Survey Responses.

Patricia "Pat" Abney
0.1 State House, district 18
0.2 Non-Partisan by Petition
0.3 via fax

  1. Yes, public mental health services are an area of major concern for me.
  2. I am concerned that consumers of mental health services have readily available community based programs.
  3. Yes, I would support parity legislation.
  4. I would ty to support organizations that provide community based services.
  5. Of course, I welcome information on mental health related topics and about programs and services for Alaskans. In this way, I can be a more effective Legislator and give assistance where it is needed.

Ramona L. Barnes
0.1 State House, district 22
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. YES
  2. My priorities include working to see that everyone in need of mental health services has the (affordable) access they need.
  3. I would support parity legislation
  4. As one of the founders of Anchorage Community Mental Health Services (now ca lied South Central Counseling) my support of mental health services for all Alaskans is well known. I believe such services work well across the state when they are community-based.
  5. I have a firm grasp on the elements involving the general mental health issue in Alaska. Should questions arise, I have your phone number. Thank you for the offer.

William Bartee
0.1 State Senate - District E
0.2 Green
0.3 via mail

  1. Yes, my wife's profession has taught me to appreciate all our differences, as well as responsibilities in the community and the special gift those in need can offer. My oldest daughter recently became a TBI victim.
  2. Full state funding to allow life with dignity and self determination as far as each individual can aspire.
  3. I would sponsor or co-sponsor a parity bill. It is simply a matter of justice [and] equality for all.
  4. Promoting cultural awareness and education in all levels of school as well as community programs that foster understanding of mental health issues and funding for programs which offer local care and community integration.
  5. Yes. Through my wife's work (special needs education) we recieve some, probably not all, that is available.

Howard Bess
State House, District 27
Democrat
via mail.

  1. Yes, my younger sister has been schizophrenic for over 40 years. No issue is closer to my heart.
  2. Services management so people in need get the help they need AND funding for those services.
  3. Yes
  4. I will work for equity in availability of services. I believe the Denali Commission will be of great help in working out specifics. Everyone must listen to consumers.
  5. I was a founder of Daybreak Apartments in Palmer and continue to serve on the Daybreak Board. I believe I keep well informed.

Con Bunde
State House, district 18
Republican - Incumbent
via mail

  1. With Alaska's suicide rate and weather related depression I think mental health service should be of concern to all of us.
  2. To make the public aware of Alaska's needs for mental health services and to encourage public support for these services.
  3. I have supported parity legislation in the past and will continue to do so.
  4. I need more information on what this will involve.
  5. See above [#4]. I am well aware of programs and services available in Anchorage.

Sharon M. Cissna
0.1 State House - District 21
0.2 Democrat - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. It is very close to the top for me personally because of my own background working with children in institutional care, as a foster parent and as a mental health clinician. My concern about the negative direction that I believe services are going ... away from the continuum of quality services required by family and children, gave me the incentive for running for office in 1995, and then to finally win my legislative seat in 1998. I have been working toward serving on the HESS committee of the State House and and hope to be able to do that this next session. I will also reintroduce the Family Preservation bill this coming session, with the assurance from the department that they will continue their support, and with many legislators having been sold on the concept during this last year.
  2. Service on House HESS Committee; resolution of the API limbo; passage of quality Family Preservation legislation; seeking a coalition of stakeholder-developed legislation to upgrade and expand community based services.
  3. I will throw as much energy as it is possible to help make this pass this coming session.
  4. The Family Preservation legislation which I introduced last year and will again introduce this coming year has been lauded in other states as having built-in mechanisms to be culturally sensitive, and been more easily and cost-effectively developed in rural setting.. Other programs, such as this one need to be proposed in the legislative package that must be developed by a coalition of stakeholders. I will look forward to helping develop such a coalition.
  5. As a student, I am ever on the lookout for more education. Please feel free to call me and give me assignments of what you think I need to read, or meetings I need to attend.

John J. Cowdery
0.1 State Senate - District I
0.2 Republican
0.3 via fax

  1. No. My primary concerns are driven by the committee assignments I get in the legislature.
  2. Fairness and sufficiency. But, I've never seen a base line study of what the overall mental health needs around the state.
  3. I'm inclined to favor the concept but will withhold judgement until the issues are fleshed out in the public hearing process.
  4. We will never be able to provide all services to rural areas on a par with services in urban areas. The question is too broad. I look to organizations like yours to propose solutions.
  5. yes.

