FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 23, 2005
Contact:
Ross Soboleff (907) 465-1611
Alaskans Unite to Save a Life today
Over 10,000 participants from across Alaska will unite at 6 p.m. today to bring awareness to suicide
(Juneau, Alaska) Governor Frank H. Murkowski issued a proclamation today recognizing Alaskans Unite to Save a Life Day in Alaska. The Department of Health and Social Services Community-Based Suicide Prevention Program, in conjunction with the Alaska Suicide Prevention Council, will hold ribbon ceremonies at 6 p.m. in over 60 communities to commemorate the Alaskans Unite to Save a Lifecampaign. Over 10,000 Alaskans are expected to participate in the ceremonies statewide. Governor Murkowski encourages all citizens to acknowledge this day in an effort to bring awareness to suicide as a serious issue across Alaska.
Participants from across the state will unite and wear ribbons to remember suicide survivors and those affected by suicide, in an ongoing effort to bring awareness about the devastating effects of suicide. Alaskans Unite to Save a Life originated in rural Alaska and the formal campaign was developed at the Victory Bible Camp in October 2004. The events in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau are intended to show urban solidarity with the struggles of rural suicide. Speakers, singers and dancers will be featured at the events along with youth gatherings and potlucks in the rural locations.
Alaska’s suicide rate is consistently one of the highest in the nation. In 2002, Alaska had 131 suicides for a rate of 20.9 for every 100,000 residents, almost twice the national average of 10.6 for every 100,000. Nationwide, suicide attempts are more frequent than completed suicide, with estimates of 20 to 50 million non-fatal attempts.
Alaska Natives experience suicide rates that are nearly four times the national average. Alaskan males commit 86 percent of suicides and young males are especially inclined to take their own lives.
Rural Alaska has an especially high suicide rates — averaging nearly twice that of urban Alaska. In 2000, according to the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, the suicide rate of rural Alaska was 40 for every 100,000 residents compared to 14 for every 100,000 residents in urban areas.
For more information on suicide and the event, contact the Alaska Statewide Suicide Prevention Council at (907) 269-4615 or visit its website at www.hss.state.ak.us/suicideprevention. A contact list of each rural community and its Alaskans Unite to Save a Life coordinator is attached.
More Information
Suicide Facts (PDF 159KB)
Contact List: Alaskans Unite to Save A Life (PDF 19KB)
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For more information, please contact
Sherry Hill
Special Assistant to the Commissioner
Juneau Office: (907) 465-1618
Anchorage: (907) 269-7800
Cell: (907) 321-2838
Email: sherry_hill@health.state.ak.usJeff Kasper
Project Director
Juneau Office: (907) 465-8194
Email: jeff_kasper@health.state.ak.us
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