Director's Office

(Juneau) - Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Joel Gilbertson today announced that Alaska, working in concert with Vermont, Michigan, Nevada, and New Hampshire, has established the nation's first multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool to save money on Medicaid drug costs and protect access to care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson approved the plan today for the drug purchasing pool. Hawaii has also applied to join the multi-state pool.

The USDA has just released the report "Reaching Those In Need: State Food Stamp Participation Rates in 2001". As always, participation rates are calculated using U.S. Census data adjusted to estimate the number of eligibles in each State. You'll note that Alaska, Hawaii, and Oregon continue to shine as top participation performers, while Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon earned participation gains in 2001.

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!

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.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Our first star has been a loyal, hardworking employee of DPA's for nearly 25 years. Deemed "The Duke of Earl" he is described as a lean, mean bean-counting machine. One of those quiet but efficient behind the scenes DPA workers, this multi-skilled, multi-tasker puts his 110% into the job. Whether that job be processing heating, child care or fee agent payments, reconciling the EBT system with the State accounting system, the FS account with the Federal Reserves Bank, answering phones, doing the mail run or building strong, solid relationships with Alaskan vendors and utility companies. Give him the work and he gets it done promptly and well.

First, I want to wish everyone a lovely Thanksgiving holiday. Tomorrow, may we also remember those without bounty. Some Americans tomorrow will eat their Thanksgiving meal in a shelter and will be grateful that someone has provided that opportunity. Some of our clients may be among those or otherwise at tables less bountiful than our own. In other lands, less rich and prosperous than ours, some families will beg tomorrow for food. May we remember them in our prayers and meditations on the day we have set aside, not just for good football, but for thanks to the Giver of all prosperity and blessing.

At times, our work requires us to make very difficult decisions when assisting clients. It is important as public servants, that we outline the difference between appropriate and inappropriate workplace conduct. This is the first of several reminder broadcasts that I will send regarding appropriate business behavior. I would like you to discuss each featured topic during staff meetings to ensure we are demonstrating responsible state stewardship. As much as possible, examples will be provided in the broadcasts.

Click here for the DHSS Human Resources Contact List (this list has been added to the Human Resouces menu at right)

The Human Resource Integration has transpired. The Department of Health and Social Services has a Management Consultant Services Team and a Technical Services Center assigned to the department. The Juneau offices are located on the 1st floor of the Alaska Office Building, the Anchorage Technical Service Center is located on the 5th floor of the Frontier Building, and the Anchorage Management Consultant Services Team will be located in the Atwood Building the week of November 10th. Attached a list of employees and the functions they perform, in order to assist you in finding the service that you need. There will be changes as the integration is further defined; we appreciate you working with us as these changes occur.

Campaign starts September 29, 2003 and ends December 12, 2003. (Late donations are always welcome)

The SHARE Campaign is an annual event for support of voluntary community programs that meet established criteria and provides a method by which voluntary financial support from State of Alaska personnel may be achieved through the state payroll system.