NEWS and HEADLINES

Second Annual Youth Policy Summit
February 13-15, 2012

The Youth Policy Summit invites youth ages 18-24 who have been involved with the state’s social services system (foster care, substance abuse and/or mental health treatment, residential psychiatric treatment, OCS, homeless services, etc.), to Juneau to share their experiences with legislators and policymakers. This event is hosted by the Alaska Mental Health Board and Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, in collaboration with Alaska’s Bring the Kids Home Initiative, through a grant from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.

2010 NSDUH Data Shows 1 in 5 Americans
Experienced Mental Illness in Past Year

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that 20% of Americans over age 18 experienced a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in the past year. Women were more likely than men to report mental illness. Young people were more likely to report a mental illness than adults over age 50. The same report showed that less than half of people experiencing a mental illness in the past year received mental health services.

Treatment Works, Recovery Happens. To find a mental health provider in your community, call 1-888-464-8920 or 2-1-1 or visit the SAMHSA treatment locator.

The Balanced Mind Foundation

Information and support for families of children and youth experiencing mood disorders: fact sheets, educational webinars, tools specifically for teens, support groups and more are all available.

Interested in creating a video to share your recovery story? The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers the chance to empower peers and spread hope through personal stories of recovery and resilience. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance also offers resources and support for people experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. http://www.dbsalliance.org/

Need help with prescription and drug coverage? The Partnership for Prescription Assistance Program can help.