Office of the Commissioner

Strengthening the System II: Alaska's Comprehensive Integrated Mental Health Program Plan,  often referred to as the "Comp Plan," is a collaborative, five-year initiative developed by the Departments of Health, Community and Family Services, and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. This comprehensive, integrated plan focuses on strengthening Alaska’s support systems across ten key areas. Discover how the Comp Plan ensures that Alaskans have timely access to the prevention, treatment, and support services they need, wherever they are.

Red Ribbon Week Announcement

October 14, 2024, ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Department of Health, in collaboration with Governor Mike Dunleavy, is excited to announce the launch of the Red Ribbon Week Door Decorating Contest for schools across Alaska. This contest, which closes October 23, 2024, is part of the nation’s longest-running drug prevention campaign, Red Ribbon Week, which occurs annually each October.

More information on the project and Red Ribbon Week can be found on the Red Ribbon Week Page.

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

The Department of Health (DOH) has 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 actively engages 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

Crisis 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.

Strengthening 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.