From our Elected Officials

NIH Loan Repayment Programs relieve researchers' educational debt

Government News

Programs allow participants to focus on research careers

As the costs of medical education continue to rise, the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs) serve as a lifeline for physician scientists who have high educational debt.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average debt for graduates in the class of 2009 was $156,456, and 79 percent of all medical school graduates owed $100,000 or more. For nearly 10 years, the LRPs have supported early stage investigators by repaying up to $35,000 of educational debt annually for investigators who commit to at least two years of research funded by a domestic nonprofit, university or government entity. For the 2010 application cycle, more than 3,200 applications were received, and nearly 1,600 scientists received loan repayment contracts.

The next application cycle will open on Sept. 1 and conclude on Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. EST. The five extramural LRPs are clinical research, pediatric research, health disparities research, contraception and infertility research, and clinical research for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"Each year, the NIH LRPs invest more than $70 million in researchers who work across a broad, diverse field, and the LRPs have become a career pipeline for our future scientific leaders," said Milton Hernandez, Ph.D., director of the Division of Loan Repayment. "Our alumni have been successful in securing additional grants and funding from NIH, and many have said that remaining in research careers would not be possible without assistance from the LRPs. Over the last year, we have developed exciting new programs that will help foster their careers and link them to the NIH as well as each other."

The newly launched LRP Ambassador Network serves as a bridge between alumni and future participants, and offers opportunities for professional development. Ambassadors are encouraged to share their experiences with potential participants. This fall, potential applicants will be invited to participate in LRP's first webinar, which will help young professionals map out their scientific careers.

For more information on the loan repayment programs, including applications, eligibility information, application tips, success stories, a payment estimator, and contact information for NIH institute and center liaisons who can discuss research priorities, visit www.lrp.nih.gov . In addition, LRP is on Twitter and will tweet application cycle updates from @NIH_LRP. These updates can also be followed at www.twitter.com/NIH_LRP. The LRPs are administered by the NIH Office of Extramural Research.

The Office of the Director, NIH, provides leadership, oversight, and coordination for the entire NIH research enterprise. Also within the Office of the Director, many offices develop NIH policy and provide essential NIH-wide oversight and coordination. For more information, please visit http://www.nih.gov/icd/od/index.htm.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) - The Nation's Medical Research Agency - includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

Study connects Fairbanks hospitalization rates to air quality

Government News

Hospital numbers tracked over five years

(Anchorage, AK) - A study published today by the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology reveals a correlation between an increase in certain hospitalizations and an increase in the concentration of tiny atmospheric particles in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

The study, based on five years of records from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, examined 5,718 hospital visits for conditions related to heart disease, stroke and respiratory illness following periods of higher than average amounts of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, known as PM_2.5.  PM_2.5 are produced by combustion from car engines, power plants, and wood stoves. The study revealed that each 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM_2.5 resulted in a:

• 7 percent increased risk for a stroke-related hospital visit for people under age 65;
• 6 percent increased risk for a stroke-related hospital visit for people 65 or older; and
• 6 percent increased risk for a respiratory illness-related hospital visit for people under age 65.

"Basically, this study re-affirms what has already been demonstrated in similar studies performed outside of Alaska," said Rachel Kossover, the epidemiologist who authored the study. "People with heart and lung problems need to take air-quality warnings seriously and follow the advice of local officials."

Air quality information for the Fairbanks North Star Borough is available by telephone at (907) 459‑1312, or online at: http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/airquality/.

A copy of the study is available at:  http://www.epi.alaska.gov/bulletins/docs/b2010_26.pdf

A fact sheet is also available at: http://www.epi.alaska.gov/eh/airquality/FairbanksAirQualityStudyFactSheet.pdf

Task force chair to discuss 2009 'Biennial 50-74' breast cancer screening recommendations

Government News

New recommendations call for first mammogram at age 50, then every two years until 74

(Anchorage, AK) - National task force chair Dr. Ned Calonge will explain and review 2009 guidelines for breast cancer screening at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Providence Alaska Medical Center in the east auditorium. The new recommendations call for biennial screening mammography for women 50 to 74 years old, a change from previous recommendations that called for annual mammograms starting at age 40.

Dr. Calonge chairs the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a federal panel of experts convened by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. During his presentation, Dr. Calonge will define evidence-based medicine and explain the process for developing recommendations for preventative health care services.

Find out more about the guidelines at http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm.

Dr. Calonge serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and an Associate Professor of Family Medicine and of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He's also a member of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Task Force on Community Preventive Services.

WHAT: Presentation on current breast cancer screening guidelines

WHEN: Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31

WHERE: Providence Alaska Medical Center, East Auditorium

WHO: Open to the public

Corps of Engineers' Mat-Su Regulatory Field Office to Close

Government News

ANCHORAGE - The Alaska District Army Corps of Engineers' Regulatory Division
will be closing the Matanuska-Susitna Field Office on September 1.  The
office was created in late April 2008. 

