2023 Suicide Prevention and Response of the Chugach (SPARC) - Project Abstract Chugachmiut is seeking funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in order to support the national 988 Crisis Line manned here in Alaska and overseen by the Alaska 988 Coalition and to support the local Chugachmiut Crisis Line as a culturally sensitive partner for the 988 number. Chugachmiut is the primary organization for health and social services serving Alaska Natives (approximate enrollment of 2200 members) within the seven communities of the Chugach Region including Chenega, Cordova, Nanwalek, Port Graham, Seward, Tatitlek, and Valdez. Chugachmiut’s seven communities range in size between 68 and 3,927 people, including many non-Native residents. Of those seeking any services (Health, Behavioral Health, Crisis Line, etc.) from Chugachmiut within the past three years from our five core communities (Chenega, Nanwalek, Port Graham, Seward, and Tatitlek), 83% have been Alaska Native, 98% have been non-Hispanic, and 24% are designated as Alaska Native Elders, meaning that they are age 55 years or older. Of our service population, 26 individuals are listed as “gravely disabled” in that they require additional assistance to continue living in our remote rural communities. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control , Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people are at the highest risk of all ethnic populations to commit suicide and are at a rate of 23.9 per 100K. This is our population within the Chugach Region that we seek to help through the current funding opportunity. During this past year, we have logged 97 crisis calls on our 24/7 toll-free Crisis Line from our region (roughly two per week), and two Native Alaskan residents from our communities completed suicides. The goals of the grant are: “(1) ensure American Indians/Alaska Natives have access to culturally competent, trained 988 crisis center support; (2) improve integration and support of 988 crisis centers, tribes, and tribal organizations to ensure there is navigation and follow-up care; and (3) facilitate collaborations with tribal, state and territory health providers, law enforcement, and other first responders in a manner which respects tribal sovereignty.” In response to this, our goals are stated as: Goal #1- Powerful, intuitive, and responsive suicide prevention and intervention services will be available to all people at all times. Goal #2- Chugachmiut will reach every individual in every community that we serve with suicide prevention education and knowledge as to how to access suicide prevention, intervention, and follow-up (post-vention) services. Goal #3- Chugachmiut will weave a larger network of support for people suffering from depression and those at highest risk for selfharm through local resources. If our grant application is selected for an award, the funding would support the expansion of Chugachmiut’s 24/7 toll-free Crisis Line through linkages to the National 9-8-8 Program. Clients from our region will be able to call the national number and request a transfer of the call to a local counselor from Chugachmiut. Within this partnership, we believe we will be better able to save lives.
