My House Fights Youth Suicide in Alaska: A Call for Awareness and Action
Contributed by Michelle Overstreet
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to break the silence around one of the most urgent public health concerns affecting Alaska’s youth. Suicide is not only preventable but also deeply tied to community, connection, and access to support—issues that Alaskans know well.
According to the State of Alaska Department of Health, suicide rates in the state have risen dramatically over the past two decades, increasing by 32.7%. In 2022, Alaska’s suicide rate reached 61.8 per 100,000 people. That number is 247% higher than the national average during the same period, underscoring how severe and unique this crisis is in our state.
Young people in Alaska face some of the highest risks. Suicide is consistently among the leading causes of death for youth ages 10 to 24. In rural communities, where isolation and limited resources add further challenges, Alaska Native youth are disproportionately affected. Generational trauma, barriers to healthcare, and the lack of mental health resources in remote regions worsen this tragedy.
Yet beneath these numbers are real lives: sons, daughters, classmates, teammates, and friends. Every statistic represents a devastating loss, but also a reminder of opportunities to intervene—with compassion, awareness, and open dialogue.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month exists to remind us that talking about mental health saves lives. Silence and stigma keep many young people locked in pain without reaching out for help. By opening conversations and creating safe spaces, communities can serve as lifelines.
Schools, families, and organizations across Alaska are working this month to promote awareness, provide training, and reduce stigma. Programs like those at MY House that teach youth resilience, respect cultural identity, and foster peer support have been shown to make a significant difference in prevention. We invite you to stop by at 300 North Willow for information, pins, stickers, bracelets and support. You can also purchase coffee at Gathering Grounds, Blondies or Focus Coffee shops and receive a coffee sleeve with a QR code that links to the Justin Pendergrass Song “STAY” that was penned as a prevention message. Other ways to get involved include:
Learn the warning signs: dramatic mood changes, talking about feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends, or loss of interest in activities.
Normalize seeking help: Encourage young people to speak to a family member, teacher, or counselor. Ask hard questions and know what your community offers for resources.
Share resources widely: If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the nationwide Suicide & Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. Trained counselors offer immediate, confidential support.
Stay connected: Sometimes the smallest gestures—like checking in, listening, or spending time together—can interrupt cycles of despair.
Let’s move forward together. Alaska’s high rates are not destiny. Through awareness, prevention programs, and accessible mental health care, communities can help reverse these troubling trends. More importantly, they can remind youth that they are valued, that their lives matter, and that support is always available.
This September, let us commit to being part of the solution: listening, learning, and standing together against youth suicide. Awareness is the first step—and action must follow.
Prevention stickers, bracelets, pins and pamphlets made possible by generous community donations.