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Dear Fellow Alaskans,

Last fall, I had an extremely moving meeting in Washington, D.C. with a group of Alaskan women who were attending the UNITE to Face Addiction Rally. Each woman had her own powerful story of facing addiction, and as the conversation drew to a close, there was not a dry eye in the room. Since becoming a senator, that was the most poignant meeting I’ve been a part of. Action needed to be taken to help my fellow Alaskans back home who are struggling with this epidemic.  

I will convene a Wellness Summit in Palmer dedicated to conquering the opioid and heroin epidemic. Federal officials from several agencies will attend to hear what unique obstacles Alaskans face when in recovery, as well as witness the indomitable spirit of Alaskans who have overcome those obstacles. Whether you are a caretaker, a medical professional, a family member, a friend, a person in recovery, or a citizen looking for more information, I would be honored if you would attend to help us conquer this epidemic that’s ravaging so many lives across our state and throughout the country.  

At the summit, the second in charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Deputy Secretary Mary Wakefield, will be the keynote speaker. HHS provides many services and opportunities, including overseeing grants for community health centers, guidance for opioid prescribing practices, and regulations on treatment centers. 

The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy will also be in Palmer. He has been touring the country with his “Turn the Tide Rx” campaign to meet with doctors and relay the message that doctors can help stop prescription opioid abuse. I am excited for him to join us and connect with Alaskans.

Dr. Jennifer Lee, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Deputy Undersecretary for Health Policy and Services, and Dr. Karen Drexler, VHA Acting National Mental Health Program Director for Addictive Disorders will both attend and present to make sure that the state with the most veterans per capita is not forgotten in their efforts to best care for veterans. 

I am committed to focusing our time together at the summit to produce tangible solutions that the attending federal officials and I can take back to DC.  

Along with other notable Alaskans, a number of the women I met last fall will be there to ensure that Alaska’s story of combatting this crisis is told. I need your help to empower those in need, their loved ones, and all Alaskans on this journey of recovery. There is hope for our future. Please join us to share in this experience. All of us have a role in helping stem this crisis, and all are needed to ensure that we don’t lose another person to addiction.

 

Sincerely, 

sullivan signature

 

AGENDA

REGISTRATION - 8:30am

START - 9:00am

MORNING SESSION

Welcome by Michael Tucker - Knik Tribal Council

Alaskan Speakers:

The women who inspired the summit- Kara Nelson, Terria Walters, Christina Love, Kim Whitaker, and Julee Douglas

Gloria O’Neill - President and CEO, Cook Inlet Tribal Council

Jeff Jessee - CEO, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

Federal Speakers:

Dr. Mary Wakefield - Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Jennifer Lee - Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services, Veterans Health Administration

Dr. Karen Drexler - Acting National Mental Health Program Director for Addictive Disorders, Veterans Health Administration

Science of Addiction:

Dr. Joshua Sonkiss - Medical Director, Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services

LUNCH - 12pm

AFTERNOON SESSION

Fireside Chat with U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy moderated by Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jay Butler

Breakout Sessions in the Machetanz Building

Panel Discussion moderated by Dr. Jay Butler

Closing Remarks - Senator Sullivan

END - 3:30pm

August 4th, 2016

9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Mat-Su College
8295 College Drive
Palmer, AK 99645

Map It

2016 Wellness Summit Speakers

Dr. Mary Wakefield

Deputy Secretary

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Vice Admiral Dr. Vivek Murthy

Surgeon General

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Jennifer Lee

Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Policy and Services

Veterans Health Administration

Dr. Karen Drexler

Acting National Mental Health Program Director for Addictive Disorders

Veterans Health Administration

Dr. Jay Butler

Chief Medical Officer

Alaska Department of Health & Social Services

Dr. Joshua Sonkiss

Medical Director

Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services

Jeff Jessee

Chief Executive Officer

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority

Kara Nelson

Executive Director

Juneau Haven House

Gloria ONeill

President & Chief Executive Officer

Cook Inlet Tribal Council

Don Young

U.S Congressman

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