2026 Update to Alaska’s State Health Assessment

A new State Health Assessment (SHA) is developed prior to each 10-year State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) and updated at the midpoint of that decade-long cycle. This document is the mid-decade update of the original HA 2030 SHA published in 2019. It provides a snapshot of the current health status of Alaskans and will inform both the mid-decade revision of the SHIP and the next SHA for HA 2040. 

The SHA provides a comprehensive picture of the state’s current health status and the factors that contribute to health outcomes. It draws on qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources to describe demographics, health systems, community assets that support health, and the health concerns Alaskans have expressed. It also explores other conditions that influence health, and health outcomes reflected in morbidity and mortality data. Where possible, disparities in health factors and outcomes are highlighted to support strategic efforts to ensure all populations in our state can live healthy lives. We hope this document will serve as a resource for State and Tribal public health, local governments, other organizations, and policymakers to support informed decision-making and action as they collaborate to align programming, policies, and funding to protect and improve the health and well-being of all Alaskans.