Earlier this year, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker issued a disaster declaration to combat opioid abuse in the state. Since then, more time and resources have been dedicated to the issue. This summer, some of those efforts are aimed at getting the attention of the fishing community.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
Intent on reversing its opioid epidemic, a state limits prescriptions
Maine is among a handful of states putting limits on the painkiller dose that doctors can prescribe a patient. Some doctors and patients say the law is helping, while others say it goes too far.
Federal officials tag drug package, make arrests at Fourth Street house
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Two people in Juneau who handled a drug package after it was spotted in the mailing process and then tagged by federal officials have been arrested. The Juneau Empire reports 44-year-old Christian John Peters and 34-year-old Tiffany Jo Spaulding were arraigned on Thursday in U.S. District Court after a multi-agency warrant search…
Mandated reporting of prescribed controlled substances begins in Alaska
The state has been collecting data on prescription opioids and controlled substances since 2012, but until last month, prescribers and pharmacies have been volunteering that data. As part of an ongoing legislative effort, medical professionals prescribing controlled substances are now required to provide hard numbers.
Bartlett hires former Juneau nonprofit director
Bartlett Regional Hospital’s newest senior administrator was — until very recently — executive director of a youth nonprofit. Neither the former director nor Juneau Youth Services will say why they parted ways.
Dillingham police arrest man allegedly dealing heroin from boat
Dillingham police arrested a man Saturday night who was allegedly dealing heroin from a boat in the harbor. Andrew “Weebee” Olsen, 29, was charged with one count of felony drug possession and one count of felony drug trafficking.