Contributed by Michelle Overstreet
September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. MY House is hosting the “STAY: Find What You Are Made For” campaign. Suicide rates in Alaska are very high, and according to the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Mat-Su Valley suicide rates from 1999-2013 were on average twice as high as the US rate. As a state, Alaska has the highest rate of suicide per capita in the country.
Being a homeless youth in Alaska increases suicide risk! As we look at how MY House can be part of the prevention solution, we have several goals:
1. Increase awareness in the community, while increasing resilience of our youth
2. Find a program that would offer a “conversation starter” that is positive, encouraging and communicates love, care and a sense of community
3. Engage in the program to include business, civic and community partners to raise awareness and knowledge of the signs of suicide in a caring way
MY House will be partnering with businesses, organizations, schools and partners with STAY t-shirts and bracelets, information and events with music and art that convey the message that lives matter, and everyone has a purpose to find.
Families who have lost children to suicide will be helping with events and hosting panel discussions, talking about the impact of the loss of a child. And we will be recording short video segments from clients, community and families about why they STAY and why they want other people to STAY. These will be broadcast on local TV and radio as PSAs. Signs and stickers for your business can let patrons know you are part of the solution, and information will help inform and empower customers, students and clients.
The outcomes of the STAY awareness campaign are to start community conversations around prevention, offer tools for youth and young adults to help others find help and to know where to seek help should they need it. And the overall message that we want you to STAY. Stay with us. Stay with your family. Stay and find what you were made for.
To join the effort, email myhousematsu@gmail.com or call 373-4357.
