December 2018 Community Update
Farewell, Dr. Bach!
After serving more than 40 years, Dr. Phillip Bach, Ph.D.,O.D., is retiring from the ACMHS Board of Directors. In his time with ACMHS, Dr. Bach has participated in numerous CEO searches and strategic planning sessions, served alongside future legislators, university professors, business leaders, attorneys and social workers, and weathered quite a few ups and down -- from the 1980's recession to the 2008 stock market crash. His calm presence is missed at Board and Committee meetings, but we think he's earned some rest and relaxation!
Dr. Bach, pictured in front of the Folker Building, our main campus for adult services. Dr. Bach and other Board Members traveled to Juneau to secure funds for the building in the early 1980's.
Tidbits
Earthquake!
ACMHS sustained only very minor damage on November 30, and remained open for the day with limited staffing. We provided services for a few scheduled clients who were able to get there, and a few walk-in in crisis clients.

CEO Jim Myers staffed the reception desk.
(pictured in precautionary hard hat).
Board at FCMHS
The Board of Directors traveled to Fairbanks November 29, for a tour of FCMHS facilities and a look at possible space to expand.
FCMHS hosted a well-attended community open house in the afternoon, followed by the monthly Board business meeting.

We are very pleased that the Board now has a second Fairbanks-based member: Rob Rosentreter is an Emergency Department nurse at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.
Alaska Seeds of Change presented to the Alaska chapter of the Association for Learning Environments -- the folks who design innovative schools around Alaska. Youth greenhouse grower Sara Renard talked about the unique learning and youth engagement opportunities available through a year-round hydroponic greenhouse. We may have to borrow her for public speaking training - she was amazing!
New Vehicles!
For the first time in 4 years, we have purchased new vehicles for our staff to use transporting clients. We're also working to improve vehicle scheduling so we need fewer vehicles overall.

Support ACMHS!
Why does ACMHS need community support?
Some services provided at ACMHS are covered by Medicaid and other insurance, but as you can see from this pie chart, we also rely on state and federal grant money. We're working to increase our practice revenue (a small Medicaid rate increase taking effect January 1 will help) as we expect state grant dollars to hold steady or possibly decline. Community support helps keep ACMHS strong through these changing political climates. But it does something else: the blue and green portions of our funding are highly restricted and can be used only for properly-documented eligible expenses (as it should be!). Unrestricted donations give us the ability to work flexibly to meet the needs of our clients and communities.
Our Board of Directors has extended its match offer! Generous Board Members will match donations received by the end of the year up to $3,000. We
are halfway to our goal; help us get over the top!
Pick.Click.Give. when you file for your permanent fund dividend! Look for "ACMHS - Anchorage Community Mental Health Services" to support all ACMHS programs, including Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services, Alaska Youth Advocates and Alaska Seeds of Change.