In 2008, the Kawerak Wellness Program received funding through The US Department of Health and Human Services / SAMHSA to implement the Bering Strait Suicide Prevention Initiative. Wellness funds have been used to raise awareness of our shared issues and opportunities. Repairing the foundation of a community is a long process requiring awareness, education, financial support, leadership, role models, and proactive actions by community members. The Bering Strait Region has witnessed all of this to varying degrees in each of our communities through the Wellness program.

This remarkable program provided the funding over a three-year period to:

1. Establish a Regional Coalition and Village Coalition in each community to address Wellness and Suicide Prevention goals.
2. Empower youth to support each other through a BSSD Youth Leaders Program in grades 9-12.
3. Implement an education program to train parents, service providers, young adults, Coalition members, law enforcement, and others in Suicide Intervention.
4. Host an Annual Youth Wellness Summit.

Implemented in the following:

• The Peer Helpers Program will be implemented in all 15 sites of the Bering Strait School District. The program encourages leadership skills, healthy activities, and peer education to address suicide, substance abuse, attendance, and other issues.
• Suicide Prevention Training such as ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) for service providers and community members. This program helps identify warning signs, teaches intervention, listening, and communication skills.
• The Mentoring Program will identify community role models to teach skills like hunting, carving, sewing, machine repair, and problem solving. Life skills that will allow them to develop a sense of identity and belonging through their actions and contributions.
• Story Circles with Elders will encourage students to learn and document their traditional language and culture.
• Annual Youth Summit will be a time where youth will come together from each village to learn and discuss new skills, goals, issues, and recognize their achievements.
• The Village Coalitions will open communication among their communities to encourage wellness based on their strengths and experience. They will also work with The Wellness Program and the Regional Coalition to identify gaps and resources.
• The Regional Coalition consists of representatives from the following: an Elder, a BSSD Youth Leader, Village Coalition representatives, NSHC, a representative from Behavioral Health, Bering Strait School District, Nome Youth Facility, Kawerak’s Children and Family Service Committee Members, and the Wellness Program Staff. The Regional Coalition is a support network for the Village Coalitions.

Current Situation

Communities in the Bering Strait Region and in other rural areas of the State of Alaska have benefited immensely from the SAMHSA Wellness funds. Community consciousness is changing. New commitments to healthy living are witnessed each day. Residents in rural Alaska are increasingly aware of the impact of their choices and are striving to increase Wellness for themselves and their communities. We look toward continuity of purpose with the understanding that transition is a process. Suicides continue at an alarming rate, while alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and widespread depression remain high. Intuitively our communities know that our efforts will continue long-term in order to overcome these problems.

Recommendation

Continued funding through SAMHSA and other constituents will help keep the Wellness Initiative alive in rural Alaska. Kawerak requests that this funding be continued in the support of activities in awareness, education, leadership, role models, proactive community-based legal alternatives, cultural emphasis on health, and community commitment. These actions have made a difference and they will continue to make a difference. Our communities can feel it. They know that there is a long road ahead and the effort is worth every step.

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