Harry T. Crawford
0.1 State House - District 22
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via fax

  1. My familiarity with this issue comes from my wife, who is a soda! worker employed with Langdon Clinic, and who has worked in mental health at Providence Hospital. It is an area of concern to me. and I recognize thai it can be all-consuming for the victims of mental disorders and their families.
  2. My priorities would, among others, be to:
    (1) Promote coverage of recognized methods of treatment for mental illnesses in standard insurance policies; and
    (2) include education about mental illness -- particularly depression, which affects large numbers of American children and teens -- in public school health education.
  3. Yes.
  4. I would start by supplementing the existing Public Health Aide program in rural Alaska. Aides presently diagnose and make referrals for physical ailments; with proper additional training, their area of expertise could be expanded to include menial health screening and referrals.
  5. Please. I will always welcome information that helps me learn about and keep in touch with my community.

Eric Croft
0.1 State House - District 15
0.2 Democrat - Incumbent
0.3 via mail

  1. Yes.
  2. I have been a supporter of public mental health services for my entire legislative career.
  3. Yes. I would sponsor, co-sponsor, and support a parity bill.
  4. Rural Alaska posesses unique challenges for access to mental health services. This is an area that has been neglected for too long. I am eager to learn from the mental health community about the ways to meet this challenge.
  5. Yes.

John Davies
0.1 State House - District 29
0.2 Democrat - Incumbent
0.3 via mail.

  1. As a legislator I have focused on resource, education and fiscal matters. I have relied on Rep. Brice to advise me on mental health issues. Mental health is a matter of great importance.
  2. 1) Parity in insurance policies.
    2)Community-based services in every community.
  3. Yes - see above.
  4. I am supportive of improving accessability and cultural sensitivity.
  5. Yes, I always appreciate good information from people who care about this issue.

Jim Dore 0.1 US Representative 0.2 Alaska Independance Party 0.3 via Mail

  1. Nowhere in the U.S. Constitution does it authroize Congress to fund public mental health services. This is a state issue.
  2. See #1
  3. See #1
  4. See #1
  5. See #1

Fred Dyson
State House, District 25
Republican - Incumbent
via mail

  1. Yes - we have a disproportionate mental health problems in our state. Part is due to Prenatal Alcohol Poisoning and Substance abuse.
  2. insure there are adequate facilities, staff and programs - I want the waiting lists to disappear.
  3. I will probably support some kind of mental health parity. One difficulty is the indistin[c]tiveness of some mental diangnosises. I need more information.
  4. We need to work on some distant delivery systems and have counselors travelling. Finally we cannot put full services in every community. Our best hope is the regional centers and for patients to go where the services are available.
  5. yes

Joseph P. "Joe" Green
0.1 State House - District 10
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. As a member of the House HESS [Health, Education and Social Services] committee for the past two legislatures I have developed a much keener appreciation for mental needs. It is a major concern of mine.
  2. A burning need to reverse the FAS trend. Ability to handle, correct, avoid dementia. Review the Mental Health Lands situation to see if the $200 million and extra land settlement is being properly administered for maximum yield.
  3. Yes.
  4. Since we can not afford specialized mental health for each of our rural villages our fallback will have to be transportation to urban facilities in most cases.
  5. yes.

Gretchen Guess
0.1 State House, district 16
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via fax

  1. A healthy community must provide for both the physical and mental health of its members. Mental health services are a critical part of maintaining healthy communities.
  2. The accessibility and affordability of a broad base of mental health services is an area of concern for me.
  3. Yes.
  4. The problem of providing rural services is a significant concern for Alaska in all areas of essential services. One method currently being tested is using low-bandwidth and high bandwidth telecommunications to provide mental health services to rural Alaska. I will be very interested to see if one or both of these methods provide effective services.
  5. Yes.

David Guzy
0.1 State Senate - District I
0.2 Republican Moderate
0.3 via fax

  1. Public Health is a high priority for my campaign.
  2. I believe that too often the public focuses more on physical rather than mental health. I will help to educate Alaskans on the importance of positive mental ballance. I feel that many physical ailments can be attributed to poor mental health.
  3. I would consider supoorting a parity bill.
  4. One of the focuses of my campaign is on the divide between rural and urban Alaskans. Equal health education and access is an important cause of this divide. I will work to end it.
  5. Yes... Yes

Rick Halford
0.1 State Senate - District M
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via e-mail

  1. Yes.
  2. My priorities are providing services for children, independent living and Alzheimer's patients.
  3. I am inclined to support a parity bill, but would have to see what details were in the bill first.
  4. I agree with your assumptions. I believe that the solutions will be most efficiently provided by private sector contractors.
  5. Yes.

