Rural health transformation program set as keynote topic at Anchorage disability employment conference

The Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education will hold its 2026 Employment First Conference Oct. 12-13 at Anchorage's Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center. The keynote address covers Alaska's $272 million first-year Rural Health Transformation Program funding. The conference targets employers seeking talent, employment support providers and people with disabilities entering the workforce. Sessions cover accommodations, health care workforce development, youth transitions, labor force data and disability benefits, plus the Statewide Vocational Rehabilitation Committee's Business Awards.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services awarded the funding Dec. 29, 2025. Sen. Forrest Dunbar told the Alaska State Senate on May 8 it was "the second highest total and highest per capita in the United States." A Feb. 18 Letter of Interest portal drew nearly 1,800 submissions. In early August, the Department of Health announced intent to award more than $4.5 million to 19 projects. First-year funds must be spent by Sept. 30, 2027. The five-year award ends Oct. 30, 2030.