State Gathers Input on Opioid Epidemic From Nome and Other Communities, Forming Response Plan
![The Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention hosted a town hall meeting in Nome about the opioid epidemic. Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2018)](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Opioid-Discussion-900x1200.jpg)
A team from the Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention is working to educate communities as well as help them help themselves respond to the opioid epidemic. Five employees with various offices and expertise under the Department of Health and Social Services hosted a roundtable discussion in Nome on Tuesday about opioids.
Aukongak Given Flat Sentence of Four Years for Distributing Opioids and Heroin in 2016
![Alaskans awaiting arraignment in Nome's courthouse. Photo: Matthew F. Smith, KNOM file.](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2014-12-15-Diomede-034-2432px-1200x800.jpg)
The District Attorney in Nome, John Earthman, reminded the courtroom that Rayne Aukongak had a prior conviction from 2011 for similar charges to what he faces now. Judge Romano DiBenedetto ultimately decided to sentence Aukongak to serve one consecutive year for each count against him, adding up to a flat sentence of four years.