Letters to the Editor

Letter: Suicide can be prevented

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, our state continues to experience an increase in the number of individuals who need support and care. A recent study shows the majority of adults (94%) believe that suicide can be prevented, at least some of the time, and 96% of adults in the U.S. would take action if someone close to them was thinking about suicide.

There is hope. We are listening. As a behavioral health care provider here in Alaska, our team at North Star Behavioral Health is dedicated to being there in a manner that promotes connectedness, culturally relevant services, evidence-based treatments and support are available.

It is imperative that we equip our community with hope, resilience and the tools to feel empowered. People needing help can contact:

• 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that provides

24/ 7 confidential support. Text, chat or call today. Trained crisis counselors are ready to serve.

• The Veterans Crisis Line for U.S. Military Veterans, call 988, press 1.

• Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/ 7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth, at 1-866-488-7386.

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You can help save a life.

— Ross Newcombe

Chief Executive Officer, North Star Behavioral Health Services

Anchorage

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