Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Alaska Mental Health Trust | Advocacy & Mental Health Resources
Founded in 1956, the Alaska Mental Health Trust is a state corporation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injuries. Our mission is to provide leadership in advocacy, planning, implementing, and funding a comprehensive integrated mental health program for Alaskans. With a fiduciary responsibility to manage over one million acres of land and non-cash assets, we generate revenue to support beneficiaries through grants, crisis response programs, and community-based initiatives.Our work focuses on disability justice, behavioral health crisis response, beneficiary employment, and workforce development. Governed by an independent board of trustees, we collaborate with state agencies, nonprofits, and tribal entities to ensure equitable access to mental health services. Our commitment to transparency, public engagement, and systemic change reflects our dedication to ending stigma and fostering long-term solutions for Alaska's most vulnerable populations.
Services
Grants Administration
Behavioral Health Crisis Response
Beneficiary Support Programs
Land Management
Mineral Resource Development
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience managing Alaska's mental health trust resources.
- Our $20 million annual grant program supports community-based mental health initiatives statewide.
- We implement the nationally recognized Crisis Now model for behavioral health response.
- Our land and mineral management generates sustainable revenue for beneficiary programs.
- We prioritize disability justice and employment opportunities for mental health beneficiaries.
What people say
Effective crisis response programs
Significant community grant investments
Strong focus on mental health advocacy
Services
Grants Administration
We distribute approximately $20 million annually through grants to support mental health programs, nonprofit organizations, and state agencies serving Trust beneficiaries. Our funding priorities include crisis response systems, disability justice initiatives, and workforce development programs. These grants help communities implement sustainable solutions for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.
Behavioral Health Crisis Response
Our Crisis Now model provides a comprehensive system for behavioral health emergencies, featuring 24/7 crisis call centers, mobile crisis teams, and stabilization facilities. This approach ensures appropriate care for individuals experiencing mental health crises while reducing reliance on law enforcement and emergency rooms. The program operates in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and the Mat-Su Valley.
Land Management
We manage over one million acres of Alaskan land through sustainable forestry practices, timber sales, and land exchanges. Revenue from these activities supports beneficiary programs while maintaining ecological balance. Our land use planning prioritizes long-term value preservation and responsible resource utilization across diverse ecosystems.
Mineral Resource Development
We oversee mineral exploration and development on Trust lands, including gold, copper, and construction materials. Competitive leasing programs and material sales generate income while ensuring environmental compliance. Our geological expertise guides responsible extraction practices in Alaska's Interior and Southeast regions.
Beneficiary Support Programs
We implement initiatives focused on beneficiary employment, disability justice, and crisis prevention. These programs address systemic barriers through policy advocacy, workforce training, and community partnerships. Our approach emphasizes beneficiary input and early intervention strategies to improve long-term outcomes.
People
Mary Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Mary Wilson leads the Trust Authority with over 25 years of executive experience in public health administration. She oversees strategic operations and ensures alignment with the Trust's mission to improve mental health services across Alaska.
Katie Baldwin
Chief Operating Officer
Katie Baldwin manages day-to-day operations with expertise in program implementation. She coordinates cross-functional teams to execute the Trust's strategic initiatives and community engagement efforts.
Jusdi Warner
Executive Director
Jusdi Warner directs Trust Land Office operations, bringing extensive experience in resource management. He oversees land and mineral development programs that generate revenue for beneficiary services.
Eric Boyer
Senior Program Officer
Eric Boyer specializes in mental health policy and program development. He works closely with community partners to implement crisis response systems and beneficiary support initiatives.
Karsten Eden
Chief Geologist
Dr. Karsten Eden leads geological operations with expertise in mineral resource assessment. He manages exploration projects and leasing programs for Trust-owned mineral assets.
Questions
What populations does the Trust serve?
We serve Alaskans with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injuries through grants and community programs.
How does the Trust generate revenue?
Revenue comes from land management activities including timber sales, mineral leasing, and real estate development that fund beneficiary programs.
What is the Crisis Now model?
Crisis Now is a national framework we implement featuring 24/7 call centers, mobile crisis teams, and stabilization facilities for behavioral health emergencies.
How can organizations apply for grants?
Organizations serving Trust beneficiaries can apply through our competitive grant process with funding available for community-based mental health initiatives.
What land management practices do you use?
We employ sustainable forestry, responsible mineral extraction, and strategic land exchanges while prioritizing long-term value preservation for future beneficiaries.
How is the Trust governed?
An independent board of trustees appointed by the governor oversees operations, ensuring compliance with our fiduciary responsibilities to beneficiaries.
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