In this Newsletter:
  • Kendra's story
  • Giving TWOsday! & more ways to support mental healthcare
  • Peer Support Update (Meet April!)
  • Training Updates
Kendra's Story: Finding support in Fairbanks!
Moving was harder than she expected.

When Kendra and her family moved to Fairbanks, she knew she'd have to pay attention to her mental health. She has a history of depression, trauma, and seasonal affective disorder. But it was still tougher than she expected.

Luckily, she found Alaska Behavioral Health and the care she needed from providers at our adult clinic on Peger Road in Fairbanks. "They were amazing in just helping me fight through it." Read more here.
Giving Tuesday?
Giving TWOs-DAY!
Many families are struggling this winter with high inflation affecting the costs of food, fuel and utilities. Our clients are no exception. One small way to support families and adults who are struggling is with warm socks and gloves, hats and mittens. For clients struggling with mental illness, self care is a huge component of recovery. In Alaska, we know the benefits of getting out to enjoy our beautiful state, IF you can stay warm enough. For clients who are homeless, warm dry socks and gloves can literally be life-saving.

Starting on Giving Tuesday, we'll be collecting warm items at each of our clinic lobbies. Just place them on or under the holiday trees. Or if its easier....
Others ways to support mental health care for Alaskans!
Support United Way through your workplace giving campaign! Alaska Behavioral Health is a United Way agency, receiving support for our Little Tykes early childhood program, Power Center teen drop-in program, and housing support for adult clients.
Federal employees can choose to support non-profits across the country through their workplace giving campaign: the Combined Federal Campaign. CFC donations to AKBH support our Cohen Military Family Clinic.
CFC # 80467
Alaska Seeds of Change has an ambitious goal this year: to raise $10,000 before the end of the year to support youth vocational training programs and mental health supports for youth. Help them reach their goal!
Peer Support Program Updates
Our peer support training program continues to expand!
There is one more session of basic Peer Support scheduled this year, November 28 - December 2. We're also developing a new peer apprenticeship program, to launch in the new year. And we continue to add peer support specialists to our clinical teams.
April (at left) is one of our new peer specialists, supporting clients on our Intensive Case Management Team and teaming up for homeless outreach. She previously worked at the homeless shelter at the Sullivan Arena, and is building on skills she started learning there in her new role. Learn more about April's story in this video.
Training News!
Alaska Behavioral Health supports professional development for ALL of our staff. We're currently hiring for several open positions.
Differential Diagnosis Training
Clinical staff are gearing up for a new First Episode of Psychosis (FEP) program by sharpening their differential diagnosis skills. A recent training focused on assessing presenting problems and symptoms, understanding possible diagnoses, and how to arrive at the best diagnosis. The FEP program is designed to support people experiencing psychosis for the first time, and their families, to get interventions and supports in place as quickly as possible. It's made possible with support from the state Division of Behavioral Health.