The Corps' Regulatory Division continues to provide service to the valley
public through offices in Anchorage.  The Regulatory Division has an
Anchorage Field Office, located at 1600 A Street, Suite 110, in Anchorage and
a main office located on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The offices are
open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The Regulatory Division can be reached by phone at 1-800-478-2712 or by email
at 
  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 . For information about permit applications,
jurisdictional determinations Federally regulated waters and wetlands, permit
evaluations, resolving violations, and public outreach activities for
construction work in waters and wetlands, visit the Corps' regulatory website
at http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/reg   

Governor Parnell Orders Flags Lowered for Hoonah Officers

Government News

August 30, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell ordered state flags lowered to half-staff in honor and memory of Matthew Tokuoka and Anthony Wallace, the two Hoonah police officers who were killed in the line of duty Sunday night.

"This is a tragic loss for Alaska and the community of Hoonah,” Governor Parnell said. “Officers Tokuoka and Wallace represent the sacrifice our law enforcement officers make every day as they work diligently to keep our communities safe. These men had a passion for serving and protecting Alaskans and our state is better because of their commitment to excellence. Sandy and I will keep their families, friends and fellow officers in our thoughts and prayers.”

Governor Parnell has ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff today. Flags will be raised to full-staff on September 1.

Governor Parnell Announces Board Appointments

Government News

August 30, 2010, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today announced his appointments to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, the Board of Forestry, the Marine Transportation Advisory Board and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Board of Directors.

Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority

Governor Parnell appointed Rick Koch to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority. The authority is charged with bringing natural gas to market from the North Slope by any of the following means: by acquiring and conditioning North Slope natural gas; by designing and constructing the pipeline system; by operating and maintaining the pipeline system; by designing, constructing and operating other facilities necessary for delivering the gas to Outside markets and to Southcentral Alaska; and by acquiring natural gas market share that is sufficient to ensure the long-term feasibility of the project.

Koch, of Kenai, has served as the city manager for the City of Kenai since 2006. He previously served as the director of public works for the City of Palmer. A civil engineer, Koch formerly owned Koch Construction Inc. and also worked at UIC Construction Inc., Chugach Development Corporation, the North Slope Borough, the Alaska State Housing Authority and the State Department of Transportation, among other entities. He was appointed to a public seat.

Board of Forestry

Governor Parnell reappointed Matthew Cronin, Eric Nichols and Ronald Wolfe to the Board of Forestry. The board reviews and advises the commissioner of natural resources on forest management regulations. It also conducts an annual survey of research needs related to forest practices, reviews research proposals and makes recommendations for research projects to the governor and Legislature.

Cronin, of Anchorage, is a research associate professor of animal genetics at the of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He has worked as a senior scientist and the managing director of the LGL Alaska Research Center for 11 years. He formerly worked as a research geneticist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cronin is a member of the Society of American Foresters, American Society of Mammalogists, the Wildlife Society and the American Genetic Association. He is reappointed to a seat reserved for a non-governmental fish/wildlife biologist.

Nichols, of Ketchikan, is one of the founding partners of Alcan Forest Products and Evergreen Timber. He earned a bachelor’s degree in forest engineering from Oregon State University and a master’s degree from the University of Portland. He has 30 years of experience in the timber industry, with 20 years in Alaska, and owns one of the largest Alaskan timber companies. Nichols is reappointed to a forestry industry trade association seat.

Wolfe, of Juneau, is the natural resource manager for Sealaska Corporation, the Alaska Native Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska. He has 33 years of experience as a professional forester, including 28 years in Southeast Alaska. He has worked for several Alaskan companies, Klukwan Forest Products, the Tlingit and Haida Central Council. Wolfe has been reappointed to a seat reserved for a representative of an Alaska Native corporation.

Marine Transportation Advisory Board

Governor Parnell appointed Ronald Bressette Jr. and Daniel Kelly to the Marine Transportation Advisory Board. The board issues recommendations to the department and the governor on a strategic plan that includes the mission, core values, objectives, initiatives and performance goals of the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).

Bressette, of Juneau, is the Alaska representative for the International Order of Masters, Mates and Pilots. He is a USCG master of inland waters and a first class marine pilot. He is a former chairperson of the Masters, Mates & Pilots Negotiation Committee, and a retired AMHS captain with 34 years of experience. Bressette and his wife are co-founders of the Beat the Odds, Women’s Race against Breast Cancer. Bressette is appointed to a union seat.

Kelly, of Ketchikan, is the current general manager of Alaska Marine Trucking LLC, which serves as agents for Alaska Marine Lines and Lynden Transport. He  also serves as a member of the SEAPRO board of directors. Kelly has worked in the marine transportation business in Southeast Alaska for more than 20 years. He is appointed to a seat reserved for a representative of a Ketchikan business.

