Mental Health Trust seeks beneficiary testimony on care gaps by June 30

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is accepting public comments through June 30 from beneficiaries and caregivers about their experiences with behavioral health and disability services in Alaska.

The Trust will hold two listening sessions in June. The first is scheduled for June 2 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Trust Authority Building in Anchorage, with remote access via Zoom and teleconference at (669) 444-9171 and (253) 215-8782, meeting ID 367 518 5568, passcode 'Trust'. A second session is set for June 30 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., also at the Trust Authority Building with virtual access. Speakers will be limited to five minutes each, and the Trust will accommodate as many comments as practical during each hour-long session.

The Trust describes beneficiary feedback as vital to informing its focus areas and priority initiatives. An anonymized summary of comments will be shared with Trust stakeholders and posted on the Trust website. The listening sessions continue the Trust's longstanding practice of incorporating public and beneficiary input into its decision-making, a process reflected in board meeting archives and the Trust's bylaws requiring public comment periods at board meetings.

Alaska News previously reported that the Trust has sought proposals for peer-led recovery programs and held planning meetings to address gaps in the state's behavioral health system.

Those who cannot attend either session may submit written comments to [email protected] through June 30. The subject line should include "Listening session."

Zoom access details are available at alaskamentalhealthtrust.org. The Trust serves Alaskans with mental illness, developmental disabilities, chronic alcoholism, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.