The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services report shows that for 2017, suicide was the fifth-leading cause of death in the state. Nationally, it’s the 10th-leading cause.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse
To cut crime, candidates weigh adding troopers, increasing drug treatment
Recent debates have focused on the criminal justice overhaul passed two years ago, known as Senate Bill 91. Both candidates offer distinct visions for reform.
Alaska tribes, health organizations join opioid suit
Alaska Natives are fatally overdosing from opioids at a higher rate than other groups. Now Alaska Native tribes and health organizations are joining a sprawling federal lawsuit against the prescription drug industry.
Addiction treatment community reacts to new clinic in Juneau
The new clinic is different in a few ways. It’s a for-profit company and it doesn’t currently offer in-house counseling — and that has some in providers in the community worried.
Needle exchange hopes to install sharp disposal boxes in Homer bathrooms
The demand for exchange’s services has far outpaced its grant funding. Right now, volunteers are using their own money to purchase supplies. The organization hopes to secure more funds through grants and a Gofundme campaign.
$5M in federal money coming to combat Alaska drug trafficking
The move brings with it resources to interrupt the flow of illegal drugs.