Mark Handy
0.1 State House - Seat 23
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via fax

  1. Public mental health is an area of concern for me.
  2. I believe the issue of mental health parity is important and would support such a bill in the Legislature.
  3. [see #2]
  4. I think the first step in overcoming the challenges of mental health services in rural Alaska is to work with the native community to understand how they deal with mental health issues. Open communication and dialogue is the key to solving this issue.
  5. Yes, I would like more information on mental health related topics. I am always open to meeting with interest groups and discussing matters of concern. I recognize that I am not an expert on most issues, and if elected, I will always seek information from those who are better informedso that I can make the best decision for all concerned.

Joe Hayes
0.1 State House - District 30
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via fax

  1. I definitely feel public mental health services are a primary concern area. As chief of staff to Representative Brice and working with FAMI and the Building Bridges group during the legislative sessions in Juneau for the last three years I saw the problems our society currently have without good public mental health services.
  2. My priorities and concerns include mental health parity legislation, and good. affordable mental health services for both urban and rural Alaskans. I will also continue to work against any stigma against individuals who pursue mental health care, the decriminalization of mental illness, better childrenÕs mental health services, more community-based services, and better Òlife-supportÓ services such as housing and employment for those suffering from mental illness.
  3. Yes. I would be willing to sponsor, co-sponsor, or support a parity bill for Alaskans. It is time that Alaska steps upto the plate like the other 30 states.
  4. As a representative, I will continue to support The Rural Human Services Provider Program. The program is a good, locally-based service for rural Alaskans, although there will always be some need for itinerant services. I also think that the minimum floor for grantees in rural Alaska should be raised, as rural Alaska did not share equally when refinancing occurred, and I will work for that. I will also participate in and encourage the dialogue on how to better fit the stateÕs Medicaid program with rural service needs. Finally, I will work for culturally sensitive services. I am striving to learn more about our Native Alaskan cultures to make sure we can accomplish this goal.
  5. Yes, I would like more information. 1 always appreciate getting information about issues and concerns. I think that one of the most important duties I will have as an elected official Is to continue to learn so that I can better represent my constituents and the state.

Bill Hudson
0.1 State House - District 4
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via Mail

  1. Yes
  2. 1. Self Determination of services needed
    2. Adequate funding in preventative, intervention, [and] needed services.

    Concern-fragmented services!
  3. Yes.
  4. Become better informed and consider all recommendations.
  5. I'm open to see information and welcome it.

Jeanette James
State House, District 34
Republican - Incumbent
via mail

  1. Yes.
  2. That services are available.
  3. [support was circled.]
  4. The culturally sensitive is the easiest, but it is never going to be easy to have access to mental or physical health services in areas that are not easily accessible. I do wish to do more in that direction.
  5. I have a lot of information and I am aware of the needs.

Len Karpinski
US Representative
Libertarian
via email

  1. No, since the U.S. consitution does not delegate the power to provide such services to the federal government. I am, after all, running for Congress.
  2. "Zero-out" all federal spending for it.
  3. No, since, neither types of services are the constitutional duty of the federal government.
  4. See answers to the above questions.
  5. No, thank you. Your area of advocacy is better directed towards candiates for state office.

Beth Kertula
0.1 State House, distric 3
0.2 Democrat - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. Public mental health services are an area of primary concern to me. As a previous Assistant Public Defender I saw the problems we as a society can have without good public mental health services.
  2. My priorities and concerns include good, affordable mental health services for all Alaskans, including rural Alaskans, and mental health parity legislation. I will also continue to work against any stigma against individuals who pursue mental health care, the decriminalization of mental illness, better childrenÕs mental health services, more community-based services, and better Òlife-support" services such as housing and employment for those suffering from mental illness.
  3. Yes. I would be willing to sponsor, co-sponsor, or support a parity bill for Alaskans.
  4. I will work to provide more funding for rural Alaskans to have mental health services in their own communities as well as itinerant services. The Rural Human Services Provider Program should be supported as this is a good, locally-based service for rural Alaskans, although there will always be some need for itinerant services. I think that the minimum floor for grantees in rural Alaska should be raised, as rural Alaska did not share equally when refinancing occurred, and I will work for that. I will also participate in and encourage the dialogue on how to better fit the stateÕs Medicaid program with rural service needs. Finally, I will work for culturally sensitive services. I personally strive to set an example by continuing to learn about our Native Alaskan cultures and by showing my deep respect for them.
  5. Yes, I would like more information. I always appreciate getting information about issues and concerns. I attended a meeting on a new computer program to screen adolescents for mental illness that was held by NAM I-Juneau last week, and found it very interesting. I think that one of the most important duties we have as elected officials is to continue to learn so that we can better represent our constituents.

