STATE CAPITOL PO. Box ?000] luneau, AK 998ll-0001 907?465-3500 550 West Seventh Avenue, Suite [700 Anchorage. AK 907-269-7450 Governor Michael J. Dunleaw STATE OF ALASKA February 7, 2019 Janelle D. McCutchen MPH, CHES Chief, Shortage Designation Branch Division of Policy and Shortage Designation Bureau of Health Workforce Health Resources and Services Administration 5600 Fishers Lane, 11W17B Rockville, Maryland 20857 Dear Dr. McCutchen: I am requesting the designation of Census Tract 4 within the City and Borough of Juneau, in Alaska, as an Exceptional Medically Underserved Population (MUP), Homeless. The municipality of Juneau consists of two primary population centers connected by road; downtown Juneau and Douglas, and the Mendenhall Valley. Census Tract 4, also on the road system; is located between these population centers in an area of residential and commercial development. The Lemon Creek Correctional Center, a private non-pro?t behavioral health agency; correctional and rehabilitation services; and Forget-Me-Not Manor, a facility for people experiencing homelessness, are located in the target area. People reentering the community after incarceration contribute to the high-needs population of this area. People in Census Tract 4 are almost twice as likely to live below the poverty line compared to the total City and Borough of Juneau. For youth 18 years old and younger the rate is almost three times the City and Borough of Juneau, in general. The level of homelessness in Juneau is three time the national average. Yet there are few medical services located in Census Tract 4. The nearest Federally Quali?ed Health Center is located in downtown Juneau, about six miles away. The City and Borough of Juneau is not accessible by road from other communities, rendering travel to other communities very expensive. Designating an Exceptional Medically Underserved Population (MUP), Homeless, in Census Area 4 in the City and Borough of Juneau will provide the opportunity to increase local health resources and provide affordable health care. Sincerely, Michael J. Dunleavy Governor cc: Adam Crum, Commissioner, Department of Health Social Services