04/01/2026
Alaska Su***de Risk Surveillance - Potential increase in su***de activity in Ketchikan area
April 1, 2025 | For statewide distribution
Greetings,
The Alaska Division of Behavioral Health and the Statewide Su***de Prevention Council are working with the State of Alaska Section of Epidemiology to identify su***de attempt clusters in Alaska. Su***de clusters are a group of su***des or su***de attempts that occur closer together in a place and time than normally expected. The purpose of this notification is to raise awareness about the possibility that more attempts could occur and provide resources for su***de prevention.
Recently we received notification of a spike in su***de attempt activity in the Ketchikan area. According to Alaska Syndromic Surveillance, who monitors hospital emergency department data to identify su***de attempt clusters, the spike began in mid-February. Individuals at risk are youth ages 13-18.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs emotional support, call/text/chat the su***de and crisis lifeline at 988 or call Alaska Careline at 877-266-4357 to talk confidentially for free. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, call 911.
Signs of Su***de Risk:
Verbal expressions, such as “I’m thinking of ending it all.” “I might as well shoot myself.” “I can’t go on; it’s hopeless.” “Life is not worth living.” “Nothing matters anymore”
Behaviors, such as withdrawal, isolation, impulsiveness, recklessness, putting affairs in order, increased use of drugs or alcohol, expressed hopelessness
For youth, any of the above and particularly in combination with changes in sleep (increased or decreased), anger or hostility that seems out of character or out of context, recent increased agitation or irritability
Considerations:
* It is okay to ask someone if they are thinking about su***de. The question should be followed up with encouragement to seek help and sharing of the resources that are available.
* A mental health crisis can come on rapidly and lead to impulsive behavior, but it is often brief and passes quickly.
* Securely store fi****ms, medications, and other substances, even temporarily, to give time for the suicidal impulse to pass.
* After a su***de death and/or attempt, there can be an increased risk for more deaths and/or attempts in the community. Identify others who may be at risk, talk to them, ask them directly if they are also thinking about su***de. Keep watch and observe. Identify a safe house for youth.
* Avoid public announcements, such as messages on VHF or Facebook that a “su***de” has occurred.
*Avoid talking with the media, newspapers or radio about the details that surround the death. The news should be shared in private and how the death occurred should only be discussed once the facts are known.
* Public or community-wide memorials are discouraged. Consider holding funeral services as a private ceremony reserved only for close family members, relatives and friends. Holding a big ceremony for someone who died by su***de could cause a vulnerable person to see death as a way to get positive attention.
* Talking about su***de, providing support to friends and family, and offering to hold small gatherings or private services are positive responses that can help with healing.
* Safe messaging should guide all informal and formal communication. Information about safe messaging can be found in the Alaska Su***de Postvention Guide: Preparing to Heal.
* Contact 988 (call, text, chat) or Alaska Careline at 1-877-266-4357 if you are worried about yourself or someone else, or if you just need to talk. These lines are open 24/7.
Questions?
The Division of Behavioral Health supports free su***de prevention trainings and other resources. For more information or to share feedback about this notification, contact aksu***[email protected].
Please share this message with your network. Sign up for future alerts here: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AKDHSS/subscriber/new?topic_id=AKDHSS_274
