Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media
Among Dunleavy’s proposed DOC cuts, sending 500 prisoners out of state
Governor Mike Dunleavy's proposed budget for the Department of Corrections cuts $19 million from this year's budget. About $12.8 million of the estimated savings will come from a plan to send 500 inmates to private prisons outside of Alaska.
The complicated road to taking those last 12 steps
This is one woman's personal solution for problems it took her years to identify -- alcohol and substance misuse disorders. After a long journey and 12 steps, she began to heal -- and thrive.
State privatizes API management with no-bid contract
The State of Alaska is privatizing the management of Alaska's only psychiatric hospital via a no-bid contract with Wellpath Recovery Solutions, an international corporation that manages state mental facilities and prison health care programs.
Transforming perspectives on trauma through paintings of hope
Traumatic childhood experiences can lead to problems later in life, but this doesn't define a person. Stories that start with trauma can end with hope. A new set of murals illustrates the transformation of seven Alaskans, and the process of creating them transformed the artists themselves.
New Covey Cafe gives at-risk youth a chance to shine
A new coffee house is teaching at-risk youth life and work skills. This story was produced by residents of Covenant House, a youth shelter in Anchorage.
DOC suspends some re-entry related policies
Alaska's Department of Corrections has removed a position focused specifically on re-entry and is changing policies that some advocates say helped people succeed when they released from prison.
Making communities livable for people of all ages
What makes you want to stay in the community where you live? Is it easy to get around? Do you feel connected to your neighbors? Everything from building new playgrounds to giving people access to computers helps make a livable community.
Taking action to reduce substance misuse
Substance use disorders are diseases caused by many factors. Preventing and treating them requires input from everyone, not just law enforcement and health professionals. Those are some of the key messages in the state’s new opioid action plan. On Talk of Alaska we’ll discuss the plan and the ways you can be part of the solutions.
Envisioning recovery and rebuilding a life in Noatak
Karen Mitchell is the Behavioral Health Aide in Noatak, a small village in the Northwest Arctic. Twenty-five years ago, as she stared out the window of her home there, such a future seemed impossible.
When a step back into prison is really a jump forward on the road to recovery
Alexandria Niksik has been in and out of prison for seven years. Her most recent return home only lasted 16 days. But what might look like failure from the outside is actually a key step toward success and recovery from alcohol misuse.
Dunleavy names new AG, corrections and public safety commissioners
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has announced Amanda Price, Nancy Dahlstrom and Kevin Clarkson as the newest additions to his cabinet.
Post-earthquake donation needs
Many organizations need help after the earthquake. Here are a few.
Focus shifts to childcare needs in wake of earthquake
Childcare options in Anchorage are limited for families facing a week with no school.
Karluk Manor evacuated, turns to church for shelter
When the earthquake struck, the 46 residents of Karluk Manor had nowhere safe to go until a church quickly opened their doors.
Middle school student describes terrifying quake
Tamara Josey was in her midtown cafe preparing for a catering event when the 7.0 earthquake struck Anchorage this morning. Her daughter was miles away with ceiling tiles tumbling down on her.
Emergency rooms open, non-critical appointments canceled at Anchorage area hospitals
Anchorage emergency departments were open today, and all three major Anchorage facilities said they received patients with minor earthquake-related injuries.
Helping people who are homeless with improved behavioral health care
Addressing issues of homelessness in Anchorage means improving the mental health care system.
Help for those in need for the holiday season
The lead up to the holidays can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful and lonely. Financial pressure in the season of gifts and big meals can strain family budgets and what about those who are alone? On the next Talk of Alaska we'll hear from community members who help connect people to everything from food and housing to job assistance and friendship. Listen now
Community in Unity: Building connections
Being incarcerated is hard. So is being released. How are people from rural Alaska connecting with their communities and their cultures while in prison, and preparing for what’s next? Listen to a conversation at Anvil Mountain Correctional Center in Nome.
How little organizations make a big difference through collaboration
Solving community problems can be hard, unless you tap into the power of collaboration. This is how Chickaloon does it.