Frequently Asked Questions

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COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES 

Q: My child needs a physical. Do you provide that service? A: During Well Child Clinics in Maternal Child Health the nurse provides a screening physical examination, including immunizations, on children up to age two but no physicals are completed in the Division. Numerous private facilities provide this service along with the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center if money is an issue. Refer Well Child Clinic questions to MCH at 343-4628. 

Q: I'm broke and have had a terrible toothache for three days. A: Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center is the only facility in town with a sliding fee scale, based on income, that provides full dental services. University of Alaska's Dental training program provides basic services such as cleaning and examinations. The Alaska Dental Society may be able to recommend dentists who will accept Medicaid or other payment plans. 

Q: I need an x-ray. A: Tuberculosis control in the Disease Prevention Control Program provides chest x- rays on selected clients as part of their examination/treatment. Refer all calls to the General Clinic at 343-4799. 

Q: I need to speak to a nurse. A: Questions on sexually transmitted disease issues should be directed to the STD Clinic at 343-4611; reproductive health, pregnancy tests, etc. to the Family Planning Clinic at 343-4623; childhood diseases, child growth and development concerns to Maternal Child Health at 343-4800; childhood and adult immunizations, TB testing, infectious diseases, health concern topics to Disease Prevention Control at 343-4799. 

Q: Where can I get my children their shots without paying for a full doctors visit? A: All of the childhood series immunizations, including TB tests, are provided free of charge through age 18 in the General Clinic. Refer specific questions on immunizations needed and charges for others to the clinic at 343-4799. 

Q: Does WIC have walk in clinics to sign up for services? A: Yes, every day of the week except Wednesday. Stand by clients are seen throughout the day. The client may be required to wait for a period of time if schedule appointments show up, but as a general rule the stand by client can be seen within 45 minutes to 1 hour. Clients must arrive with documentation (income verification, pregnancy verification from medical provider, ID for them and children, foster parents need to bring their custody papers and medical release). 

Q: I hear there is a new Hepatitis A vaccine currently available. My child has already received two of a three shot series. Must she start the series again with the new vaccine? A: Hepatitis A vaccine is given to protect individuals from the Hepatitis A virus that can cause serious liver disease. Hep A virus is highly contagious. The virus enters through the mouth, multiplies in the body and is passed in the feces. The virus can be carried on an infected person's hands and spread by direct contact or by eating food or drinking water contaminated by the Hep A virus. 

No, your child does not need to restart the series. If your child has had two doses of a three shot Hep A series, they may complete the series with either an injection of the original Havrix formulation (three shot series) or one injection from the new two shot series of Havrix vaccine. The third shot must be completed to attain protection lasting at least ten years. Refer calls to the General Clinic at 343-4799. 

Q: I stepped on a rusty nail. Do I need a shot and how long can I wait to get the shot? A: It depends on when you had your last tetanus diphtheria (Td) immunization. If it was given more than five years ago, a Td is necessary. The Td booster should be administered promptly on the day of the injury. 

If you have not completed a full primary series of tetanus toxoid (three previous tetanus toxoid doses) and sustain a contaminated or major wound, the first dose of Td should be administered as soon as possible. The second Td should be received in four weeks, followed by the third Td in six months completing the primary series. A Td is recommended every ten years for an adult who has had no contaminated wounds. Refer calls to the Epidemiology Nurse on call at 343-4605. 

Q: Can you tell me when the next health fair is being held? A: There is an organization in town called Alaska Health Fair that tracks all fairs in town. Please call 278-0234. 

Q: I need CPR training? A: The American Heart Association serves as a referral service to agencies in town that provide the training. Please call 563-3111. 

Q: Can I get a pap smear at the Municipal Health Department? A: Pap smears are provided by our Family Planning Clinic. Please call 343-4623 for appointment of further information. 

Q: Can I get birth control pills or the Depo Provera shot at the Health Department? A: Yes, these are provided in the Family Planning Clinic. Please call 343-4623 for appointment or further information. 

SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION 

Q: I need a Social Security card. My elderly parent is moving to Alaska and need to transfer her benefits (and other assorted Social Security questions). Can you help me? A: You should call or visit the Social Security Administration office. It is located in the Federal Building Annex at the corners of 9th and C Streets. The phone # is 1- 800-772-1213. 

CHILD AND ADULT CARE LICENSING 

Q: How do I get licensed to care for children? A: If you want to care for 6 or fewer children, you must attend an Orientation class and we can sign you up for one. If you want to care for 7 or more children, we will provide you with a "Phase I" application packet and discuss the procedures and plan with you. 

Q: I'm looking for a day care center for my daughter. Can you tell me about the centers in town? A: We can give you basic information on centers over the phone, but we encourage you to come in and look through the notebooks we maintain on each center, with information about training, equipment complaints, inspection results, violations, and compliments, in order to make the best choice for your child. 

