The Fairbanks Symposium on Opioids Day Two: Community Solutions will begin at 9 AM. I will post today’s running summary in this thread. #fbxopioids #Day2
To see yesterday’s running summary, check out this thread!
https://twitter.com/grumblesmore/status/1658523070146170880?s=46&t=wRGUmrdkVW0rsvCKxijgxg
The symposium’s keynote presentation that will start of today is “Brain Injury and Opioid Misuse: How Peer Support Can Provide Solutions” by Dr. Adam Grove and John Hall. #fbxopioids #Day2
Today’s opening ceremonies are again lead by yesterday’s main Emcee, Marsha Oss, Fairbanks ReEntry Coordinator. Blessing given by guest from Huslia Alaska, I believe she said her name is Dorothy. Sorry If I caught that wrong!! #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Adam Grove using photos of the broken boardwalk/bridge at Creamer’s Field as an illustrative metaphor to represent traumatic brain injury. “Going back is not an option, some places it’s a little tricky but you have to keep going.” #fbxopioids #Day2 
“Opioids are a key part of many other problems we’re dealing with. Homelessness, access to medical care, poverty” etc #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove emphasizes substance abuse often increases after traumatic brain injury. Discusses getting a brain injury himself after being hit by a car & living undiagnosed (as used to be much more common) & how his life fell apart. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove emphasizes he had sleep issues, digestive problems, memory issues, and sudden anger/rage issues after the injury even four years in. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove: “I worked really hard on it because I had to fix myself, my family, fix everything.” “If I could get across that bridge, I could help other people get across it.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove discusses increased suicide risks & substance abuse & family member’s death due to brain injury. Brain injury causes pain, thus get opioids to relieve pain and distress, have suppressed awareness & cognition, all increases risk of addiction. #fbxopioids #Day2
Brain on opioids is similar to brain injury, sometimes linked due to coping with effects of traumatic brain injury. 2.8 million TBI per year that are *hospitalized*, does not count numbers undiagnosed. #fbxopioids #Day2
Males are more likely to have traumatic brain injury than females “because we do stupid things!” says Dr. Grove. Most common in youngest groups and eldest groups. If you are a shaken baby, “your whole life is built on a damaged brain.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Alaska has OVER TWO TIMES AS MANY traumatic brain injuries compared to any other state in the nation. Most common in ages 15-24, and in Southeast Alaska. #fbxopioids #Day2
“Let’s say you’re playing near the river and you’re 12 and drown, and someone pulls you out and you survive. You still have a brain injury due to loss of oxygen.” Same with being battered, strangled, hitting head not wearing helmet. Concussions are brain injury. #fbxopioids #Day2
Nationally 65% increase in opioid use, 35 % increased risk of going yo jail, 50% increased risk of dying by suicide after traumatic brain injury. #fbxopioids #Day2
Access to care is a constant issue. “Dr. Grove says “That happens to a lot of my clients, they get blacklisted from other clinics” and can’t get care due to other effects from TBI (like rage issues & impulse control). #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove discusses pacing his day & regulating his sleep to help prevent issues due to traumatic brain injury he suffered in 1998. Get up at 6 AM, in bed at 8 PM regardless of what day it is. “I need sleep.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Ideal of TBI care is you have an hour to get someone into surgery. This is why medivac is so common, but if transportation itself takes longer—like in rural village—you “fall into one of those black holes of lack of care.” Should also go to brain rehab center. fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove continues, says that outpatient care, peer support groups, substance abuse treatment, and adjustments to life/work are all necessary after initial TBI care. However, most of this isn’t even available in Alaska yet, much less rural Alaska. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove segues to incarceration in the US. “There’s huge numbers. We lock up a lot of people, and we lock up a lot of people with brain injuries and substance abuse issues.” States Tennessee started screening prisoners for TBI, found ~65% had brain injuries. #fbxopioids #Day2
“Condemnation is not the answer.” “What if we could provide care for that 18-25 year old group?” “We can do those screenings in jail, it’s easy because we know how to find you, it’s hard to followup with homeless people.” #fbxopioids #Day2
“We should not punish people for behavior,” states Dr. Grove, “we should fix the biology.” Applause. “You’re my people,” he continues.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove discusses The Alaska Brain Bus— bringing care to communities on the Alaska Road System to get them the help they need with a mobile unit.
