Alaska seeks groups to run perinatal substance use treatment program

Only about 10% of the roughly 937 pregnant Alaskans who needed substance use treatment in 2022 received it, according to earlier Alaska News reporting, which cited transportation, childcare, stigma and the loss of Medicaid coverage after birth as barriers. The state is now seeking organizations to provide that treatment and support.

The Alaska Department of Health's Access to Perinatal Health Support Program funds substance use treatment, recovery support and maternal health services for pregnant and postpartum women statewide. It has about $1 million a year to award, and the state expects to fund four organizations at a minimum of $250,000 each. Proposals are due Sept. 14, and the work would begin Nov. 1. Details are on the State of Alaska Online Public Notice site.