Office of the Commissioner

The mission of the Department of Health is "Promoting the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Alaskans."

The Department of Health (DOH) will have oversight of health care services, payment, eligibility determinations and payments of public assistance program benefits, and public health. The Divisions of Behavioral Health, Health Care Services, and Senior and Disabilities Services provide regulatory oversight, claims processing, facility licensing, and enforcement of Medicaid and state regulations. DOH will also actively engage with stakeholders to find opportunities for innovation within Medicaid and to improve health outcomes for all Alaskans.

Heidi Hedberg has been with the department since 2009 and has served as the Director for the Division of Public Health since 2019. She moved to Alaska in 1995 to attend Alaska Pacific University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Heidi has been involved in population health and policy for over a decade. She has a diverse background which includes topics ranging from public health emergency management to access to health care and system efficiency efforts.

Requests for scheduling appointments or invitations for Commissioner, Heidi Hedberg can made by sending an e-mail to: doh.comm.scheduling@alaska.gov

Mailing & Physical address:

3601 C Street, Suite 902
Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5923
Phone: 907-269-7800
Fax: 907-269-0060

Report: Overview of Alaska’s Behavioral Health System of Care for Children​

On December 15, 2022, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a report finding reasonable cause to believe the state of Alaska is failing to provide services to children “with behavioral health disabilities” in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.

Since the release of the DOJ report, the state has received multiple inquiries about what it is doing to improve mental health services for minors in Alaska. This document summarizes the steps the state has taken, and the process it intends follow, to further improve mental health outcomes for minors with behavioral health disabilities.


Crisis Stabilization in Alaska: Understanding HB 172 Frequently Asked QuestionsCrisis Stabilization in Alaska: Understanding HB 172

HB 172 allows people who are experiencing a mental health crisis to be admitted to a licensed crisis stabilization center for just under 24 hours or to a licensed crisis residential center for up to seven days. These crisis stabilization centers can triage, treat or refer patients who are experiencing a mental health crisis to appropriate care, instead of always referring them to emergency departments. HB 172 is critical for implementation of Alaska’s behavioral health crisis care continuum, and was the result of collaborative and intentional efforts by the Department of Health and Social Services (which will continue with both the new Department of Health and Department of Family and Community Services), the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, public safety, community providers, and patient advocates. The goal of the bill is to transform Alaska’s behavioral health system to better serve the most vulnerable Alaskans and their families.

StrengStengthening the System: Alaska's Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Plan thening the System: Alaska’s Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Plan
The 2020-24 plan for achieving the vision of Alaskans receiving comprehensive prevention, treatment and support services at the appropriate level of care across the lifespan, leading to meaningful lives in their home communities.