Ketchikan Crisis Now

Big step forward within the Crisis Now framework!

Ketchikan Pretrial Services Supervisor Steve Hayburn and Ketchikan Police Officer Kim Monk have completed the Crisis Response & Intervention Train-the-Trainer Program in Palmer, Alaska.

Based on the nationally recognized CIT Memphis Model, this intensive training focused on crisis recognition, de-escalation, trauma-informed response, su***de awareness, and connecting individuals in crisis with appropriate resources and support.

As graduates of this 32 hour course training, Steve and Kim will be equipped to help expand crisis intervention training opportunities throughout our community, strengthening local response efforts and help improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health emergencies.

Thank you both for your commitment to public safety and serving our community with compassion and professionalism.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL)

Parents with an adult child dealing with substance use disorder involving either drugs or alcohol find hope and support.

Meetings are available all over the country, and lives are being changed every day. It’s not an easy journey, but you don’t have to go at it alone.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones | Support Group for Parents, Spouses, Family of Addicted Loved One You are not Parents with an adult child dealing with substance use disorder involving either drugs or alcohol find hope and support through Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL). Meetings are available all over the country, and lives are being changed every day. It’s not an easy journey, but you do...

RYC, now known as Resilient Youth and Community, has expanded with a new building full of beautiful spaces, programs and services.
"Our services now range from the Ketchikan Afterschool Program (KAP) for middle school youth to psychiatric care, parenting support, outpatient therapies, community-based day services, therapeutic treatment homes, and residential programs, including crisis stabilization. We are proud to support youth and families in Ketchikan and throughout Alaska."
See you at the Open House!

988 is mental health support available 24/7

Twenty years ago, I lost my sister to su***de.

This time of year always hits me hard. She took her life on April 26, but it took days to piece things together, searching for her until our worst fears became a reality on May 1. The stretch between those two dates always feels impossibly long... much like how impossibly long it can feel to get help when someone is in crisis.

Which is why, in the middle of this long stretch of days, seeing this paper come out felt like a rainbow in the middle of a storm — a glimpse of hope.

A new JAMA study (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2848066) found that since the 2022 launch of the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline, su***de mortality among people ages 15–34 has declined by 11% nationally — about 4,400 fewer deaths than projected. The states with the highest 988 uptake saw an 18% drop. Contacts to 988 have surged — over 16 million in the first 30 months.

More per capita are reaching out for help than in any other state. And the study found that states where more people reached out saw the biggest drops in su***de rates. Let's hope this translates to fewer Alaskans dying.

Dr. Jay Butler is fond of saying: statistics are people with the tears wiped away. This is hope for a few less tears — and a reminder of how much further we have to go.

I'm sharing this because depression festers in the darkness. Talking about my sister, talking about 988, talking about the fact that help exists — that's how we let some light in.

If you're struggling, please call or text 988. Someone is there.

Love and miss you, sis. 💛

FREE virtual conference offering a dynamic agenda of experienced presenters dedicated to su***de prevention and saving lives.
Register here:

AK Su***de Prevention Conference | Alaska Su***de Prevention Conference Messages of Resilience: Breaking the Silence, Building Strength April 22-23, 2026 | Free Virtual Event Register Now Speakers We’re thrilled to announce this year’s conference speakers! View All Speakers About the Su***de Prevention Conference The Alaska Depar...

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10am AKDT Friday April 17, May 1, May 15, and June 5

Changes to your home can keep you and your loved ones safer.

#1 10 MINUTES CAN SAVE A LIFE. Interrupting a dangerous impulse, even for a few minutes, can save a life. Making it harder for someone to find a loaded gun or medication can prevent su***de.
#2 DISPLAY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES. Knowing that there is someone available for confidential support can be helpful. Having 988 up in your home is a good reminder.

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡, 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭.

KIC can help you access local resources. We are here to listen, empower individuals, and strengthen our community.

Are you someone who needs help? Call 907-228-9203 or walk-in at our 201 Deermount Street office. We are here for you.

Alaska Su***de Risk Surveillance - Potential increase in su***de activity in Ketchikan area

April 1, 2025 | For statewide distribution

Greetings,

The Alaska Division of Behavioral Health and the Statewide Su***de Prevention Council are working with the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology to identify su***de attempt clusters in Alaska. Su***de clusters are a group of su***des or su***de attempts that occur closer together in a place and time than normally expected. The purpose of this notification is to raise awareness about the possibility that more attempts could occur and provide resources for su***de prevention.

Recently we received notification of a spike in su***de attempt activity in the Ketchikan area. According to Alaska Syndromic Surveillance, who monitors hospital emergency department data to identify su***de attempt clusters, the spike began in mid-February. Individuals at risk are youth ages 13-18.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs emotional support, call/text/chat the su***de and crisis lifeline at 988 or call Alaska Careline at 877-266-4357 to talk confidentially for free. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, call 911.

Signs of Su***de Risk:

Verbal expressions, such as “I’m thinking of ending it all.” “I might as well shoot myself.” “I can’t go on; it’s hopeless.” “Life is not worth living.” “Nothing matters anymore”

Behaviors, such as withdrawal, isolation, impulsiveness, recklessness, putting affairs in order, increased use of drugs or alcohol, expressed hopelessness

For youth, any of the above and particularly in combination with changes in sleep (increased or decreased), anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context, recent increased agitation or irritability

Considerations:

* It is okay to ask someone if they are thinking about su***de. The question should be followed up with encouragement to seek help and sharing of the resources that are available.
* A mental health crisis can come on rapidly and lead to impulsive behavior, but it is often brief and passes quickly.
* Securely store fi****ms, medications, and other substances, even temporarily, to give time for the suicidal impulse to pass.
* After a su***de death and/or attempt, there can be an increased risk for more deaths and/or attempts in the community. Identify others who may be at risk, talk to them, ask them directly if they are also thinking about su***de. Keep watch and observe. Identify a safe house for youth.
* Avoid public announcements, such as messages on VHF or Facebook that a “su***de” has occurred.
*Avoid talking with the media, newspapers or radio about the details that surround the death. The news should be shared in private and how the death occurred should only be discussed once the facts are known.
* Public or community-wide memorials are discouraged. Consider holding funeral services as a private ceremony reserved only for close family members, relatives and friends. Holding a big ceremony for someone who died by su***de could cause a vulnerable person to see death as a way to get positive attention.
* Talking about su***de, providing support to friends and family, and offering to hold small gatherings or private services are positive responses that can help with healing.
* Safe messaging should guide all informal and formal communication. Information about safe messaging can be found in the Alaska Su***de Postvention Guide: Preparing to Heal.
* Contact 988 (call, text, chat) or Alaska Careline at 1-877-266-4357 if you are worried about yourself or someone else, or if you just need to talk. These lines are open 24/7.

Questions?

The Division of Behavioral Health supports free su***de prevention trainings and other resources. For more information or to share feedback about this notification, contact aksu***[email protected].

Please share this message with your network. Sign up for future alerts here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AKDHSS/subscriber/new?topic_id=AKDHSS_274