Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this summer finds you healthy and getting out to enjoy the outdoors now that the rain has dissipated for the moment. I had the amazing opportunity to drive our car back from Juneau with family, and even though there was a little bit of rain, we got to see Alaska in all her glory! From enjoying the quick ferry trip to Skagway (that feels like a first class cruise), experiencing hot springs, hiking to a glacier cave, seeing bears, fox, bison, porcupine, moose, and more along the Alcan, and just taking in the majestic vastness of our beautiful state. It was a wonderful reminder of what we all enjoy about living here.

Now, back to politics...Like many of you, I was frustrated and disturbed to learn Attorney General Treg Taylor signed a letter seeking to allow Alaska to share the confidential medical records of those seeking an abortion or gender-affirming care with law enforcement in other states. This is a gross violation of Alaskans' privacy rights and basic human dignity.

First, Alaska is one of only a few states that has explicitly embedded a personal right to privacy in its state constitution. This means Alaskans have a fundamental right to keep their medical information private, even from the government.

Second, the federal HIPAA law prohibits the release of health records without the patient's consent. This means that even if Alaska were to pass a law allowing the state to share confidential medical records (which it hasn't), it would still be illegal to do so under federal law.

Finally, harassing and adding more stress and threats of legal action to the emotional burden that can accompany the decision to seek an abortion or gender-affirming care is simply cruel. There is no justification for subjecting people to this kind of abuse of prosecution, especially based on their private medical decisions.

My colleagues and I have written to the target of the Attorney General's letter clarifying Alaska's laws, refuting their contentions, and opposing their efforts. We urge you to join us in speaking out against this attack on Alaskans' privacy rights. Read the letter here>>

I am heartbroken by the news of the tragic loss of three Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys teammates and their pilot in a helicopter crash while traveling to conduct field survey work on the North Slope. We send our love, support, and prayers to their loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time.

DNR statement on loss of DGGS crew and pilot

July 23, 2023 (Utqiaġvik, AK) – The Department of Natural Resources is mourning the loss of three Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys teammates and their pilot in a helicopter crash on the North Slope. Today, search and rescue officials confirmed that four victims had been found in the wreckage of the helicopter initially located early Friday morning. The crew was doing field survey work outside of Utqiaġvik. It is with very heavy hearts we announce the loss of DGGS employees Ronnie Daanen, Justin Germann and Tori Moore, along with pilot Tony Higdon. DNR will remain in close contact with their families, and continue to offer our prayers and condolences to all of their loved ones.

The Department is beginning the process of grieving for our colleagues, supporting our team through this challenging time, and working with partner agencies to learn everything we can about this incident. We are grateful to the North Slope Borough Search & Rescue and Police Departments, the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the Alaska State Troopers, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Red Cross, and especially the volunteer Alaska Dive, Search, Rescue, and Recovery Team for their efforts to locate and recover our coworkers. Thank you all for your support of the DNR family during this tragedy.

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Lorraine Henry

Director of Communications/Public Information Officer

Department of Natural Resources

State of Alaska

Work: 907-269-8427

Rogers Park Block Party

Do you live in Rogers Park? Come and enjoy some friendly neighborhood fun! If you are not sure if you are in this community council's area, click here>>

Location: Corner of Bannister and Cottonwood

When: Saturday, July 29

Schedule:

3:30 pm. Set up for Bike Parade

4 pm. Bike Parade around Rogers Park

4:30 pm. Live Music with Matthew Hutchinson from California

5:30-9:30 pm. Live Music from Solar Gain

Popcorn and root beer floats will be provided by the WunderBar

There will be bocce ball, a bouncy house, corn hole, hula hoops, and more!

Pat and I will have free fresh squeezed strawberry rhubarb lemonade at a tent!

Bring chairs to relax and a picnic to enjoy!

Child Care Task Force

Is child care an issue that you are concerned about and tracking? The Governor's Task Force on Child Care is meeting on Wednesday, July 26th from 12-1:30 pm. All are welcome to attend, and public participation is strongly encouraged! Register to attend online here>>

Learn more>>