Behavioral Health Resources - May 29, 2020

May 29th, 2020 Resource Bulletin

Current Alaska, National & International Resources and Key Updates on:
Mental Health  |  Substance Misuse & Recovery  |  Suicide Prevention & Postvention  |  Justice Involved  |  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Miss our last email? Past e-bulletins are posted in the left column on both the ABADA and AMHB websites.

2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) Results

The Alaska Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDPHP) released the 2019 YRBS findings which surveyed 1,875 high school students statewide regarding their health and safety. Findings show a significant increase in the percentage of adolescents vaping, feeling sad and hopeless, and attempting suicide. There is also new data regarding topics of homelessness, bullying, and access to a loaded gun.

To read the CDPHP newsletter on the results, click here. 

For the Survey Highlights Report, click here.

"Wake Up" - Stories from the Frontline of Suicide Prevention Documentary
Airing June 4th, 2:45pm AKST

"Four gripping, unique stories from the frontlines of suicide prevention—those of American veterans, the LGBT community, university students, and gun owners—weave together into a call to action." This documentary was chosen to be part of "We Are One: A Global Film Festival," which begins next week on YouTube. The film will premiere June 4 and will be available on demand for seven days after that. 

To learn more about Project Wake Up, the creators of the film, click here.

To view the movie on Youtube, click here.

Opinion: Experts Warn of a Suicide Surge Related to COVID-19

This article, written by suicide researchers at the University of Utah and the Salt Lake City Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center provides a high level overview regarding concerns of increased rates of suicide as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic including links to new data. 

To read the full article, click here.

Report: Projected Deaths of Despair from COVID-19 and Policy Recommendations

The Robert Graham Center and Well Being Trust published this report predicting a rise in preventable deaths during the current pandemic and includes discussion on policy solutions to mitigate this risk.

To read the report, click here.

Alaska Advanced Trauma Training Institute
June 3rd, 8:30am-5:00pm AKST

This free annual event is hosted by the Alaska Child Trauma Center with support of the Alaska Division of Behavioral Health. It features local Alaskan and national experts sharing the latest research and advances in the neurobiology of traumatic stress, trauma-informed systems, and clinical interventions for complex trauma in children and adults. 

To see the agenda and register for the event click here. 

Alaska First Responders Relief Line: 1-844-985-8275

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) established a 24-hour crisis counseling and general support line for healthcare and behavioral professionals impacted by COVID personally and professionally.

The call line is specifically designed to support first responders experiencing behavioral health issues including crisis, anxiety, isolation and depression. The line is also available to immediate family members of first responders who may need help for a variety of behavioral health issues as a result of their loved one engaging on the frontline.

Mental Wellness During COVID-19 Webinar Series

Penn State Extension is offering the following webinars:

Emotional Overload (June 2nd, 7:30am or 2:30pm AKST)
Receive information on strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression including the practice of self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy. 

To register, click here.

Grief, Loss and COVID-19 (June 9th, 7:30am or 2:30pm AKST)
Understand grief and recognize what we are experiencing individually and collectively to help us cope as we move through these challenging times.

To register, click here.

Substance Misuse in Times of Crisis Webinar
June 16th, 7:30am or 2:30pm AKST

Penn State Extension is offering this webinar teaching tips and techniques for healthy coping and sources of additional support. 

To register, click here.

Innovative Strategies to Support Physical Distancing Among Individuals with Active Addiction

This brief article, published in The Lancet, discusses international policy approaches toward substance misuse during the COVID-19 crisis, including harm reduction strategies to support individuals facing multiple public health crises. 

To read the article, click here.

Pain in the Nation Update: Alcohol, Drug, and Suicide Deaths in 2018

Trust For America's Health just released this report of 2018 National Center for Health Statistics data, sharing the main takeaways are that overall drug-induced deaths in the United States show a decline, largely driven by a reduction in opioid overdose deaths, but that deaths involving synthetic opioids, cocaine, and other psychostimulants increased. Alcohol and suicide deaths also rose slightly.

To learn about these trends and concerns for 2019 and beyond, click here. 

A Study of Risk Factors Related To Criminal Activity Alaska Criminal Justice Commission 

This report published January 2020 offers an overview of risk factors for criminal behavior, which highlights alcohol and/or drug addiction, trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences, and other factors. The 41-page document offers analysis, research, and possible responses to addressing these factors in the criminal justice system.

Copy of report here.

FASD 101: The Basics and What You Need To Know

This free two-hour online workshop offered by the Central Alberta FASD Network, provides introductory information on what is a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and how alcohol consumption may lead to an alcohol-exposed pregnancy. Follow-up sessions will cover a variety of topics

To register, go here.

Child Safety and Well-Being During COVID-19

The Alaska Office of Children’s Services created an online resource page with helpful information and links to resources to help keep Alaska's children and youth safe and connected.

The page can be asked here. 

How to Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Related Fraud: Facebook Live Event
June 1, 1:00-2:00pm AKST

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Alaska is hosting this event. Alaska-based agents with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office will be available to answer your questions. Call 855-286-0294 shortly before 1:00PM AKST to join or follow the event by joining the Facebook Live event on the AARP page.

For event information click here.

^{Visit Our Websites:}

^{Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse} 

^{Alaska Mental Health Board}   

^{Statewide Suicide Prevention Council}

_{431 N. Franklin Street, Suite 203 | Juneau, Alaska 99801}

Questions? Comments? 

<sub>Send An Email

Or Call 1-907-465-8920

1-888-464-8920</sub>