Partners
The Trust works closely with a variety of state departments, local and tribal governments, non-profits and for profit entities to accomplish The Trust mission.
As defined in the Alaska Statutes, statutory partners include four governor-appointed advisory boards that are responsible for planning services for Trust beneficiaries and advising The Trust on issues and funding:
- Alaska Mental Health Board: AMHB is the state planning and coordinating agency, for purposes of federal and state law, relating to the state mental health program. The primary purpose of the Board is to help ensure an integrated comprehensive mental health program by planning and advocating for the service needs of persons with mental illness in the state.
- Advisory Board on Alcohol And Drug Abuse: ABADA plans and advocates for policies, programs and services that help Alaskans achieve healthy and productive lives, free from the devastating effects of the abuse of alcohol and other substances.
- Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education: GCDSE plans, evaluates, and promotes programs for people with disabilities. It is composed of 28 governor-appointed members, including individuals with disabilities or parents of individuals with disabilities and the representatives of principal state agencies and private providers that deliver services or supports.
- Alaska Commission on Aging: ACoA is charged with planning, advocacy, grant making and administration, and interagency coordination on senior citizen issues. Grants for local delivery of senior services are funded through the Older Americans Act, the state of Alaska, and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Additionally, there are several state departments or their respective designees who advise The Trust:
- Department of Health and Social Services: The Department of Health and Social Services focuses on helping children and families stay healthy and safe, helps Alaskans live healthier lives and provides access to basic health care, assists Alaskans who experience developmental disabilities and/or mental illness, increases incentives and opportunities for communities to collaborate with the department and develops effective mechanisms for improving DHSS staff knowledge and skills. Commissioner: Bill Hogan
- Department of Natural Resources: The Department of Natural Resources focuses on developing, conserving and enhancing natural resources Alaskans, is responsible for preserving and protecting The Trust, and is responsible for coordinating with other state agencies involved with mental health service programs. Commissioner: Tom Irwin
- Department of Revenue: The Department of Revenue is responsible for collecting and investing state funds for public purposes and includes several public corporations such as Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Permanent Fund and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. The department's Treasury Division manages a portion of The Trust's cash assets. Commissioner: Patrick Galvin
Other Partners
The Trust also collaborates with several other governor-appointed boards, state agencies and departments on issues relating to Trust beneficiaries:
- Alaska Brain Injury Network, Inc.: ABIN helps identify, develop, implement, and sustain needed programs and resources that promote prevention and expand treatment and service delivery to Alaskans who experience TBI and their families. The mission is to educate, plan, coordinate, and advocate for a comprehensive service delivery system for the survivors of traumatic brain injury and their families.
- Statewide Suicide Prevention Council: SSPC advises the governor and Legislature on issues relating to suicide. In collaboration with communities, faith-based organizations, and public-private entities, the council works to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans by reducing suicide and its effect on individuals and communities.
- Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman: The Long Term Care Ombudsman is responsible for promoting and protecting the health, safety, welfare and rights of Alaskan seniors ages 60 and older. The Office of the Ombudsman falls under the purview of the Alaska Mental Health Trust.
- Alaska Court System: The Alaska Court System is a state-funded judicial system that offers four levels of courts including the supreme court, the court of appeals, the superior court and the district court.
- Alaska Department of Corrections: DOC works to enhance the safety of Alaska's communities. The department provides secure confinement, reformative programs, and a process of supervised community reintegration.
- Alaska Housing Finance Corporation: AHFC is the state's housing authority. Its mission is to provide Alaskans with access to safe, quality, affordable housing.
- Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation: The Permanent Fund Corporation is responsible for managing and investing state funds, including the Permanent Fund and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Fund.
- Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities: DOT&PF oversees Alaska's transportation network, including roads, ports and the state ferry system, and all public buildings.
