Advocates and Youth Call on Alaska Lawmakers to Support Bills to Fund Suicide Prevention

Advocates and youth call on Alaska lawmakers to support bills to fund suicide prevention

Johnny Nicholai speaks about suicide prevention at the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, March 19, 2026. (Photo by Clarise Larson/KTOO) https://media.ktoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/19capitol988.mp3 Alaska youth and advocates are calling on lawmakers to create a statewide fund for suicide prevention by charging a small fee on Alaskans’ monthly phone bills.  The nation’s Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988. It’s the easy-to-rememb…

Alaska advocates call for stronger funding for 9-8-8 mental health line

Lawmakers and students urge expanded support for Alaska’s 9-8-8 crisis line during Annual Advocacy Day. Proposed legislation would ensure reliable funding for mental health interventions statewide.