As more Alaskans seek treatment for opioid use disorder, the state is taking measures to ensure enough medical providers are there to help.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
‘She had dimples for days’: After laying daughter to rest, ‘what-ifs’ linger for Juneau parents
They tried talking things through with Abby. They got her into counseling briefly. They reported a store they suspected of selling booze to her daughter and other teenagers. And eventually, tough love.
As the Juneau School District responds to online monitoring concerns, student questions remain
In response to concerns about monitoring service Bark for Schools, the Juneau School District is providing options to families.
DEA uncovers a flood of painkillers reaching rural Alaska by mail
One drug enforcement operation this summer seized 204 packages containing almost 48,545 illicit or unlawfully diverted pills. Almost all of those pills, 44,580, were tramadol. One DEA agent estimates around 100,000 pills are arriving in Alaska every month.
Capital budget vetoes to hit homelessness, addiction treatment
In Anchorage, there are worries that vetoes to addiction treatment facilities and a homeless assistance program could exacerbate a problem that’s already worsening.
Anchorage raises age to buy tobacco products to 21
The Anchorage Assembly voted unanimously Tuesday night for a new measure that makes it illegal to sell cigarettes, electronic smoking devices and other similar products to anyone under 21 years old.
How hospital ERs in Alaska are helping patients with opioid use disorder
A trip to the emergency room can be a crucial window to assist people in their recovery. Now some providers are giving patients a medicine to ease the transition so they can seek additional care. Recently, a hospital in Juneau completed one year of this program with encouraging results.
‘Who are the 100?’ If budget vetoes stand, Anchorage shelter says it must choose who stays and who leaves.
As prospects for a veto override look increasingly slim, organizations that provide aid to low-income, homeless and other needy Alaskans say they’re facing increasingly difficult choices.
Alaska state budget vetoes reduce funding for homeless shelters and services
Anchorage homeless shelters and services are bracing for cutbacks and closures after Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced hundreds of millions of dollars in line-item state budget vetoes Friday.
Justice Dept. pledges $10.5M in emergency funds for public safety
U.S. Attorney General William Barr declared a law enforcement emergency in Alaska on June 28. The announcement follows a visit to the state where he saw firsthand how many rural communities have little-to-no public safety presence.