alaskabrainbus.com
#fbxopioids #Day2
alaskabrainbus.com
#fbxopioids #Day2
John Hall begins his section of the presentation. Does Peer Support in Idaho and is a Life Coach, does support in prisons for incarcerated people pre-release and during re-entry. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall initially didn’t realize traumatic brain injury (TBI) might be a component of his work & his own life until he read The Body Keeps the Score by Professor Van Der Kolk. (ISBN 9780670785933) #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall describes various times in his life he may have received TBI, including knocking himself out while practicing martial arts as a young man. Got 10 speed bike as child & hit back of parked car, launched through air & hit back of car. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall was treated for injuries to his leg, brain wasn’t even a consideration. He can link this injury to immediate drop in performance in middle school, after this he struggled in class and even fell asleep and had difficulty reading & doing assignments. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall was incarcerated for DUIs at 46 years old after years of substance abuse cycling to sobriety for years, then back again to substance abuse after traumatic events. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall went into prison system with an open mind. “I needed to seek out and find something that would help me cope with the stresses I was experiencing in a much more positive way.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall describes a peer support group in prison that was created by Patty Smith, who very fiercely guarded that group from being cut. “What qualifies you to become a peer-support specialist is your lived experience.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall on benefits of peer-support and shared experience as a way to breakdown barriers: “You would be more receptive to information they have to offer & more likely to open up to them then you otherwise would.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Describes friend he met in prison who killed a police officer at 14, friend found peer-support in prison and its focus on healing and skills changed his friend’s life and Mr. Hall’s life too. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall shares comment from his friend, James, “Until I entered this program I never had a model of what it looked like to be a healthy human being or a healthy male in this society.” Describes how friend’s experience and mentoring has helped so many prisoners. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall wishes TBI would be introduced into peer-support systems because it could be so helpful & relevant. “A lot of the symptoms of TBI come across as something else.” TBI is often misdiagnosed as a behavioral issue. #fbxopioids #Day2
When Mr. Hall had the bike injury in middle school, he was also sent home with opioids. Addiction—especially substance abuse with opioids— are very much linked. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove encourages audience members to reach out to both he and Mr. Hall for more info & possibly working on getting support to communities off the Alaska Road System. #fbxopioids #Day2
“Brain injuries cost millions and millions of dollars a year.” “Insurance balks at this. [Insurance companies] say ‘you should be better in six weeks’ and stop paying out.”#fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove states opioids have created new class of TBI known as toxic brain injury. “If you don’t die [after overdose], you still have brain damage.” #fbxopioids #Day2
In addition to Toxic Brain Injury (from things like opioids and huffing), there are congenital Brain Injuries (pre-birth), Acquired Brain Injuries (like a stroke, Impact Injuries (like a concussion), Degenerative Brain injuries (like dementia). #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove praises audience question on link between diet and brain function. “The Mediterranean Diet is like the ideal diet for brain health.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience member had car accident 2004, 2006 charged, 2008 in jail, back and forth jail & further TBI due to being choked, on-and-on. Ten years sober now. Court system deemed them as competent to stand trial but never addressed TBI. #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience member says “this exact thing is so needed in this state.” Different audience member asks about tracking of TBI inducing mental illness in adults. Dr. Grove highlights studies on children but studies are not yet tracking adults. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove says medicine like benzos can actually prevent brain healing. Depression is very common after brain injury.” “I think a lot of people are being diagnosed with mental illness, but the underlying cause is brain injury, and they don’t even know it.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience member asks if there is a diagnostic sheet rural communities can get to help assess TBI. Dr. Grove says yes, and he & Alaska Brain Bus are training behavioral health providers to help recognize TBI. Resources on website! alaskabrainbus.com/resources.html #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove recommends every Alaskan get membership with Guardian Air (medavac service)— low cost & can save tens of thousands with an injury.
