12/05/2025
🌟 We are proud to celebrate Commissioner Kim Kovol, a graduate of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Alaska Anchorage’s College of Health. Commissioner Kovol’s leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in advancing Bruce’s Law and strengthening efforts to prevent substance use tragedies. Her commitment to public education, community well-being, and youth empowerment reflects the very heart of social work values taught at UAA.
"At UAA, I became a LEND Fellow and earned my Master of Social Work, which prepared me for my work in Governor Mike Dunleavy’s office and now as Commissioner of the Department of Family and Community Services,” said Commissioner Kovol. “That journey allowed me to support Bruce’s Law, something that means so much to families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl. This law honors their pain by giving young people the knowledge they need to make safer choices."
We are honored to see an alumna of our program making such a profound impact at both the state and federal levels! 💚💛
BRUCE’S LAW & HR 2483 | On Monday, President Donald J. Trump signed the “SUPPORT for Patients and Communications Reauthorization Act of 2025” (HR 2483), which reauthorizes programs related to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Alaskan and clinical psychologist Sandy Snodgrass, the mother of a victim named Bruce, was present at the signing with the President.
“Bruce’s Law,” a component of this legislation, was officially introduced in the United States Congress in 2022 by Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan (as well as Senator Dianne Feinstein of California and Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire).
In Alaska, Snodgrass is a founder of the AK Fentanyl Response Project, a project dedicated to sharing her story as a means of increasing awareness and advocating for legislative action, as well as the importance of Naloxone Kit availability and training. Additionally, Snodgrass is actively involved with and has co-founded additional organizations that provide support and advocacy for families of the victims of overdoses.
With the President at the signing were supporters of the legislation, including Department of Family and Community Services Commissioner Kovol, Congressman Brett Guthrie (Kentucky), and Ohio Senator Jon Husted.
Commissioner Kovol began working with Snodgrass in a previous role as a special assistant in the Office of the Governor for Governor Mike Dunleavy. Since that initial work, Commissioner Kovol has continued to champion Snodgrass and this cause at the federal level, advocating for public education and awareness regarding the dangers of fentanyl.
“Bruce’s Law is an important step in protecting young people across Alaska and throughout the country. When we give youth clear, honest education about the dangers of fentanyl, we empower them to make safer choices and we prevent tragedies before they happen,” said Commissioner Kovol about the legislation. “This law honors those we’ve lost by helping save the lives of countless others."
Learn more about opioid prevention and recovery through the Alaska Department of Health: health.alaska.gov/en/education/drugs-and-alcohol/opioids-prevention-and-recovery
Learn more about the Department of Family and Community Services: dfcs.alaska.gov
📸: Thank you to the White House photographer for providing this photo.
