Center for Behavioral Health Research & Services, University of Alaska Anchorage
Abstract
The State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Behavioral Health (DBH)
was awarded the Partnerships for Success (PFS) grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAHMSA) in 2015. DBH contracted with the Center for Behavioral Health
Research and Services (CBHRS) at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to conduct a comprehensive
project evaluation. As part of the evaluation, CBHRS performed a baseline assessment of the state’s
capacity and infrastructure related to prescription opioid misuse prevention.
Researchers conducted interviews with key stakeholders representing state government, healthcare
agencies, law enforcement, substance abuse research, and service agencies. Interviews were semistructured,
with questions addressing five domains of interest: (1) state climate and prevention efforts;
(2) partnerships and coordinated efforts; (3) policies, practices, and laws; (4) data and data monitoring;
and (5) knowledge and readiness. Thirteen interviews were conducted and analyzed using a qualitative
template analysis technique combined with a SWOT analysis (i.e. strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
and threats). Emergent themes are displayed in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Emergent themes from SWOT analysis
Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
(1) New and revised
policies and
guidelines
(2) Activities and
partnerships
between state
agencies and
communities
(3) Knowledge and
awareness of state
leadership
(1) State policy
limitations
(2) Insufficient detox,
treatment, and
recovery support
resources
(3) Lack of full
coordination within
state agencies and
with communities
(1) Education enrichment
(2) Policy improvements
(3) Expansion of
treatment, recovery,
and mental health
support
(1) State fiscal crisis
(2) Prescribing practices
(3) Complexity and
stigma of addiction
(4) Legislative support
Despite limitations in sample representativeness and interview timing, participants agreed that
agencies, communities, and organizations across Alaska have demonstrated great concern about the
opioid epidemic and that this concern has translated into considerable efforts to address and prevent
opioid misuse. Participants also noted a variety of opportunities as targets for future work, many of
which would address some of the current weaknesses that exist. Results yielded clear recommendations
for increasing awareness and providing education to a variety of groups, further improving relevant
policies to promote prevention, and expanding services for prevention and treatment.State of Alaska, Division of Behavioral Health
Grant #SP020783Executive Summary / Introduction / Methodology / Results / Discussion / Reference
