Mental Health

Alaska health news that specifically deals with mental health. (This category is broken out because it is a grant requirement. These stories should also be categorized as “health.)

New Covey Cafe gives at-risk youth a chance to shine

A new coffee house is teaching at-risk youth life and work skills. This story was produced by residents of Covenant House, a youth shelter in Anchorage.

“The Anatomy of Peace”- how to stand against hate and fear

University of New England Philosophy Professor, Dr. Subrena Smith and Line One co-host Prentiss Pemberton discuss how each of us can work as individuals and as communities to promote unity and connection in this time of fear driven conflict and talks about how to counter the escalating Nationalism we are seeing many of today's so called civilized societies. Thanks for listening!
Looking east on 5th Avenue at H Street in Downtown Anchorage.

Making communities livable for people of all ages

What makes you want to stay in the community where you live? Is it easy to get around? Do you feel connected to your neighbors? Everything from building new playgrounds to giving people access to computers helps make a livable community.

Taking action to reduce substance misuse

Substance use disorders are diseases caused by many factors. Preventing and treating them requires input from everyone, not just law enforcement and health professionals. Those are some of the key messages in the state’s new opioid action plan. On Talk of Alaska we’ll discuss the plan and the ways you can be part of the solutions.

Public health data shows 13 percent rise in Alaska suicides

New report comes beside a study documenting the presence of drugs and alcohol in incidents of self-harm.

Emotional coaching: The heart of parenting

Line One co-host Prentiss Pemberton and Anchorage therapist, Mandy Casurella, discuss an approach to parenting that focuses on identifying and validating a child’s feelings, so they can learn the critical skill of managing their emotions in a way that promotes self-awareness and self-regulation. Thanks for listening!

Envisioning recovery and rebuilding a life in Noatak

Karen Mitchell is the Behavioral Health Aide in Noatak, a small village in the Northwest Arctic. Twenty-five years ago, as she stared out the window of her home there, such a future seemed impossible.

Understanding schizophrenia

Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the world’s population and is one of the most feared and misunderstood mental health health problems that a person can experience. What do we know so far about the causes of Schizophrenia? What are the common misconceptions about this disorder? And, what does the research tell us about the effectiveness of the treatment options? Thanks for listening!

When a step back into prison is really a jump forward on the road to recovery

Alexandria Niksik has been in and out of prison for seven years. Her most recent return home only lasted 16 days. But what might look like failure from the outside is actually a key step toward success and recovery from alcohol misuse.

Karluk Manor evacuated, turns to church for shelter

When the earthquake struck, the 46 residents of Karluk Manor had nowhere safe to go until a church quickly opened their doors.

Helping people who are homeless with improved behavioral health care

Addressing issues of homelessness in Anchorage means improving the mental health care system.

Medicaid decision allows more beds for substance abuse treatment

Medicaid has an old rule that says it won't pay for substance abuse treatment if a facility has more than 16 beds. Alaska can now ignore that restriction.
Jessica Lahey's The Gift of Failure

“The Gift Of Failure”- Are our kids growing up “failure deprived?”

Line One Co-host Prentiss Pemberton and his guest, author and teacher, Jessica Lahey discuss the unintended consequences of protecting our kids from the gifts and lessons learned by experiencing heartache, defeat, struggle, and failure. Thanks for listening!

Fairbanks City Council OKs measure authorizing removal, cleanup of homeless camps

Fairbanks Police Chief Eric Jewkes told the council the ordinance is needed to allow officers to evict homeless people from illegal camps and remove and clean up the sites.
An aerial view of green farmland with a mountainous backdrop.

State asks for new housing units to help Alaskans in recovery

$2 million in federal funds could spread up to 10 new recovery residences around the state to assist Alaskans re-entering community.

Alaska Municipal League panel spotlights statewide housing shortages, homelessness

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is working with statewide partners to hire a rural homelessness coordinator.
Pill on cash

Medicaid, Kids, and Mental Health Services- Something Is Wrong

Drug abuse, domestic violence, and poverty rates are all very high in Alaska and impact many young people who are supported by Medicaid. A problem arises, however, when Medicaid recipients try to access mental health services. Thanks for listening!
Dr. Kevin Krein of the University of Alaska Southeast.

Going Deep: Skiing, Climbing and Philosophy

Dr. Kevin Krein discusses the significance of nature sports on Western culture, the value of these activities and how they shape the relationship of humans to the natural environment.  Thanks for listening!

Help for those in need for the holiday season

The lead up to the holidays can be fun and exciting, but it can also be stressful and lonely. Financial pressure in the season of gifts and big meals can strain family budgets and what about those who are alone? On the next Talk of Alaska we'll hear from community members who help connect people to everything from food and housing to job assistance and friendship. Listen now
Second Chances: stories of hope, addiction and recovery

Second Chances: Stories of hope, addiction and recovery in Alaska

As part of National Recovery Month in September, Recover Alaska held a storytelling event where people in recovery shared their stories of overcoming addiction.  Thanks for listening!