Gov. Mike Dunleavy today said that the state’s largest bureaucracy, the Department of Health and Social Services, will be split into two.
Dunleavy will make an executive order reorganizing it into the Alaska Department of Health, and the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services.
The reorganization will streamline and improve the delivery of critical programs and services while creating more flexibility and responsiveness in both departments, which should result in improved outcomes, he said.
“In order to obtain a keen focus on each crucial division and achieve the outcomes of each program that Alaskans expect and deserve, I will exercise my constitutional authority and reorganize the department to meet the needs of Alaskans into the 21st century,” Dunleavy said. “The bottom line is Alaskans will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this reorganization, particularly children, the elderly and other vulnerable populations.”
Department of Family and Community Services
The Alaska Department of Family and Community Services will take on early intervention and prevention to strengthen Alaska families and provide a focused approach to services for individual Alaskans. The department will consist of :
- Division of Juvenile Justice
- Office of Children’s Services
- Alaska Psychiatric Institute
- Alaska Pioneer Homes
Department of Health
The Alaska Department of Health will promote and protect the health and wellbeing of Alaskans and serve as the eligibility, payment, and data department that will focus on whole person care. In addition to housing the state’s Chief Medical Officer, the department will consist of:
- Division of Senior & Disabilities Services
- Division of Behavioral Health
- Division of Public Health
- Division of Public Assistance
- Division of Health Care Services
Each department will include a division for Finance & Management Services.
“The Alaskans served by the Department of Health and Social Services, as well as the employees who provide those services deserve to see this process begin today,” said Adam Crum, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
The governor said reorganization will not reduce programs or services to Alaskans who are currently served. The reorganization is intended to establish a firm foundation for each department that will lead to increased focus on services and outcomes for the Alaskans that are served. Governor Dunleavy and Commissioner Crum will engage with stakeholders, tribal health organizations, DHSS employees, and legislators about the executive order and will welcome their feedback as this process moves forward.
