Healthy Alaskans 2030 Sets Framework for Alaska’s Health Goals; Strengthening communities and empowering individuals

Healthy Alaskans is a set of goals to improve the health and wellness of all Alaskans that was originally created in 2000 and is updated every decade. This collaborative partnership between the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is unique in that it is the only state health improvement plan in the nation co-sponsored by state and Tribal governments that share health improvement goals.

“This one of a kind partnership between the State of Alaska and the Tribal health system is a true benefit to our people,” said Andy Teuber, ANTHC Chairman & President. “As we look back and celebrate the progress made over the last decade on Alaska’s health priorities, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done to realize our vision of Healthy Alaskans in Healthy Communities.”

This week, at the Alaska Health Summit hosted by the Alaska Public Health Association, Healthy Alaskans will publicly announce the initiative’s agreed-upon goals for the next 10 years that will serve as a blueprint by which to improve the health of Alaskans. These health priorities, known as leading health indicators (LHIs), will be tracked and assessed annually to ensure heath equity and advance wellness for all Alaskans.

During the health summit, Healthy Alaskans 2030 will also take a look back at how well Alaska performed on the health priorities set by Healthy Alaskans 2020. Some goals, such as reducing cancer mortality rates or reducing the percentage of adults who report binge drinking in the past 30 days, have seen considerable improvement, while others, such as some obesity rates, have not yet met targets.

“We are grateful for the health partners who helped create the goals for Healthy Alaskans 2030. These health priorities will touch every Alaskan in the next decade and empower people to live healthier, more productive lives,” said Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer. “The success of this plan will depend on engaging broad groups of Alaskans across diverse communities, from patients and health care providers, to policy makers and the press, to commit to a healthier tomorrow.”  

The work of Healthy Alaskans is team- and community-based, ensuring that Alaska’s statewide health improvement plan is a continuous collaborative effort with community input as the foundation. Data and subject matter experts who monitor and report on progress toward the health goals will work with an advisory team composed of representatives from varied nonprofit, state, local and Tribal organizations.

The advisory team works together to build the plan with a core team made up of ANTHC and State of Alaska staff led by co-chairs from each organization, who are the backbone of the effort. The plan’s steering team is made up of the top executive officers from both ANTHC and DHSS, demonstrating a high level of commitment to Healthy Alaskans by both organizations.

To learn more about Healthy Alaskans 2030 and to view the 30 agreed-upon health goals, visit www.healthyalaskans.org.

Healthy Alaskans 2030 Leading Health Indicators [PDF]

To learn more about ANTHC’s programs and health services offered to our communities, please visit anthc.org. To learn more about DHSS, please visit dhss.alaska.gov.