guardianflight.com/home
#fbxopioids #Day2
guardianflight.com/home
#fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove, “Trauma changes the way the brain wires itself,” even in-utero. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Grove feels there is a good argument for labelling domestic abuse and emotional trauma as acquired TBI because of how it chemically effects & re-wires your brain and affects your fight-or-flight response. #fbxopioids #Day2
Mr. Hall talks about brain/memory compartmentalization and how it affects your body. Dr. Grove talks about prison program in El Paso Texas that helps young prisoners ID and talk about their emotions. Program saw 5 TIMES decrease in recidivism. #fbxopioids #Day2
IMO Dr. Grove and Mr. Hall presentation alone made the whole symposium worthwhile, even ignoring how useful the rest has been so far. And we’re just at the very start of the second day! Break between presentations. #fbxopioids #Day2
Next up is Local MAT/Providers Panel. #fbxopioids #Day2
Local MAT/Providers Panel intros (Marsha Oss MC.) MAT = Medical Assisted Treatment. Will discuss range of services & options for treatment. #fbxopioids #Day2
Molly Cenker, True North Recovery; Dr. Peter Dillion, Foundation Health; Gunnar Ebbesson, CEO Turning Point Counseling; Brenda Henze-Nelson, IAA; Lucas Ritter, TCC; Dr. Gail Norton, Chief Andrew Isaac; Nadia Davis, Restore Inc #fbxopioids #Day2
IAA = Interior Aids Association, TCC = Tanana Chief’s Council. #fbxopioids #Day2
Reps describing services available for clients with addiction issues. IAA Rep Brenda notes Needle-Exchange Program’s title has changed over years, now called Syringe Access Program. (I note this here too because I had never heard new term before). #fbxopioids #Day2
Panelists also are describing payment & insurance options and pay scales at their clinics/organizations. #fbxopioids #Day2
Now discussing transportation options. Many have none that they provide, some have bus token waivers & taxi waivers or other programs. #fbxopioids #Day2
Emcee notes opioid settlement funding may provide funds for transportation under “other.” Asks community to vote in favor of measure to increase transportation access, fund provides $18K/year for 15 years & encourage Fairbanks Borough to fund transportation #fbxopioids #Day2
Ebbeson (Turning Point Counseling) notes Telehealth medicine IS a point of access, and benefits rural communities as well. Increasing broadband access increases healthcare access across Alaska too. #fbxopioids #Day2
IAA rep Henze-Nelson notes their opioid treatment programs can’t be full Telehealth due to medication component, but points to diversity of panel from abstinence to full recovery programs. #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: asks how programs assess client readiness for treatment. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Dillon discusses screening programs and patient readiness at FHP (Foundation Health Partners). Notes if someone walks *in* with family member, patients do well. If they are being dragged to appointments by spouse for example, they do not. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Dillion states internal versus external motivation makes a difference, and internal motivation is essential for successful treatment. #fbxopioids #Day2
Brenda at IAA states as they are OTP (Outpatient Treatment Program) they are very federally regulated compared to some other programs. For example, patient screening requires they come in while in withdrawal, and must have had ongoing issues for at least a year. #fbxopioids #Day2
IAA has to maintain these screening requirements due to their funding. So they direct clients who need residential care to FNA, True North, et cetera, then once ready for OTP care can return to IAA for help. #fbxopioids #Day2
“Collaboration with multi-disciplinary approach […] Allowing patients to make decisions about their own care, […] coordinating with medical teams,” all essential says Nadia Davis, Restore Inc.
