Communications from the

Division of Behavioral Health

The Department is pleased to announce the First responder crisis call line, AK Responders Relief Line, went LIVE May 5. The call line functions as a crisis counseling and general support line for healthcare and behavioral professionals impacted by COVID personally and professionally. Staff supporting the call line recognize callers are often first responders and the service is designed to allows callers to openly express their experiences and feelings serving Alaskans impacted by COVID. The call line is specifically designed to support first responders experiencing a myriad of behavioral health issues including crisis, anxiety, isolation and depression. When callers engage the anonymous call line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they will be greeted by a trained professional providing empathetic and nonjudgmental support. When requested, staff supporting the call line will provide a warm handoff to a local Alaska behavioral health professional for ongoing support. All staff supporting the call line are trained in assessing for suicide risk.

The crisis call line is also available to immediate family members of first responders who may need help for a variety of behavioral health issues, and hard to label emotions, as a result of their loved one engaging on the front lines.

AK Responders Relief Line. Your well-being matters. Behavioral Health colleagues are standing by to talk 24/7. 1-844-985-8275

Emergent Behavioral Health Communications:

Below, please find information and updates related to the current Declaration of Emergency, in the state of Alaska, as it pertains to the Division of Behavioral Health. The information on this site applies only to behavioral health services and providers. For information regarding other Medicaid services, visit Alaska Medicaid Health Enterprise.

During the state of emergency the division will frequently update information on this page to ensure the most accurate and timely communication with our providers. Communications below are unrelated to the 1115 Demonstration waiver.

DBH eMemos:

Reports