Community-driven reporting on people & programs solving Alaska’s problems

A group of people packing medical supplies into red boxes

State to put opioid emergency kits in seafood plants and harbors across Southeast Alaska

“We absolutely do feel safer,” one plant manager said about having overdose prevention resources on hand.
an older woman stands in front of her house with her hands at her waist and looks downward with a smile

For 13 years she’s cared for her husband who has memory loss. Now she’s looking for help.

The number of Alaskans with memory loss is set to nearly double by 2030. Resources to help are limited, but navigators help caregivers find them.

New community fridge aims to ease hunger in Anchorage

For Alaskans looking to get something to eat, it’s as easy as walking up and taking it.
A portrait of a woman outside

Asking the right questions can stop eating disorders from progressing, experts say

“One of the most important things is to identify an eating disorder early before you get the complications,” said Dr. Rachel Lescher.

US Army Alaska commander says soldier suicide prevention is top priority

That's after the numbers jumped from eight suicides in 2019 and seven in 2020 to 17 in 2021 that are either confirmed or suspected suicides.
A woman with brown curly hair and a grey sweater sits at a table in a school counselor office with a high school student who is wearing a black hoodie and a glasses.

An alternative high school in Anchorage is focusing on mental health to help students graduate

Karen Hobart said her main goal as a school counselor is to help kids graduate, and that means looking at a lot more than just their grades or the number of credits they’ve earned. She also connects them to resources like food, safe transportation, or different types of mental health care. 
a person sits in a makeshift studio next to a mic in a bedroom

Recovering out loud: How one Alaskan created a podcast to support his sobriety and help others too

Through podcasting, music and story sharing, Ralph Sara is working to make people see that recovery from addiction is possible.
An Alaska Native woman stitches some pieces of leather

IñuPiphany aims to teach Alaska Native women craft skills in Anchorage — and help beat addiction

Helen Lane says the space’s twin purpose fills a void in Anchorage, where many Native women don’t have access to elders’ knowledge about crafts and where many struggle with drug addiction and alcoholism.
Young Black man smiles slightly while standing next to a blue sign that reads "Benny Benson Alternative High School Congratulations Graduates Class of 2022."

How to help people understand the complexity of mental health

An Anchorage teenager made major shifts in his approach to life and is about to graduate high school. He never saw a therapist, never thought about mental health. But mental health is tied to all of it.
A street view of people walking and biking in front of a red general store.

SPECIAL Talk of Alaska: Talkeetna community members discuss social isolation

The pandemic brought on a level of loneliness that many of us haven’t encountered before. Even two years in, we’re just beginning to understand how our communities and relationships have been affected.

People harm themselves to cope with big emotions. You can help them heal.

Self-harm is a coping mechanism and a call for help. It can also be extremely hard to talk about.
two people showing a gift in an office

At this mental health drop-in center in Fairbanks, members say ‘you can just be you’

The Northern Hope Center is a free, member-driven drop-in center for adults with serious mental illnesses that gives people a social safety net free from judgment.
A person weaving.

Qawalangin Tribe uses traditional craft as a route to wellness

Beginner weaving, beading and embroidery are just a few of the themed craft nights that have been hosted so far.
two staff from CITC lead a class on suicide intervention

Talk of Alaska: Crisis Now and mental health resources

When you're in the middle of a mental health crisis you need help immediately but options are often limited and inappropriate. Organizations around Alaska are working to change that and connect people with the support they need.

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