Best,

We will always do our best to publish upcoming events in a timely, regular manner for our newsletter subscribers. We also keep an event calendar through the Recover Alaska website that allows our partners a secondary means of sharing their event news with our community. We welcome your submissions!

The Zero Suicide Institute, in partnership with the Alaska Department of Health - Division of Behavioral Health, invites healthcare and behavioral healthcare organizations providing services in Alaska to apply by June 12th for an online workshop.

Zero Suicide is a transformational framework aimed at preventing suicide deaths for individuals under the care of health and behavioral health systems. It focuses on improving patient safety system-wide, emphasizing quality improvement.

This one-day workshop will teach participants how to implement the Zero Suicide model, structured around seven essential elements: leading system-wide culture change committed to reducing suicides, training a competent, confident, and caring workforce, identifying patients with suicide risk through comprehensive screenings, engaging at-risk individuals with a suicide care management plan, treating suicidal thoughts and behaviors using evidence-based treatments, transitioning individuals through care with warm hand-offs and supportive contacts, and improving policies and procedures through continuous quality improvement.

The model can be adapted to various community and organizational contexts. The session will include insights from leaders implementing Zero Suicide and provide time for questions and implementation planning. Starting in July 2024, participants will also engage in eight monthly Community of Practice sessions to further their implementation efforts. Learn more and register here!

Back by popular demand, the 2024 Northwest Prevention Leadership Academy will combine virtual and in-person sessions to explore leadership principles for prevention coalitions using Liberating Structures. Facilitated by experts Anna Jackson and Fisher Qua, this academy aims to foster active participation and innovation among team members, collaborators, and communities. It will be held online and in-person, culminating in a session in Tacoma, Washington, on September 11 and 12, 2024.

The Academy is targeted at community-level and prevention practitioners in HHS Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). It offers limited registration, prioritizing those new to the program. Participants are expected to attend all sessions, utilize appropriate technology for online meetings, and engage actively in both formats. If state-specific slots remain unfilled, registration opens for broader regional participation after July 1st. Learn more and register here.

Special note! Alliance members interested in attending are encouraged to contact splatt@recoveralaska.org. Recover Alaska might be able to offer event scholarships in the new fiscal year.

The Substance Misuse Symposium, organized by the APIA Health Department, occurred last month. The event was a resounding success, with a larger audience from last year of community members who provided overwhelmingly positive feedback afterward. Thank you to the presenters, including Douglas Finny, Richard Eaton, Heidi Lucking, and Chole Ramirez, for delivering comprehensive and educational information on our available Substance Use Disorder (SUD) programs, overdose prevention, and Naloxone training. Additionally, their insights on how to support loved ones struggling with SUD and addressing the stigma and shame surrounding SUD were invaluable. We owe a special thanks to Luke Stowe, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event and skillfully moderated the proceedings.

Thank you for coming together to provide another wonderful event this year for the Unalaska community!

RurAL CAP anticipates funding 6-12 projects of up to $6,000 to $16,000 annually, with no match required. The purpose of the Youth Development and Culture Grant Program is to reduce the disproportionate number of minority youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system. Alaska Natives comprise approximately 15% of youth ages 12-17 in Alaska, and approximately 30% are referred to the Division of Juvenile Justice each year. Grants are now open, and RurAL CAP requests proposals for innovative community projects that implement either cultural activities/camps or youth leadership development. Learn more and apply here!

Developed by VOA Alaska and partners, this brochure facilitates meaningful conversations about substance use and safety interventions between parents and youth. Emphasizing the importance of protective factors, the brochure highlights healthy eating, exercise, and sleep habits as crucial components of well-being. It encourages youth to engage in common activities with friends and family, fostering strong social connections and emotional support.

The brochure distinguishes between modifiable risk factors like behaviors and stress and non-modifiable factors like genetics and health conditions. It advises youth to be aware of their family health history and to limit screen time while encouraging parents to engage in regular health discussions and set healthy routines.

The brochure also discusses how protective factors can counteract the effects of risk factors, ensuring better health outcomes for both youth and their families. This highlights the potential for positive change and fosters a sense of hope and optimism. Download the brochure here.

We're looking for dedicated individuals to become Regional Co-Chairs across the state, specifically in the Copper River Delta, Rural Interior, Northern, Northwest, Southeast, and Yukon Kuskokwim regions of Alaska.

As Co-Chair, you'll play a vital role in bridging the gap between your region and The Alliance, fostering real-time communication and collaboration. Recognizing the significance of local relationships, we invite those passionate about recovery and community empowerment to take on this meaningful role. If you or someone you know is ready to make a positive impact, contact Sara Platt at splatt@recoveralaska.org. Join us in building a stronger, more connected recovery network in Alaska!

Recover Alaska is beginning its search for the next Prevention and Education Program Manager position. This exciting position is about bringing folks together to prevent alcohol misuse and promote wellness for all Alaskans! We are looking for someone passionate about connection and organizing around a social movement, knowledgeable about frameworks for prevention and collective work, and skilled in behind-the-scenes grant management, recruitment tracking, and communications. If this sounds like you (or someone you know), please review the full job description on Recover Alaska's website.

Applicant reviews start June 28th, so please make sure to have your cover letter and resume in by this date! For questions about this position, please email info@recoveralaska.org.