Surveys were conducted to identify alcohol-related and fetal alcohol syndrome training and resource needs of health care providers in the state of Alaska. Surveys were mailed to all obstetrician/gynecologists, pediatricians, family practitioners, and public health nurses in 1992 and 1993. The majority of respondents (95-100%) agreed it was their role to address alcohol abuse problems among their patients and their patient's families. The health care providers feeling very or somewhat prepared to deal with alcohol issues were more likely to report that they always refer alcohol-abusing patients to alcohol treatment programs (52% of 158) than those feeling unprepared (24% of 68) (Prevalence ratio 2.2, 95% CI [1.4, 3.5]). The survey results identify a need to facilitate referrals from health care providers. Training to improve provider's level of preparation in dealing with patients in the area of alcohol abuse is indicated and may enhance referrals to treatment services.