“Family support is critical to helping patients overcome issues in recovery,” says Davis. Encourage family to send care packages, have family meetings, and Recovery Inc. provides the family with education to encourage support. #fbxopioids #Day2
Ebbesson points out some people have burned bridges and cannot turn to family for support, so meet clients where they are. Also Turning Point Counseling sets up multi-family support groups “which is like juggling chainsaws,” but is very helpful. #fbxopioids #Day2
Brenda of IAA points out social stigma is major barrier to medical support and treatment. “You’re just trading one drug for another,” and “I’m not going to support you because I don’t like this,” is often the attitude of families, so they try to educate them. #fbxopioids #Day2
Ritter of TCC says that family support is crucial component of recovery. “It’s not always direct relatives that are helping with the issue, family is who supports you.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Ritter of TCC says their age limit for youth treatment is dependent on parental consent, but screening available at any age. #fbxopioids #Day2
IAA cannot treat clients under age of 18. Has to follow OTP rules, so cannot generally treat teens. Dr. Dillon of FHP says FHP is able to treat clients as young as 14, no age cutoff but treatment time usually skews numbers to older teens.
#fbxopioids #Day2
#fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Dillon worried about impacts of fake opioids and says on West Coast marijuana being sold that is cut with fentanyl and synthetic fentanyl, “[fentanyl] has changed the way I practice medicine, but also the way I parent.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Finch of North Country Medical states that, “teens are volatile and impulsive” and that there needs to be more “wraparound treatment options” available. #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: How does your program interface with abstinence programs such as faith based or 12-Step programs? #fbxopioids #Day2
Davis of Recovery Inc. states church is integrated two nights a week into their program. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Finch says faith is important in recovery, and Ebbeson emphasizes and supports 12-step programs as part of recovery for clients. States 12-Step programs often do involve people currently on medication, contrary to popular belief. #fbxopioids #Day2
Ebbeson is thankful for other programs as we are not islands and “There’s a lot of strength here in this room and a lot of diversity” and try to meet clients where they are. #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Dillon notes FHP not faith based, says many clients are devout atheists and “higher power” (Step 10) of 12-step programs “is a show-stopper for them.” Notes that many clients also have trauma that was inflicted by religion and faith-based organizations. #fbxopioids #Day2
True North rep Molly Cenker says they place huge emphasis on creating a support network and church attendance to give clients access to ongoing support network once they leave programs. #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: “Can someone have federal job while on methadone treatment?” A: Yes. Only exclusions are they cannot have CDL which being treated, so is a disqualifier for certain DOT (Department of Transportation) /FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) positions. #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: Is fentanyl in store bought marijuana or just on streets? A: Streets. Store bought is so heavily regulated and monitored, if it were contaminated perpetrators would be in unbelievable legal trouble. #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: What are opinions on use of psychedelics in depression treatment? A: Ebbesson discuses research about use in treatment & that highest success rate for recovery programs are “drinking days” (continued) #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Dillon says best case scenario after one year on psychedelic treatment 30% have no substance abuse issues. Cautiously optimistic about use in treatment due to past experience with buprenorphine being as effective as placebo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buprenorp… #fbxopioids #Day2
Dr. Gail Norton of Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center says will be able to provide ketamine for resistant-depression under heavy monitoring soon. Inly program available that does so outside Anchorage. #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: Non-faith based-secular meeting options and 12-Step like programs? A. Dr. Dillon recommends CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), Ebbesson emphasizes Telehealth & doesn’t know of local non faith-based options. #fbxopioids #Day2