SAFE CITY PROGRAM 

Q: Who should I call about the drunk person passed out in my yard? A: You can call Community Service Patrol at 227-5000 or the Anchorage Police Department at 786-8500. 

Q: What do I need to do to report child abuse? A: You need to call the State Division of Family and Youth Services at 269-4000. If you don't wish to make the call, or desire to remain anonymous, we can take your information and make a report for you. 

Q: Do you give out free bus tokens? A: No. Bus tokens are free at any of the homeless shelters and at Bean's Cafe. 

Q: Can I report child abuse to you? A: We refer callers to DFYS (269-4000). We have no authority to remove children from their homes. Only the police or the state may do that. 

Q: Where do I go to get child support? A: Child Support Enforcement is located at 550 West 7th Avenue. 

DAY CARE ASSISTANCE 

Q: Do you have a waiting list? A: Yes, but you can still make an appointment to get your name placed on the wait list. 

Q: Where's my check? A: If you submitted your billing between the 1st and 5th working day of the month, your check should be ready within 30 days of the time the billing was submitted. 

ADMINISTRATION DIVISION 

ANIMAL CONTROL 

Q: Is my pet at the animal care and control center? A: You will need to visit the center in person to see if your pet has been picked up or turned in. You are the best person to identify your pet. You can also check our website at www.muni.org/animal to see if your pet is located at the shelter. 

Q: How do I claim my pet from the center? A: Please bring all vaccination records, proof of ownership, and funds to claim your pet. We will be able to give you an impound worksheet explaining all fees when you arrive at the shelter. We prefer not to quote fees over the phone because it can easily lead to misunderstanding of the fees. 

Q: How much does it cost to adopt a pet? A: To adopt a dog the fees range from $72 to $107 depending on whether the pet is spayed or neutered and current on vaccines. A cat ranges from $57 to $107 depending on sterilization and vaccines. All dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and licensed (if required). Adoption fees include these services. We have many other species of pets available for adoption as well such as rabbits, ferrets, reptiles, birds, and other animals. Please visit our website at www.muni.org/animal to view pets available for adoption.

Q: How do I report dog barking, loose animals, animal bites, and other animal concerns? A: To request enforcement services on animal matters, please call the animal care and control center dispatch line at 343-8119. Please have information about the animal problem, animal description and where the animal lives available for the dispatcher when you call for service.

ANCHORAGE MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY

The Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery was formed in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson at the same time and using the same executive order that the Municipality of Anchorage was formed.  In an effort to provide you with easy access to information about this wonderful active and historical part of your community, the following Frequently Asked Questions are provided for your convenience.

Q: Where is the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery located?  A: The Cemetery is located between 6th and 9th Avenues and Fairbanks and Cordova Streets in Downtown Anchorage across from the Sheraton Hotel.The entrance to the Cemetery is off of Fairbanks Street.

Q: When are the Cemetery grounds open to the public?  A: The Cemetery grounds are open to the public 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm in the summer (May-October) and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in the winter (November-April).The office is open Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Q: Is the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery full?  A: Actually, we are just over half full so there is a lot of land remaining for future burials.As a matter of fact, at our current rate of burial the cemetery will not be full for at least 75 years.

Q: Can I buy a plot in the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery and how much does it cost?  A: In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson mandated that our burial land be made available, without charge, to the public.However, recognizing a need to reserve graves in particular locations and especially beside previously buried loved ones, we offer grave reservations for a one-time charge of $150.00.

Q: How much does it cost to be buried in the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery?  A: A full casket burial is $1,000.00 in the summer and $1,450.00 in the winter.

Q: What can we do if my loved one was cremated?  A: We have two options for assisting families who have loved ones that have been cremated.First, we can bury them in a location of your choice and many times this is on the existing grave of a loved one or we can place them in the Columbarium Wall.

Q: What is a Columbarium Wall?  A: A Columbarium Wall is a structure that serves both as a retaining wall and a columbarium that contains niches which hold a person’s cremated remains in an urn.

Q: Does the Cemetery offer flowers for sale and placement on the grave of my friend or loved one?  A: The Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery offers a Floral Placement Plan with several different pricing options for your convenience.We insure that floral arrangements are placed by our staff on the days you designate throughout the year.

Q: When are the clean-up days for the Cemetery grounds? A: All decorations (except those on burials of less than 30 days) will be removed on the first and third Wednesday of every month from May through October.

Q: Where can I purchase a marker or headstone for my loved one’s grave?  A: If you were pleased with the service you received from the Funeral Home, we always encourage you to use them as your first choice for ordering a marker.However, there are other businesses available in the local area which offer this service and you can call our office for a list at (907) 343-6814

Q: Does the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery have a web site? A: Yes, please visit us at www.muni.org/cemetery.One of the best features of this site is that you can search for your loved ones’ information and location at the Master Burial List as well as print out a map to their grave.

