A statewide suicide prevention activity is open to any Alaska resident through Sept. 10

Any Alaskan can take part in a statewide suicide prevention activity running through Sept. 10.

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is asking people to find and photograph objects that mean something to them: community, culture, nature, creativity, the things that help them cope. On Sept. 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, participants light a candle for those lost to suicide.

The consortium is calling September Tell Your Heart Story Month, and events run through the end of it. In Anchorage, a crafting event for patients takes place Tuesday from noon to 1:30 pm at ANTHC Lodging at Tudor Centre.

The reason for the focus shows up in state numbers. Alaska Native youth between 10 and 18 died by suicide at a rate of 47 per 100,000, against 9 per 100,000 for White youth, according to a state epidemiology bulletin. The Department of Health has called for prevention work that is culturally responsive and shaped by the communities it serves.

Beyond September, the consortium's Behavioral Health Wellness Clinic offers telehealth counseling, assessments and referrals to Tribal beneficiaries 18 and older anywhere in the state, by phone or computer, at 907-729-2492 on weekdays.

If you or someone you know is struggling, 988 answers calls, texts and chats around the clock. StrongHearts Native Helpline, at 1-844-762-8483, offers free and confidential support for Alaska Native and American Indian people experiencing domestic, dating or sexual violence. The Trevor Project is at 1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678.