MC says reframing higher power in 12-step groups as non-spiritual can be useful for atheists. For example, met atheists for whom their “higher power” was their support group, or education, and had great success. Encourages atheists to reframe for own feelings. #fbxopioids #Day2
IAA does not have funding for on-site physicians as may be common in lower-48, but other groups at table can be of great help in crisis situations & record of addiction/withdrawal logged by those orgs can help secure later treatment with IAA. #fbxopioids #Day2
True North rep Molly Cenker says same day help is cornerstone if treatment at True North. Sober Living Space also has a lot of quick openings. #fbxopioids #Day2
Breaking for lunch. Next panel at 1 PM will be “Breaking the Stigma” with Brynn Butler (Fairbanks Housing Coordinator) and Ericka Lensegrav (Administrative Assistant with Careline Crisis Services Inc). #fbxopioids #Day2
Breaking the Stigma panel beginning, presenters state it will be very unconventional & uses live audience polls. #fbxopioids #Day2
Presenters warn presentation will be very “nitty-gritty” and is not suitable for children or people who are triggered by issues effecting housing in Fairbanks. There will be graphic content & swearing. #fbxopioids #Day2
Play rap video about addiction, and crisis, self-harm, injection injuries. Colicchie “Drug Addiction” #fbxopioids #Day2
Ms. Butler discusses past addiction and abuse issues & even being in the run from the law while living in Colorado. “It takes 18 months” after someone stops using drugs for their dopamine production to get to a point they can show up to work and live their lives #fbxopioids #Day2
Ms. Butler discusses working on herself by going to meetings and anonymous support groups, was living at women’s shelter & ready to look for job, didn’t know she had warrant until was arrested due to being screened by police for unrelated reasons. #fbxopioids #Day2
Found out Vista position at The Bridge was available, but couldn’t go on Vista with active warrant. Went with support to Colorado to deal with warrant, was convicted, returned, has eviction on record & couldn’t get housing. #fbxopioids #Day2
Still faced problems due to eviction, made promises to self & family about self-care and self support about not letting people stay in her home & to do other support in other safer ways so she & children could have safe stable living environment. #fbxopioids #Day2
Lived in trap house for a time, looked down on others because she presented better than they did & still had custody of her children. Changed her attitude & worked on own accountability & training. #fbxopioids #Day2
Ms. Lensegrav took over position at The Bridge for a time, now at Careline Crisis Services. Says she is an addict, clean for 4 1/2 years. “We’re functional until we’re not.” Started in 2014 with distribution drug charge, jailed 8 months, on probation 3 years. #fbxopioids #Day2
Ms. Lensegrav says while on probation she was clean the whole time, was clean until she was unhoused. “I couldn’t do it for my child, because I had no housing. I couldn’t get housing because I have a drug felony. Not a misdemeanor, a felony.” #fbxopioids #Day2
(Eventually sent son to live with father out of state, best decision for child but hard decision as mother.) Was housed by voucher, when husband was no longer incarcerated, was living in safe space for women so husband couldn’t live with her. #fbxopioids #Day2
“Without stable housing, every single time, I fell off. Every single time for the last 15 years, I fell off,” says Ms. Lensegrav. #fbxopioids #Day2
Pausing summaries for wellness room care. #fbxopioids #Day2
Back from wellness/recovery room, next panel will be “NAMI Panel: Perspectives in Accessing Mental Health Care.” NAMI stands for The National Alliance on Mental Illness. #fbxopioids #Day2
NAMI also does intervention training for Fairbanks Police Force. namifairbanks.org
Nanette Rogers begins, she is executive Director of Fairbanks division of NAMI. “NAMI is nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Says someone you know, work with, go to church with has mental illness, “and they’re not talking about it because of the deep stigma and shame that go along with it. Part of mission of NAMI is to de-stigmatize mental illness.” #fbxopioids #Day2
I’m sorry I may not get panelists names down correctly. All are sharing their stories about mental health & experiences in Alaska. #fbxopioids #Day2
1st panelist says four years ago they spent 18 days in ER waiting for care. Kept being told by Mental Health Ward they were ER’s problem and vice-versa, and the waiting time exacerbated their symptoms. “Alaska needs more psychiatric and mental health care beds.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: Has treatment in a hospital setting been helpful to you? A. “Many times treatment in a hospital saved my life. Five years ago I took 50,000 mgs of Tylenol and the hospital saved my life.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: “What would have been helpful during your last stay at API?” (Alaska Psychiatric Institute) A: “Actual treatment while waiting for a bed.” #fbxopioids #Day2