Art Kohanes
0.1 State House - District 28
0.2 Alaska Independance
0.3 via mail

  1. yes - in that patience rights are not violated and are not inprisoned by unjustly (incrimiation) by the legal element without cause or mental reason.
  2. that a sustainable operation is actively in place
  3. I'm not understanding this - I do not advocate drug practices overdone to cause mental disorders
  4. (I'm not clear on your question) Are you saying transportation is not available or can their be facilities available for as finance?
  5. yes.

Vic Kohring
0.1 State House - District 26
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. Yes
  2. to ensure that those who truly need help, recieve it.
  3. I would consider doing so, depending on the wording of any prospective legislation.
  4. Work with Native corporations (and possibly Alaska Native Medical Center) to craft a strategy for the delivery of mental health services.
  5. Yes. Yes.

Bill Kuhlmann
0.1 State House - Dist. 25
0.2 Independant by Petition
0.3 via e-mail

  1. Medical and public issues are a concern that needs to be addressed in this session of the legislature. I do understand the disparity of the funds available to patients with mental health problems versus medical problems.
  2. I think the greatest concern is the funding disparity and the lack of fun ding period by the legislature for mental health programs.
  3. Sponsor or co-sponsor depending on how we could get it done within the caucus. The majority caucus in the last legislative session was the biggest hurdle.
  4. I have seen a program of rural health aides help solve some of the problems of distance - similar to the public health aides that are now available in most villages. That might be one way to help solve the less sever cases. Otherwise, there will have to be funding to bring the patient to the larger cities.
  5. Yes, I am running as in Independent candidate and have not promised my vote to any group or party. I intend to listen to the arguments presented and then vote on what I believe to be in the best interests of the people in my district and the state. So, yes I will need all the help that you can give me on this issue.

Thomas Lamb
0.1 State House - District 20
0.2 Alaskan Independance
0.3 via e-mail

  1. Yes.
  2. Ensuring proper medical care is provided to those who cannot afford the care.
  3. Yes
  4. Outreach centers should be established. They should act as an extension to the main provider which would be located in the major cities. Fairbanks for the interior, Anchorage for the southern part of the state and Juneau for Southeast Alaska.
  5. I would.

Ken Lancaster
State House, District 8
Republican
via mail

  1. Yes, of course it is a concern not only because it is a budget item; but caring for the affected individuals and families is ongoing.
  2. I believe we know at least one cause is alcohol and FAS and FAE. We need to do more in the area of education so as to show or stop the causes and the effects or results.
  3. Yes, we have to deal with this health situation and we should be up front to do so.
  4. I am an advocate of telehealth and telemedicine to the extent this will help and possibly facilitate depending on the individual circumstances and number of candidates and locations affected.
  5. Yes, information and education are the beginnings of the solution.

Gabrielle LeDoux
0.1 State House - Seat 6
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via mail

  1. Yes, I view public mental health services as an area of primary concern. In order for society to function and be strong, individuals have to be both mentally and physically healthy. Mental health services are as important as physical health services.
  2. Mental health services need to be adequate and accessible to all. People who are in crisis have to have immediate attention and follou-up. If mental health services are under funded and understaffed this will not occur.
  3. Parity laws make sense and I support them. A person's mental health is as important as his/her physical health and should be treated equally as far as health insurance is concerned.
  4. There are village clinics and village health aides. Locally we have people from Mental Health who travel to the villages and this should occur on a regular basis. Perhaps the village health aides could have training that would help them to work with clients in between visits where appropriate. If the aides were from the community they would be more culturally sensitive.
  5. I am always interested in obtaining more information about mental health topics, particularly programs, and services in my community.

Terry Martin
0.1 State Senate - District K
0.2 Republican
0.3 via mail

  1. Yes.
  2. Help those who need help and encourage self esteem and independants [sic].
  3. Yes - but details are sketchy.
  4. Soloman is not available for solutions so I would rely on experts and families to advise.
  5. Not until the next legislative session.

