations to implement outreach, training, and evidence‑based programs that reduce social isolation among older adults and people with disabilities.
Senator Murphy has also introduced the National Strategy for Social Connection Act, establishing a permanent Office of Social Connection Policy in the White House to coordinate federal action, develop a national strategy, and promote evidence‑based approaches to increasing social connection across the lifespan.
Representative Rob Bresnahan has introduced the Protect Seniors and Veterans from Health Care Fraud Act, which would strengthen data‑sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to reduce duplicative or improper health care claims and better protect seniors and veterans from fraud.
Representative Suzanne Bonamici’s Elder Pride Act of 2026 would create a Rural Outreach Grant Program under the Older Americans Act to support older LGBTQ+ adults and people living with HIV in rural communities, improving access to health and supportive services and reducing isolation.
The STOP Scams Against Seniors Act, introduced by Senator Rick Scott and Representative Gabe Amo, would allow Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds to be used to establish elder justice task forces that investigate and respond to financial exploitation and fraud targeting older adults, while enhancing coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
Senator Maggie Hassan has introduced the ReportScams.gov Act, which would create a centralized federal website (ReportScams.gov) to simplify scam reporting for consumers and support coordinated federal action through a new Federal Scams Action Plan.
Finally, the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, introduced by Representative French Hill, became law on July 11, 2026. The new law aims to increase the nation’s housing supply by modernizing federal housing programs, streamlining regulatory barriers, expanding financing options, and supporting new development. It advanced with broad congressional support and took effect without the President’s signature.
Elder Justice & Long Term Care News
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