0:38
Elvi Gray-Jackson
40:29 - 41:07
"Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation. In many rural communities, suicide rates are nearly 4 times that average, the national average. Teaching our students how to recognize mental health challenges, seek help, and support one another is one of the most basic and meaningful steps we can take to address this crisis."
“Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation. In many rural communities, suicide rates are nearly 4 times that average, the national average. Teaching our students how to recognize mental health challenges, seek help, and support one another is one of the most basic and meaningful steps we can take to address this crisis.”
- Speaker
- Elvi Gray-Jackson
- Timestamp
- 40:29 – 41:07
- Community
- Alaska News
- Location
- Alaska
From the transcript
Thank you. Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation. In many rural communities, suicide rates are nearly 4 times that average, the national average. Teaching our students how to recognize mental health challenges, seek help, and support one another is one of the most basic and meaningful steps we can take to address this crisis. At a time when young Alaskans are struggling with anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicide at alarming rates, I find it difficult to accept the argument that we should do nothing because districts are already busy or because local communities should address these challenges on their own.