Q: How can I contact the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery for more information?  A: You can contact the cemetery office directly at (907) 343-6814 or you can email the Director at wardendb@muni.org.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 

I/M-VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAM 

Q: Can I get a seasonal waiver for my vehicle that I only drive part of the year? 
A: You can get a "Seasonal Waiver" for any vehicle that meets all of the following criteria: 

1. The vehicle cannot be used i an I/M are during the period from November 1 through March 31.
2. The person who signs the application for the waiver acknowledges that the vehicle will not be driven during the closed period.        
3. A Seasonal Use Waiver may be used for vehicle registration purposes or to transfer the title. To apply for a Seasonal Waiver contact the customer service counter located on the 5th floor of DHHS, or call (907)-343-4200.

FOOD SAFETY & SANITATION 

Q: How can I contact the Food Safety program?
A: Customer Service Counter Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am–5:00pm.
Telephone: 907-343-4200
Fax: 907-343-4786

Location:
825 "L" Street, Anchorage, AK
Customer Service Counter

Mailing Address:
Municipality of Anchorage
Department of Health and Human Services
Food Safety & Sanitation Program
PO Box 196650
Anchorage, Alaska 99519-6650 

Q: Who is required to have a Food Establishment Health Permit? A: Any person who operates a food establishment is required to have a valid permit. “Food establishment” means the premises where any activity occurs that is related to the preparation, processing, packaging, storage, transportation, display, sale, service, or salvaging of food for human consumption; a food establishment does not include a private dwelling, including a vessel used solely as a private dwelling, where food is prepared for consumption by family members or nonpaying guests.

Q: How long is the Food Establishment Permit valid? A: All permits expire on December 31 of the year in which they are issued, except seasonal and temporary permits, which expire after the period for which they are issued. Temporary permits are valid for the duration of the specific event specified on the application. 

Q: When is a Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit required? A: A temporary permit is required for short-term food operations, there are two types: 

1. Temporary food service: A type of food service at one location for no more than 21 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event.
2. Temporary food service - Seasonal:   A type of food service that operates at the same location no more than 2 days in any one week for a time period not more than 120 consecutive days.

Q: What do I need to do to apply for a permit? A: For detailed information, please call 343-4200 and request the DHHS handout "Guidelines for applying for a Health Permit for a Food Service Establishment." Below is a brief outline of requirements: 

• Submit a completed application form with fees to the Environmental Sanitation Program at the Environmental Services customer counter, 825 L Street , or by mail.        
• Submit verification of manager certification.
• Before construction begins for new or remodeled facilities, plans must be submitted for review and approved.
• Applications for Mobile Units must be accompanied by a certificate of insurance satisfactory to the municipal risk manager that demonstrates the mobile food facility is supported by insurance required by AMC 16.60.030.D. An operator of a mobile unit must also apply for a Roving Vendor Permit through the Municipal Clerk's office. For more information on the Roving Vendor Permit, please call the Clerk's office at 343-4311.

Q: What training am I required to have and where can I get the required manager certification? A: The operator of a food facility must demonstrate knowledge of food safety and foodborne illness. This knowledge may be demonstrated by obtaining a certificate of completion from an approved food safety and sanitation training course with duration of 8 hours for full food service operations and 4 hours for limited food service operations. Approved programs require satisfactory completion of a written test prior to awarding a certificate. The food establishment operator may challenge the training course by completing a written test. Certificates are valid for three years. Approved food safety courses are currently (as of 9/05/07) offered through the following organizations: 

Alaska CHARR 274-8133
Doyon Universal Services 522-1300
Thomson Prometric 1-800-786-3926 X3257
JAF Food Safety & Consulting 333-5369
NANA 565-3300
Northern Hospitality Training & Consulting 644-4747
SF Consulting 250-2188
Training Achievement Program 1-888-826-5222

The operator of a temporary or temporary-seasonal food establishment may obtain a manager certificate through DHHS in lieu of the above stated training requirements. DHHS training requires successful completion of a written test. This certificate is valid for three years. 

Q: Is another permit required for operations outside the Municipality of Anchorage? A: Yes, the DHHS Food Service Establishment Health Permit is valid only for operations within the corporate limits of the Municipality of Anchorage.  Food facility operators in other areas of Alaska must apply for a permit to the State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation. In Anchorage, call 269-7501. 

Q: If I have a permit for my food facility through the State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation, do I also need a DHHS Food Service Establishment Health Permit to operate in the Municipality of Anchorage?   A: Yes. The Anchorage Municipal Code 16.60 requires all food facilities operating within the Municipality of Anchorage to have a DHHS Food Service Establishment Health Permit. 

Q: When is a plan review required?   A: When constructing or remodeling a food facility a plan review is required and department approval is necessary before construction begins. 

Q: Can homemade foods be sold or given away at a permitted food facility? A: No. Food prepared in a private home may not be used or offered for human consumption in a food establishment.