2nd panelist, Lane, plays recording of his presentation due to being unable to read, thus unable to read from notes. “I’m one of the founding members of Northern Hope Center” & am on the board of my church. #fbxopioids #Day2
Talks about self-medication history, “If I was up, I got a downer, If I was too down, I got an upper.” Describes waking up, going through detox symptoms, and how horrible it was. “I have been clean for over 30 years. It wasn’t easy, I slipped a few times.” #fbxopioids #Day2
“I had to get to the lowest part I could get for me to go ‘OK, something has to give, or I’m gonna die.’” Describes self harm & being taken to hospital by Troopers and being refused because there were no beds, was taken to jail instead due to lack of space. #fbxopioids #Day2
“Was it the Troopers fault? Bo. Was it the Hospital’s fault? No. We just didn’t have enough services.”Thankful for care improvements.“Hopefully no one will have to be sitting in jail wondering what they did to be in jail when all they needed was help.” #fbxopioids #Day2
As to whet he’s up to now, says he loves his hats! And he advocates to the legislature on behalf of NAMI & helps anyone they can. “The world is not just what happens to you, we’ve all gone through it too.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: What was best about other state mental healthcare systems he’s experienced, A: in Wyoming they had people come in to see him while in care to discuss options after getting out and resources with him. They came to him rather than him having to go to them. #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: Did you have support in Fairbanks? A: Yes, praises ND Systems (Nurses Diversified Systems Inc) and peer support with Northern Hope Center. “They know if I can’t talk, I’m having a bad day.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Northern Hope Center does not require set participation for people who come there for help. “Our support is reaching out and forming those friendships and those therapeutic friendships and experiences.” #fbxopioids #Day2
People often start by coming to Hope Center, eat, and leave, then gradually get more involved. As long as people are not aggressive or demeaning to others, that’s okay. “We have people who come in and don’t ever talk.” #fbxopioids #Day2
3rd panelist, Viola, talks about family names and history. Wearing parka that she made with help of aunties in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow) “as show and tell.” #fbxopioids #Day2
She is in recovery, has been on Fairbanks NAMI Board of Directors for 2 1/2 years. “Here’s the great part: what got me where I am. 1st I will credit my mom, […] next is my 3rd Grade Music teacher who taught me cello right around when I lost my dad.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Was in API at 19, later moved to group home and to apartments. “I had never lived on my own before.” Later lived with a friend, then lived in TCC Paul Williams House as prep to fully live alone at 48 years old. Learned cooking, cleaning, life skills there. #fbxopioids #Day2
Says their family are Northern Hope Center, NAMI Fairbanks, TCC Behavioral Health, and Fairbanks Mental Health Center. #fbxopioids #Day2
Northern Hope Center has two open meals a day (breakfast & lunch), crafts groups, computers, “It’s really helpful for staying out of isolation.” Also has van that members can access. #fbxopioids #Day2
Fourth Panel Member, Tracey Grey, 3rd generation Fairbanksan & one of first owners of If Only… (A Fine Gift Store much beloved & remembered in Fairbanks that used to be downtown). 27 years ago, grandmother died. Spent five years in fog of grief. #fbxopioids #Day2
Tried to get better, would go to doctors, get put on anti-depressants, they would stop working, try again. “Had turning point where I thought ‘if I killed myself, my kids would be the ones to find me after school.” Finally diagnosed with Bipolar II. #fbxopioids #Day2
Found out taking antidepressants for her was worst possible thing because she needed mood stabilizers. So thankful she saw specialist. Bipolar I and II are different, and with II manias are not as high as Bipolar I, so people don’t know/think about it as much. #fbxopioids #Day2
Talks about non-compliance (not taking prescribed medication. “Sometimes I wanted that little manic. Felt good, it kinda does. So I would stop taking my medication sometimes.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Had anxiety due to father’s impending death & stopping medication, and realized not taking medication was making depression & anxiety worse. “I haven’t missed a dose since.” #fbxopioids #Day2
