The 3-digit number for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support, 9-8-8, became operational in Alaska on July 16. The numbers for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255 – and Careline Alaska – 877-266-HELP – do still work.
in AlaskaLeah Van Kirk, statewide suicide prevention coordinator with the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health, said 988 “provides an easy to remember three-digit number for someone to use when they’re in crisis or when they’re in emotional distress.”
based in Fairbanks. Counselors are trained to respond to a crisis, provide emotional support and connect callers with local resources. Confidential support is available to anyone in crisis, including non-English speakers and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. In 2020, the suicide rate in Alaska was 28.1 per 100,000 people, more than twice the national average, according to Van Kirk. That same year, suicide was the second leading cause of death overall for youth and young adults ages 15 to 34 in Alaska. It’s also preventable.
Between 2017 and 2020, Careline Alaska received over 20,000 calls each year. Van Kirk expects that to go up with the implementation of 988. The state has allocated $1.3 million to support increases in staffing, technology and a small media campaign targeting youth and young adults. The money comes from COVID-19 Supplemental and American Rescue Plan Act Mental Health Block grant funding.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Search on for woman after child, car found stuck in AlaskaAuthorities are searching for a grandmother whose two-year-old grandchild was found alone and abandoned for two days in a locked car that was stuck in mud on a rural Alaska road.
Read more »
Search on for woman after child, car found stuck in AlaskaAuthorities are searching for a grandmother whose two-year-old grandchild was found alone and abandoned for two days in a locked car that was stuck in mud on a rural Alaska road.
Read more »
Search on for woman after child, car found stuck in AlaskaAuthorities are searching for a grandmother whose two-year-old grandchild was found alone and abandoned for two days in a locked car that was stuck in mud on a rural Alaska road.
Read more »
International conflicts drive increase in refugees, others arriving in AlaskaThe state refugee coordinator for Catholic Social Services says her office typically works with about 150 new arrivals per year. This year, largely due to the conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine, they've already enrolled more than 275 people.
Read more »
Alaska travelers hope when it comes to airfares, what goes up must come downAlaska travel columnist Scott McMurren says airfares are likely to be lower in the fall after reaching dizzying heights this summer, and he recommends cashing in frequent flyer miles if you have them:
Read more »
Gambell National Guard members to receive Alaska Heroism Medal for 1955 rescueFour members of the Gambell First Scouts were seal fishing in June of 1955 when a Navy plane crash-landed after taking fire from Soviet jets. Along with several others, they rescued the injured air crew and used umiaks to get them safely to Gambell.
Read more »