Governor Walker issues disaster declaration on opioid epidemic

Governor Bill Walker pictured in April 2016. (Photo by Skip Gray, 360 North)Governor Bill Walker has declared Alaska’s opioid epidemic a state disaster and ordered state and federal money for overdose medication.
In the declaration, the Governor said the opioid epidemic goes quote “beyond the timely and effective response and recovery capability of local resources.”
The declaration will cost $4,058,316 from regular appropriations for the Department of Health and Social Services