“I kind of feel like I made lemonade out of lemons.” “I’m learning that being kind with people is one of my passions too.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: “How long do you think it takes you to get regulated again when you go off meds and start taking them again?” A: depends what you are on & how long they were taking them. Can take six weeks just for depression alone & different for everyone. #fbxopioids #Day2
Recommended daily self care “Oh, just go read a book!” Says I’m beyond daily self-care, “I live everyday and I like it, I have fun.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Audience Q: Was there ever a time you refused believing you had bipolar? A. “To this day I have not read through the book Bipolar For Dummies. […] I feel it’s a little like being non-compliant with my medication: I don’t want to see myself in a book.” #fbxopioids #Day2
Next panel will be “Alaska Housing Finance Corporation” with Shakira Quintana, Family Investment Center Housing Program Supervisor with AKHFC. #fbxopioids #Day2
Shakira Quintana has been with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation for over three years. State funded, & Governor actually chooses who sits on board of AKHFC. #fbxopioids #Day2
She is not state employee, employee of the corporation, so it’s sort of like a subsidiary. AHFC offers mortgage info, local lending, no extra fees based on credit score or housing type. #fbxopioids #Day2
AHFC also does classes on energy efficiency, education, testing, market looks, and more. Also provides planning and research on housing & market conditions. Will soon have ribbon cutting ceremony for The Meadows, 18 capacity elder housing with garage. #fbxopioids #Day2
AHFC manages 20 active housing programs, administers 40 million dollars annually for service-oriented programs, does housing programs, and housing vouchers… so much more. #fbxopioids #Day2
About half of funding that comes into state (60 million/year comes into state from HUD, so approx 30 million of that) goes to landlords through programs. Families must meet screening criteria. #fbxopioids #Day2
AHFC Owned Housing is income based assistance. Services 12 areas across state. Also has move-to-work program. Rent Reform was implemented in 2014, has step program that gradually changes assistance over 5 years to help ease into housing & out of program. #fbxopioids #Day2
AHFC has Special Purpose Vouchers such as domestic violence situations, veterans affairs. Returning Home Program (people under supervision requirement), Making a Home Program (youth aging out of foster care), Moving Home Program (persons with disabilities). #fbxopioids #Day2
More AHFC special housing voucher programs: Fostering Youth to Independence (homeless youth), Mainstream Voucher Program (non-elderly persons with disability), and Emergency Housing Voucher Program (Vouchers for persons experiencing homelessness). #fbxopioids #Day2
Anyone in the state of Alaska can take classes/online classes from AHFC. Money sense classes, mortgage information, many more available. Also looking for people to donate time and things like old movies (VHS & DVD) or do a puzzle, you can help elderly residents. #fbxopioids #Day2
Elderly & disabled also now have access to special gardening boxes in AHFC Housing so they don’t have to bend over to garden, some are wheelchair accessible too. #fbxopioids #Day2
“We are working towards people really enjoying their lives so they aren’t looking for other things to do,” part of opioid crisis is isolation. #fbxopioids #Day2
“The ultimate goal [of time limited assistance] is that they no longer need us.” But once the tike limit on special vouchers is reached, if people still need assistance they can/will be switched to standard assistance. #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: How to help someone get assistance/fill out application? A: “They need to tell us everything.” Do they work, get dividends, receive social security? Tell us all assistance they receive in application. #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: If someone gets voucher, how hard is it to find apartments? A: Very hard due to Air B&Bs, instead of normal rentals more and more people are doing that, so it’s eating up available housing. #fbxopioids #Day2
Q: Re- HB 184 (creating registry of short term rentals & limiting number of short term rental properties one person can own), does AHFC have opinion, or advice for finding more out about this bill? A: Recommends talking to local relators & state officials (cont) #fbxopioids #Day2
(Answer re: HB 184 continued) AHFC “we’re here to help provide people housing” so can’t have official response aside from “having less housing available hurts [Alaskans].”akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Det… #fbxopioids #Day2
End of today’s presentations. Tomorrow will be third & final day of symposium. #fbxopioids #Day2
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