Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

The small Southeast town of Gustavus borders Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. Like several Alaska sites, well water near the Gustavus Airport has been found to contain a harmful chemical, leaving a few residents reliant on bottled water provided by the state. (Courtesy Photo | National Park Service)

‘Emerging’ pollutant contaminates Gustavus well water

Some residents of the small town of Gustavus, near Glacier Bay National Park, are relying on state-provided drinking water after testing of private wells showed… Continue reading

 

A drug user kits with clean syringes at the Four A’s office on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. Juneau’s Four A’s office in Juneau is in danger of closing because of a lack of funding, and are employing a crowdfunding approach to try and gain $15,000 by Oct. 15. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Syringe exchange in danger of going under

More than 100 people regularly use the syringe exchange, but the program could fold at the end of the year.

 

Cruise ships dock in downtown Juneau in May 2015. (Juneau Empire file)

Measles found on Alaska cruise ship

A teenager visiting Alaska on a cruise ship last week had the measles, health officials say, prompting concern that passengers may spread the rarely-seen virus… Continue reading

 

Opinion: Fighting for a healthier, safer Alaska

Addiction is a disease that has plagued our state for decades and ranked us at the top for too many undesirable statistics including domestic violence,… Continue reading

State officials warn Medicaid money will run out by month’s end

Alaska’s Medicaid health insurance program will run out of money as soon as the end of March, state officials are warning. Unless the Alaska Legislature… Continue reading