ALASKA: Public Health Releases Five-Year Suicide Prevention Plan

February 16, 2018

News Type:  Weekly Spark, Weekly Spark News
Speaker:  Alaska

Peninsula Clarion

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has released a statewide suicide prevention plan. An update to the 2012 to 2017 version, the five-year plan seeks to expand prevention efforts across the state. It calls for Alaskans to reach six main goals: (1) accept responsibility for suicide prevention; (2) prevent and lessen the impact of trauma, substance abuse, and other risk factors for suicide; (3) coordinate prevention efforts; (4) have immediate access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services; (5) support survivor healing; and (6) have access to quality data and research. The plan includes strategies for accomplishing each goal and guidance for individuals, communities, policymakers, and providers on how to contribute to prevention efforts. The strategies outlined in the plan align with the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the American Indian and Alaska Native National Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.

Spark Extra! Read the complete plan.