Christopher F. Orman

This document details the implementation of a comprehensive behavioral health crisis system of care in Alaska, led by the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority since 2018. Following SAMSHA's Crisis Now Framework and National Guidelines, the plan aims to address fragmented care and improve access to services by creating an integrated continuum of care. Key strategic pillars include establishing crisis contact centers, mobile crisis teams, and various stabilization services, with regional investments from 2021-2025 and anticipated component launches extending through 2027. The objective is to keep individuals in their communities with timely support in the least restrictive environment.

The meeting focused on the discussion and approval of a settlement agreement concerning funds claimed to be owed for the Fort Knox upland mining lease. Additionally, the board approved a payment to the City and Borough of Wrangell to finalize the equalization of a land exchange, utilizing unobligated Trust income.

This document is the Annual Implementation Report for 2025, detailing efforts and outcomes related to the 'Crisis Now' framework. It highlights investments across key components: Someone to Contact, Someone to Respond, A Safe Place for Help, Community Coordination, and System Support. The report aims to transform local and statewide behavioral health care systems to be more timely, direct, and compassionate, ultimately improving the lives of beneficiaries, and mentions the adoption of a new Strategic Framework in December 2025.

The board meeting featured a mission moment highlighting the microenterprise grant program, followed by a CEO update regarding key accomplishments. Presentations were held by statutory advisors, including the Alaska Commission on Aging and the Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education, regarding legislative priorities and senior care issues. Discussions were held on the implementation of the interRAI assessment tool and the Overcoming ACEs with Resilience Survey. The board approved several authority grants for community programs, early childhood services, and mental health supports. An executive session was conducted to discuss the annual performance of the CEO.

The committee meeting covered a CEO update regarding strategic plan operationalization and legislative engagement. The Board reviewed and approved several grants, including those for the Alaska Jewish Campus, Project Grad Kenai Peninsula, Choosing Our Roots, and REACH 907. Nonconsent agenda items approved included funding for Southcentral Foundation's traumatic brain injury program, Covenant House Alaska's behavioral health initiatives, All Alaska Pediatric Partnership's Help Me Grow Alaska project, Recover Alaska's AURORA initiative, Petersburg Borough School District's student wellness program, and Southeast Alaska Independent Living's environmental modification project.