Neal Matson
0.1 State Senate - Seat Q
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via mail

  1. Improving and expanding public medical, dental and pharmaceutical care is my highest social priority.
    Mental health is certainly a vital part of public health care and service.
  2. parity legislation.
    decriminalizing mental illness.
  3. YES! YES! YES!
  4. I would seek your advice.
    Fund scholarships/grants for native Alaskans to become mental health professionals.
    Reward minors and young adults for alcohol abstention.
  5. Yes, especially after I'm elected.

Dawn Mendias
0.1 State Senate - District E
0.2 Republican Moderate
0.3 via mail

  1. No
  2. Right now, I don't really know. I need some input from people who do.
  3. [support underlined] - depending upon the particulars.
  4. Again, I need to know more about the specific problems before I can answer, but this issue would concern me.
  5. Right now, I feel overwhelmed - - but at a later date, yes.

Kevin Meyer
0.1 State House - District 19
0.2 Republican
0.3 via Mail

  1. Yes - it effects [sic] all of us
  2. Educating the public that mental illness is very common and very treatable - but only if you will seek help.
  3. Sponsor - needs to be viewed and treated as any medical problem would be.
  4. Try to work with native corp. to help fund sending experts out to the villages.
  5. Yes!

Greg Middag
0.1 State Senate - District A
0.2 Democrat
0.3 via e-mail

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES ARE AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES. ALL ALASKANS DESERVE ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH SERVICE, WHICH INCLUDES MENTAL HEALTH. AS A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER, I HAVE INVESTED MY LIFE IN PROVIDING SERVICE.
  2. I AM CONCERNED THAT ALL ALASKANS HAVE ACCESS TO ADEQUATE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, AND THE SUPPORT THEY NEED TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FULLY PARTICIPATE IN SOCIETY.
  3. I WOULD BE WILLING TO SPONSOR LEGISLATION AND PLAY A KEY ROLE IN DEVELOPING PARITY LEGISLATION REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. IT'S FAIR, AND IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.
  4. IT'S TIME TO ENCOURAGE THE STATE TO PUT INCENTIVES IN PLACE TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR ALL ALASKANS. IN WORKING WITH RURAL ALASKANS, CULTURAL SENSITIVITY IS CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMS. AN EXAMPLE OF ONE COMMUNITY'S ANSWER WAS TO PRVIDE A CARVING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG MEN AT RISK FOR SUICIDE. THIS PROGRAM WAS CREATED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. THE STATE MUST SUPPORT A COMMUNITY'S INITIATIVE TO CREATE CULTURALLY SENSITIVE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
  5. YES, I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH, AND THE PROGRAMS HERE IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA. I'D ALSO LIKE INFORMATION ABOUT NEEDS THAT ARE NOT BEING MET, AND SUGGESTIONS FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY AS TO WHAT IS THE HIGHEST PRIORITY IS AND HOW IT MIGHT BE APPROACHED.
     
    THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN MY POSITIONS ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT MY POSITIONS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SENIOR CITIZENS AND SOCIAL SERVICES ON MY WEBSITE: www.middag.org.

Scott Ogan
0.1 State House - District 27
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via email

  1. Yes, My wife workd for SELS.
  2. To take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Make sure resources are not being used to build jobs, rather than help the people intended.
  3. I need to know more about it and especually the costs.
  4. Maybe contract with local native groups. This is being done more and more.
  5. I am fairly up on it as bridges comes to Juneau regularly to keep me informed.

Brian Porter
State House, District 20
Republican - Incumbent
via mail

  1. Primary... perhaps not. Of general concern, yes.
  2. Our ability to maintain the Pioneer Homes first comes to mind. I'm afraid my experiences leave me with the knowledge more of what I don't know about mental health considerations. I would defer to the experts.
  3. I do know eneough on the subject to believe that parity is an appropriate goal and an eventual given. mandating coverage, though, is a thornier issue, and like everything, must be cost effective.
  4. Rural service delivery of all kinds is an ongoing challenge. The target of course, is equal access. This will remain difficult without a sustainable long range state revenue plan.
  5. I have reasonable general knowlege, but would be interested in your responses to these questions.

Harold V. "Hal" Smalley
0.1 State House - district 9
0.2 Democrat - Incumbent
0.3 via email

  1. Yes
  2. One priority would be to make sure that individuals with a mental illness are able to receive the treatment they require and that the families who are helping a loved one cope with a mental illness are able to receive support that is needed. In addition, like other medical conditions, we need to continue to do research and focus on the prevention aspects of mental illness.
  3. Yes I would. I do believe that mental health services should be covered just like physical health benefits. Alaska should join the more than 30 other states that are willing to treat brain disorders just like any other physical disorder.
  4. I realize that access to mental health services are not always available in rural areas of our state; however, if the state, federal government, and local communities collaboratively work together, some form of prevention, treatment and support should be available statewide. With the proper training and adequate resources, an outreach program could and should be made available to all residents of the state.
  5. Yes. Yes. The best way to be informed is to seek out information.

