Application Express :: Variable In Exception?

I am using Oracle 9i. The code is also PL/SQL cartridge web application code.

My problem is that while trying to assign a value within an exception, it is not being accessed correctly in a Javascript function
It is as if it is not being set. The value stays "N".

CREATE OR REPLACE PACKAGE BODY CIRC_PORT.pk_start_runs IS
v_alert_msg varchar2(1) := 'N';
BEGIN
runjob(param_1,
param_2,

[code]...

The retrieved value, v_alert_msg, should be referenced in a JavaScript function each time a Submit button is hit:

function doSubmit( theForm )
{
var vacpack_error = "'||*v_alert_msg*||'";
if (vacpack_error == "N") / -- ALWAYS DOES THIS -- /
{
<do something>
}
else
{
<do something>