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Board of Directors

Governor Parnell appointed Dennis Guhlke and reappointed Kevin Adams and Jack Schultheis to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute Board of Directors. The board promotes seafood and by-products harvested in Alaska for sale, and develops market-oriented quality specifications.

Guhlke, of Edmonds, Washington, is the president and CEO of Icicle Seafoods Inc., where he has worked since 1993. He has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. Guhlke is appointed to a large processor seat.

Adams, of Anchorage, has 38 years of experience as a driftnet boat captain in Bristol Bay. He has also worked as a contract employee for the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation and the Bering Sea Fisherman’s Association. He is a former vice president of the Great Ruby Fish Company, and the former manager for Adams Enterprises. Adams is appointed to a harvester seat.

Schultheis, of Emmonak, is a general manager for Kwik-Pak Fisheries. He has been involved in processing for 37 years, mostly in western Alaska fisheries. Schultheis is appointed to a small processor seat.

###

Governor Parnell Announces More Board Appointments

Government News

August 27, 2010, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell today announced his appointments to the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education and the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee.

Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education

Governor Parnell appointed Art Delaune, Heidi Haas and Ernest Manzie, and reappointed Julie Broyles, Eric Gebhart and Ric Nelson to the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education. The council serves as the interdepartmental planning and coordinating agency of the Department of Health and Social Services, the Department of Education and Early Development, and other departments that deliver services to people with disabilities or provide special education.

Delaune, of Fairbanks, has 15 years of experience working with developmentally disabled children. He currently works with people with disabilities at Access Alaska. Delaune is also a parent navigator for the Fairbanks Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Team under the Alaska Center for Children and Adults, a licensed foster parent, and a former terminal and operations manager for Lynden Transport. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. Delaune is appointed to a consumer seat.

Haas, of Fairbanks, is the founder and president of the Autism Society of Alaska, as well as a community member of the Play N Learn Community Head Start Program. She is also a member of the Autism Society of America and was presented the society’s Alaskan Volunteer of the Year award and the Flint Hills United Way Golden Hearts award. As the mother of a child with a disability, Haas is appointed to a secondary consumer seat.

Manzie, of Fairbanks, is the director of educational programs at the Boys and Girls Home for Family Centered Services of Alaska. Manzie served as superintendent of the Valdez City Schools and as assistant superintendent in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Manzie is appointed to a seat reserved for a special education director.

Broyles, of Anchorage, is a special education teacher at Service High School and a board member of the Alaska Down Syndrome Congress. Broyles earned a bachelor's degree in education from University of Alaska Fairbanks and a master's degree in special education from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She has 12 years of teaching experience. Broyles is appointed to a special education teacher seat.

Gebhart, of Nenana, is the superintendent of the Nenana City School District. Formerly a superintendent and principal in the Kake School district, Gebhart was also a member of the Kake Economic Development Council and Kake City Council. Gebhart is reappointed to a secondary consumer seat.

Nelson, of Anchorage, is a regional president of TASH International, an advocacy organization for people with disabilities from birth. Nelson has received an associate’s degree in small business management from the University of Alaska Anchorage and is working toward a bachelor’s degree in business management. Nelson is reappointed to a primary consumer seat.

State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee

Governor Parnell reappointed Teresa Sarabia, Pamela Stratton and Pat Wendt to the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee. The committee promotes employment of people with disabilities by creating statewide interest in rehabilitation and employment. The committee serves as the State Rehabilitation Council for Alaska to ensure compliance with federal requirements for the provision of assistive technology devices and services and the receipt of federal financial assistance.

Sarabia, of Juneau, is currently the program manager of the Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program for the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. She worked for the State of Alaska for 17 years in various departments and for 10 years in various school districts. Sarabia has worked with Alaska Native students, primarily those with disabilities, in Alaska, Oregon and Washington. She is a recipient of the Oregon Indian Education Association’s Counselor of the Year award. Sarabia is reappointed to an Alaska Native organization seat.

Stratton, of Anchorage, has served on the State Vocational Rehabilitation Committee for the past 13 years. She is the executive director and owner of ASIST Inc. and has worked with client assistance programs since 1986. Stratton is reappointed to a client assistance program seat.

Wendt, of Anchorage, is a member of Hostelling International, recently completing terms on the national and regional boards. He has served as the president of the Alaska Music Guild, Hostelling International, Anchorage, and the Alaska Council AYH. He is a former deputy director, administrator, program director and training director for the Alaska Special Olympics. Wendt was executive director of Anchorage Housing Initiatives until his medical retirement. Wendt is reappointed to a business seat. 

