Alaska Department of Health and Social Services

SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA EARTHQUAKES

An earthquake, measured as a magnitude 7.0, was reported between Palmer and Anchorage at 8:29 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, and was followed by more than 4,000 aftershocks. Here are some resources to assist Alaskans as recovery efforts continue:

Individuals and families within the Municipality of Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Borough or the Kenai Peninsula with damaged homes, essential personal property or transportation losses from the 2018 Cook Inlet Earthquake can apply for State Individual Disaster Assistance. The deadline to apply has been extended from Jan. 29, 2019 to Feb. 29, 2019. For more information, call the hotline, 1-855-445-7131, or visit ready.alaska.gov.
To request an earthquake damage inspection of your home within the Municipality of Anchorage, visit muni.org.
For questions about drinking water, septic systems, food safety or other environmental public health issues related to the earthquake, visit the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Earthquake: Public Health and the Environment webpage.
Emergencies can be stressful and it’s normal to be feeling anxious, sad or angry. For mental health information, visit our DHSS earthquake webpage.
Alaska Careline is there to help if you or your loved ones are having difficulty coping after this earthquake. For Alaska’s statewide 24/7 free and confidential crisis line, call 1-877- 266-4357 (HELP), or text for help at 839863. Visit www.CarelineAlaska.com.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate 24/7, 365-days-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions in disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 toll free or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Aetna Behavioral Health is offering FREE Resources for Living telephone support to those affected by the earthquake. Individuals can contact Aetna EAP at 833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386) for telephonic consultation to help cope with the emotional impact of this event. This is available to anyone affected by the earthquake, regardless of whether they are an Aetna customer.
If you need support or referrals to services in your area please call 2-1-1.
State Employees who need counseling support can call the Employee Assistance program 1-877-234-5151., TTY/TDD: 1-800-999-3004, En Espanol: 888-732-9020
Click here for contact information to other emergency response agencies.

Headlines

February 8, 2019:
Commissioner assumes management of Alaska Psychiatric Institute; changes will improve patient and staff safety

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum has invoked his authority under state law to immediately assume management of Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API). Questions and comments regarding these changes may be emailed to api.info@alaska.gov.