Ketchikan Behavioral Health Task Force

I was heartbroken to learn about the passing of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who I got to know over the years through my Let’s Move! initiative and visits to The Ellen Show. Stephen was an incredible force—someone who radiated kindness and positivity, and made sure that people around him could feel it, too. We felt his spirit in every dance, every DJ set, every piece of creativity that he brought to life. My heart goes out to his wife, Allison, and their three children, Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.

And if any of you out there are struggling and need someone to talk to, please know that you are never alone. There is always someone ready to help. You can call or text the su***de and crisis hotline by dialing 988.

Great opportunity to support yourself as a parent

Fall/Winter Circle of Security and Parenting the Love and Logic Way.
Call 907-225-7825 to register.

This FREE training opportunity can potentially lead to a career in supporting others.

Have you experienced and recovered from trauma, addiction, or mental illness? Or, have you supported a partner, child, or member of your immediate family in their recovery? Use those lived experiences to help others!

The Ketchikan Wellness Coalition is excited to host a week long in person Peer Support Specialist training at KFD Station 1. This training is provided at no cost through support of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the State of Alaska Division of Behavioral Health. The certificate after completing this training course allows the participant to gain employment as a peer. It's the start towards being state certified.

For more information about peer support training and certification, please visit:
https://alaskabehavioralhealth.org/trainings/peer-support-training/
https://akcertification.org/peer-support-professionals/

Today is WORLD su***de prevention day.

is a reminder that there is an alternative to su***de. Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

How can you and help prevent su***de?

FRIDAY: Be the one to...follow up.
Studies have also shown that brief, low cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an important part of su***de prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.

It's National Su***de Prevention Week - a time to share resources and stories and promote su***de prevention awareness. We are sharing how YOU can for someone.
THURSDAY: Be the one to...help them stay connected.

Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.

It's Su***de Prevention Week - join us each day to learn one way you can support someone and prevent su***de.
WEDNESDAY: Keep them safe.
A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, su***de rates by that method decline, and frequently su***de rates overall decline. Remove/reduce the means.

It's Su***de Prevention Week - join us each day to learn one way you can support someone and prevent su***de.
Tuesday: Be the one to...be there.

Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful by after speaking to someone who listens without judgment
***deprevention

It's Su***de Prevention Week - join us each day to learn one way you can support someone and prevent su***de.
MONDAY: Be the one to...Ask.
Research shows people who are having thoughts of su***de feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about su***de may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

***deprevention

September is su***de prevention month. Take those moments for yourself…they are just as important as everything else.

To honor September as Su***de Prevention Awareness Month, we invite all Alaskans to join wellness activities that focus on self-care, creating connections to improve your overall mental health and how to help yourself and others who may be having thoughts of su***de and experiencing a mental health crisis.

Join and complete our survey for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card! Participate at: anthc.org/TYHS

Participating also reminds us of the new, easy-to-remember number in su***de prevention: 988. Call or text 988 to connect to the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.