In Northwest Arctic, teens to lead the way in suicide prevention
September 12, 2014
To address the high teen suicide rate in its area, a school district in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough has implemented a comprehensive youth leadership program. Over the past five years, 120 students from grades 7-12 have received training to serve as social “captains” in their schools. The Teck John Baker Youth Leaders program draws on Alaska Native cultural values as well as skill-building. The captains are selected by their peers and learn to function as “elders” in their school communities. “If someone is thinking of suicide, we help them,” said Lydia Gebhardt, a 14-year-old student leader in her high school. “Some students are being bullied, we help them.” In recent years the teen suicide rate in the borough has dropped dramatically, and many leaders believe the Youth Leaders program has contributed to the welcome change.
Spark Extra! Learn about plans to formally evaluate the effectiveness of the Teck John Baker Youth Leaders Program through a grant from SAMHSA.