Office of the Commissioner
Promoting the health, well-being, and self-sufficiency of all Alaskans
Who we are
The Alaska Department of Health was established in 2022, when Governor Mike Dunleavy reorganized the former Department of Health and Social Services into two agencies: the Department of Health and the Department of Family and Community Services.
Commissioner Heidi Hedberg was appointed in late 2022 and brings years of experience within the department, having served since 2009. Before becoming Commissioner, she led the Division of Public Health as Director beginning in 2019. With more than a decade of experience in public health, she brings leadership in areas such as emergency response, health care access, and strengthening Alaska’s health systems.
To request a meeting or invite Commissioner Hedberg to an event, please send an email to: doh.comm.scheduling@alaska.gov
What we do
We manage health care services, public assistance programs, and public health. We also handle administrative tasks like overseeing rules, processing claims, licensing facilities, and enforcing Medicaid and state regulations.
Arcs of effort
As a newly established department, we prioritize building strong relationships with the people and communities we serve. Community engagement is a priority. By actively listening and responding to the needs of Alaskans, providers, and advocacy groups, we gain valuable insights about their unique challenges and successes. These conversations help shape our approach and strategies as we implement the Governor’s Health Families Initiative.
From these discussions, we identified areas of focus/arcs of effort:
- Transformation of Care
- Child Care
- Overdose & Suicide Prevention
- Strengthening the Behavioral Health System
Our progress stems from collaboration among dedicated staff, partners, and communities to improve these areas and many others. While milestones have been reached, much work remains, and we are motivated by positive Alaskan support to drive further changes.
Please take a moment to explore the progress of each one, linked below.