Randy C. Smith
0.1 State House - District 16
0.2 Republican
0.3 via mail

  1. Mental health should be a concern for all Alaskans.
  2. I would need more information.
  3. I would support a parity bill.
  4. Mental health services should be fair and equal to all Alaskans.
  5. yes - Area of Mountain View, Fairview, Russian Jack.

Pete Sprague
0.1 State House - District 8
0.2 Democrat
0.3 Via Email

  1. My primary concerns as I campaign for state office are quality education and a long-range fiscal plan. However, I believe that mental health services are an important component of a healthy and vibrant community.
  2. I am concerned about the availability of services in all areas of the state, as well as being able to fund services that the state needs to provide.
  3. I would be willing to support the concept of parity, and a parity bill for Alaskans.
  4. I would advocate for greater availability of services, and to be sure that they are adapted for the local population.
  5. I have been fairly involved and active with mental health issues through my work as the chair of the Kenai Peninsula Youth Facility, through my studies in psychology at Kenai Peninsula College, and through my volunteer work in the community. But I would appreciate more information. Thank you!

Robin L. Taylor
State Senate Seat A
Republican - Incumbent
via Fax

  1. Yes I do. I worked hard for 4 years to draft legis[lation] which settled the Mental Health Trust problem.
  2. First that adequate funding be provided. Second that the Mental Health Board be as autonomous as possible from Legis[lative] control. Third that the local mental health facilities be adequately funded.
  3. yes.
  4. Just as I have for the last 16 years, to overcome and adequately fund these challenges.
  5. I always appreciate more information. I helped fund and create the Wrangle mental health group and the same for Petersburg.

Jerry Ward
0.1 State Senate - District E
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. Yes
  2. My priorities include working to see that everyone in need of mental health services has the affordable access they need.
  3. I support parity legislation
  4. I support community based programs such as South Central Counseling and believe these programs work well.
  5. I look forward to visiting with you in Juneau and my door is always open

Gary Wilken
0.1 State Senate - District O
0.2 Republican - Incumbent
0.3 via fax

  1. Yes - Mental Health Services are an area of great concern to me. However I am also concerned about the lack of available options to improve and enhance the delivery of these services.
  2. Priority
    1) To not lose ground on existing programs
    2) to recognize and validate new requirements.
  3. I sponsored the Mental Health Parity Resolution in 1997.
     
    I will reserve judgment on a Full Parity Bill. There are unanswered questions.
  4. I encourage urban outreach. I doubt that we will be able to have urban/rural mental health parity.
  5. See question 1. All information is welcomed. All legislators must be aware of the situation and options to action.

Peggy Wilson
0.1 State House - District 2
0.2 Republican
0.3 via fax

  1. I am a registered nurse and have lived and worked in two communities in Alaska. I have seen, first hand, the needs of Alaskans with mental health issues. As a member of the medical community and profession, I view all health issues as areas of concern, including mental health.

    I do have mental health experience. While living in Tok AK I was a member of the Tok Mental Health Board. I know and understand the funding concerns.
  2. One of my concerns is that some Alaskans have mental health issues that go untreated. As a result they are repeat visitors to emergency rooms and police stations. This is at a much greater expense to hospitals, EMTs, police, Medicaid, insurance companies, providers and the public at large. I believe we should be in a stronger position to insist on treatment of repeat users of these services when it can be documented that they have chronic, untreated problems.

    I would also like to see a case coordinator for persons that deal with multiple agencies. There are times now when the client plays one agency against another. I would like case coordinators to take an active rol to ensure coordinated care. This would end duplications of service and stop the waste of provider's time and energy.
  3. I will have my plate full this first session as a new member. I would be able to support legislation that provides parity for persons receiving appropriate treatment and follow the plan of treatment.
  4. Having worked in the bush I recognize that providing some services in the bush is challenging. This is not just true for mental health patients but also heart, cancer, diabetes, expectant mothers and other patients as well. We should do what is reasonable. There are times, however, when treatemtn can not be done in a practical or appropriate manner. It may not be in the best interest of the patient to be treated where care is limited. Many times the patient must be close to the specialist. I would support reasona