Study Connects Fairbanks Hospitalization Rates to Air Quality

Government News

Hospital numbers tracked over five years

(Anchorage, AK) — A study published today by the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology reveals a correlation between an increase in certain hospitalizations and an increase in the concentration of tiny atmospheric particles in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

The study, based on five years of records from Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, examined 5,718 hospital visits for conditions related to heart disease, stroke and respiratory illness following periods of higher than average amounts of particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns, known as PM_2.5.  PM_2.5 are produced by combustion from car engines, power plants, and wood stoves. The study revealed that each 10 microgram per cubic meter increase in PM_2.5 resulted in a:

• 7 percent increased risk for a stroke-related hospital visit for people under age 65;
• 6 percent increased risk for a stroke-related hospital visit for people 65 or older; and
• 6 percent increased risk for a respiratory illness-related hospital visit for people under age 65.

“Basically, this study re-affirms what has already been demonstrated in similar studies performed outside of Alaska,” said Rachel Kossover, the epidemiologist who authored the study. “People with heart and lung problems need to take air-quality warnings seriously and follow the advice of local officials.”

Air quality information for the Fairbanks North Star Borough is available by telephone at (907) 459‑1312, or online at: http://www.co.fairbanks.ak.us/airquality/.

A copy of the study is available at: http://www.epi.alaska.gov/bulletins/docs/b2010_26.pdf

A fact sheet is also available at: http://www.epi.alaska.gov/eh/airquality/FairbanksAirQualityStudyFactSheet.pdf

Petroleum Supply Monthly

Government News

Petroleum Supply Monthly

The August Petroleum Supply Monthly with June data has been released to the EIA website on Monday, August 30, 2010.



Petroleum Navigator

Data and Analysis from the Energy Information Administration

EPA, DOT Propose New Fuel Economy Labels

Government News

Agencies seek public comment on the most dramatic overhaul in the label's 30-year history

WASHINGTON - As a new generation of cars and light trucks start appearing on the market, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are jointly proposing changes to the fuel economy labels consumers see on the window of every new vehicle in dealer showrooms. The proposed rule seeks public comment on label design options and related issues. The public can view the proposed rule and labels at: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/ and submit comments as part of the rulemaking process via email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  They can also review the proposed rule at http://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy.

"We are asking the American people to tell us what they need to make the best economic and environmental decisions when buying a new car," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.  "New fuel economy labels will keep pace with the new generation of fuel efficient cars and trucks rolling off the line, and provide simple, straightforward updates to inform consumers about their choices in a rapidly changing market.  We want to help buyers find vehicles that meet their needs, keep the air clean and save them money at the pump."

"New technologies such as battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are entering the American market in greater numbers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We need to provide consumers with labels that include fuel economy and environmental information so that buyers can make better informed decisions when purchasing new vehicles."

The goal of the new fuel economy labels is to provide consumers with simple, straightforward energy and environmental comparisons across all types of vehicles, including electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.

DOT and EPA are looking to provide enhanced information on efficiency and environmental performance - including information about air pollutants, such as smog, that impact public health - to consumers. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 specifically calls on EPA and DOT to rate available vehicles according to fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions and smog forming pollutants.

EPA and DOT are proposing two new label designs for comment. One label design prominently features a letter grade to communicate the vehicle's overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions performance. The new design will also provide consumers with an estimate of the expected fuel cost savings over five years compared to an average gasoline-powered vehicle of the same model year.

The second proposed label retains the current label's focus on miles per gallon (MPG) and annual fuel costs, while updating the overall design and adding the required new comparison information on fuel economy and emissions.

Both proposed label designs expand on the content of the current label by including new information on fuel consumption, tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and smog-related emissions. The new labels would provide information on a new web-based interactive tool that can also be accessed by smart phone. This tool would allow consumers to personalize the information about a vehicle's performance.

For EVs and PHEVs, the agencies are proposing to show energy use by translating electricity consumption into miles per gallon equivalent. The proposed label designs for EVs also include energy use expressed in terms of kilowatt-hours per 100 miles.

DOT and EPA encourage public feedback on all aspects of the proposal, including which designs or design features would best help consumers compare fuel economy, fuel costs, and environmental impacts of different vehicles and across different vehicle technologies.

The agencies are proposing that the label only present information on vehicle tailpipe emissions.  Upstream emissions, which are associated with electricity generation or refining fuel, would not be displayed on the label. EPA and DOT propose to develop a website to provide consumers additional information on non-tailpipe emissions, while taking comment on other approaches to provide consumer information about lifecycle emissions across various vehicle fuels and technologies. The agencies are aiming to complete the rule in time to allow the new label to appear on the windows of as many 2012 model year vehicles as possible.

DOT and EPA are providing a 60-day public comment period that begins with the proposal's publication in the Federal Register.

More information on the proposed labels and submitting comments: http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/ and http://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy