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Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

¿Estás en una crisis? Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

Young people from the LYK region

AFSP Alaska

As a part of AFSP’s growing worldwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities.

About the AFSP Alaska Chapter

The grassroots work we do focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by delivering innovative prevention programs, educating the public about risk factors and warning signs, raising funds for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those individuals who have lost someone to suicide.

As a part of AFSP’s growing nationwide network of chapters, we bring together people from all backgrounds who want to prevent suicide in our communities. Families and friends who have lost someone to suicide, vulnerable individuals, mental health professionals, clergy, educators, students, community/business leaders, and many others energize our chapter.

Land Acknowledgment 

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Alaska Chapter would like to acknowledge the more than 230 Alaska Native tribes indigenous to the unceded lands we now reside on.

We recognize the unjust actions and historical traumas that have occurred throughout generations. We honor the relationship between Alaska's first people, who are the original and rightful stewards of their traditional homelands.

We desire to work toward a collaborative effort to accomplish our mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, with honor and respect for the traditions, culture, and sovereignty of Alaska Native people across this great state.

We offer our gratitude and say thank you. 

Alaska Board Members:

  • Carmell Engebretson - Board Chair
  • Caylea Williams - Board Secretary, Healing Conversations Volunteer
  • Don Graves - Treasure
  • Jim Biela - Filed Ambassador, Healing Conversations Coordinator, National Public Policy Council Member
  • Joey Hess - Board Member
  • Julia Aikman - Board Mamber 
  • Kris Green - Prevention Education Programs Coordinator
  • Troy Smith - Board Member
  • Victoria Taylor - Past Board Chair

Chapter Email: [email protected] 

Chapter contact

Dustin Morris
Area Director, Alaska
[email protected]
(907) 201-9273

Upcoming events and activities

African American boy at desk in school

More Than Sad

More Than Sad has taught over a million students and educators how to be smarter about mental health.

Young adult smiling while sitting in park

It’s Real

It’s Real is a documentary featuring the stories of six college students from across the country.

Four friends standing outside having a conversation

Talk Saves Lives™

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research on prevention, and what people can do to fight suicide.

Join the AFSP Alaska Chapter

Stories and updates

Award for AFSP Alaska

Alaska Brings Home the Award for Outstanding Support of Diversity Equity and Inclusion

This is the first time the Alaska Chapter has received this award and the first time AFSP has presented an award for DEI efforts.

Volunteers from AFSP Alaska

Alaska Chapter Takes Home Most Outstanding Advocacy Program Award

Alaska Chapter Takes Home Most Outstanding Advocacy Program Award

AFSP Alaska Logo

Don Young, Alaska Congressman and Dean of the House, Will be Missed

Alaska, March 2022 – the Alaska Chapter is saddened by the passing of Congressman Don Young and joins the state and the nation in the mourning of his death and honors his legacy as the longest-serving member of Congress and supporter of mental health and suicide prevention.

Benny Benson

Anchorage School Wants to Reduce the Stigma Around Mental Health and Promote Suicide Prevention

“As the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, we know that suicide is complex and has many factors. So you can imagine our eagerness to share our community-based programs with the public whenever an opportunity arises,“ Dustin Morris, Area Director for the Alaska Chapter of the American said.

Dennis Lasley

Volunteer Spotlight: Dennis Lasley, AFSP-Alaska’s Longest Serving Board Chair

Lasley is AFSP-Alaska’s longest-serving Board Chair, with an unprecedented 10 plus years in the voluntary position and one of the chapter’s founding members. “The Chapter started as a Board of nine volunteers. In the last 10 years we have grown to represent well over 500 volunteers across the state,” he said.

988 coming soon

Alaska Communications supports 988 suicide prevention hotline with 10-digit dialing

Later this year, all local phone calls will require the dialing of all ten digits (907+7-digit number). This nationwide change supports the introduction of 988 abbreviated dialing for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.