And the winner is....

The Pie Eating contest was a great success raising over $1,000.

Dignity was tossed aside at the word "go" as Steve Ashman (DSDS) jumped out to an early lead. But he couldn't keep up the pace and John Vowell (DALP) passed him up to finish first in a blistering 17 seconds (unofficial time). Bill Hogan (DBH) slurped in to second and Mr. Ashman finished a messy third! Fortunately, we have pictures!

Performance Data

I will be visiting as many offices as I can in the coming weeks to personally share our 2004 Strategic Plan with you. I am also excited to share many new, innovative ideas that your managers have adopted to revitalize and improve the DPA continuous improvement process. Clearly our goal is to improve our service and performance.

Online Child Care Provider Database Updated

The DPA Child Care Program Office is pleased to announce the list of child care providers who are Licensed or Approved to care for children in Alaska has been updated and is now posted online. The list can be accessed through the Division of Public Assistance's main page by clicking on "Child Care," then "Child Care Facilities Database." Here is the direct link: Child Care Facilities Database.

Requests for Health Care Information From Outside of the Department

The Department provides services in many different ways and through many different avenues to the people of Alaska. A necessity of providing and paying for appropriate health care and social services requires that we collect, examine, process and maintain considerable amounts of personal health care information.

While the health care information that we maintain is necessary for us to perform the responsibilities of our jobs as employees of the Department, other individuals and organizations outside of the Department may have valid needs to have specific types of health care information on Alaskans receiving services from this Department.