The first territorial public health laws were enacted in 1919. A Health Dept. was created in 1921, although no money was appropriated until 1923. The Bureau of Education provided health education and services to Alaska natives from the early 1900's until 1931, when that responsibility went to Bureau of Indian Affairs and later, the U.S. Public Health Service. In 1959, when the Territory of Alaska became a state, the functions of the Dept. of Health (originally the Health Dept.), the Board of Health, the Dept. of Public Welfare, the Board of Public Welfare, the Dept. of Juvenile Institutions, the Advisory Hospital Council, and the Water Pollution Control Board were transferred to the newly created Dept. of Health and Welfare. In 1971, the name changed to Dept. of Health and Social Services. [From: Alaska's Heritage, by J. Antonson and Wm. Hanable, c. 1992.].
From the description of Dept. of Health and Social Services collection [graphic], ca. 1940-1960. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 54995245
