HCR 5 Summary

• Requests the Governor establish disease prevention as a primary healthcare model in Alaska, citing low vitamin D levels in the state due to northern latitude and seven months of inadequate ultraviolet B exposure annually

• Encourages the Department of Health and Social Services and healthcare providers to increase vitamin D deficiency screening, blood testing, and public awareness of vitamin D's health benefits and cancer survival potential

• Urges the Department of Health and Social Services to promote vitamin D supplements for elderly populations to prevent bone loss, falls, and fractures

• Directs the Department to compare influenza vaccination effectiveness against vitamin D supplementation and investigate vitamin D as a cost-effective alternative for preventing influenza in low-risk adult populations

• Urges promotion of vitamin D supplements for pregnant women and infants to prevent pregnancy complications, preterm births, type 1 diabetes, and rickets