When young Alaskans are struggling, they shouldn’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help. But that means we also need your help. We can’t help Alaska’s most vulnerable population without your support. The holidays are traditionally a season of giving. We’re thankful to all the Alaskans who chose to donate to our organization on Giving Tuesday and throughout this holiday season.
For 60 years, we’ve been working to keep families together by supporting children with behavioral health challenges. Through a combination of state and federal funding, and donations, we’re able to provide life-changing services to children and their families. We want to continue this mission into the future.
Alaska’s families need us. Alaska is facing a mental health crisis. The effects of the pandemic are still prevalent today. Many students continue to feel sad, lonely and unmotivated. There are also issues of substance misuse among teens. Dealing with this crisis involves a team effort. It requires the education system, law enforcement, mental health providers, health care systems and state leaders to work together. This means having adequate personnel, training and funding for necessary services, like JYS.
As we move into a new year, we’ll be keeping tabs on the bills moving through Alaska’s legislative session. We’ll advocate on behalf of bills that do what’s right for Alaskans and their mental health. We look forward to a productive legislative session.