A major new national study was released by the Manhattan Institute on the impact of the 1996 welfare reform law on low-income families.

The report found an astonishing 20 percent drop in the poverty rate among single mothers between 1996 and 2001 -- a decrease that the researchers credit primarily to the effect of welfare reform in moving increasing numbers of recipients into the work force.

Juneau -- Commissioner Greg O

Here are pictures of the first ever Statewide Healthcare & Human Services Career Fair. This event was designed to address the near critical shortage of workers at all levels in this industry, which is one of the the fastest growing career fields in Alaska. To meet this significant economic challenge, the state collaborated with numerous organizations to create this event. There were 50+ industry representatives from around Alaska bringing career and training opportunities to our community.

In this week's update I would like to welcome the staff from the Depts. of Administration and Education & Early Development who will be moving to DHSS as part of the reorganization. We recently started sending these updates to help our future colleagues make the transition into the Department of Health and Social Services.

The Director's office has been on the road this week. Julie Morris is hard at work getting the message out in Anchorage to field supervisors and staff regarding HIPAA, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.