Alaska opens free statewide crisis response training network for providers

Alaska launched a free statewide crisis response training network Wednesday to address a gap where communities can answer a 988 call but have no local team to dispatch.

The Alaska Division of Behavioral Health launched the Alaska Crisis Response Learning Community under state contract with Recovery Innovations, the organization that prepared Alaska's 2019 Crisis Now consultation report. The network brings together crisis response professionals, behavioral health providers, peer support workers, Tribal organizations, and system leaders. It offers live virtual sessions, self-paced courses, a resource library, and collaborative discussion. The initiative is designed to support consistent, culturally responsive, and person-centered crisis services while recognizing the distinct strengths and challenges of Alaska's rural, remote, Tribal, and urban communities.

State Rep. Sara Hannan described the problem at a House Finance Committee hearing in May. "The downside of our 988 care line is we don't have resources to respond in many locations in Alaska," she said. "When the Care Line gets someone, there are a few communities that have crisis services able to, you know, be drawn in and meet that. But for many of our callers, there isn't a service available." Hannan, who represents Juneau, added that a purpose-built crisis facility there "has been shuttered for lack of funding."

Providers can enroll at the Recovery Innovations learning platform. Questions go to [email protected].