Suicide prevention advocates gathered in Juneau to call for policy changes they say can save lives. The push came after a 16-year-old from Kwigillingok, a village hit hard by former Typhoon Halong, died by suicide. Rep. Nellie Jimmie, D-Toksook Bay, said the young person was scheduled to speak with legislators about the issue but was unable to attend. The individual had experienced a relative’s suicide death weeks prior to the typhoon. Jim Biela, an Advocacy Ambassador for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, said that young suicide prevention advocates planned to be in Juneau for the week to speak with lawmakers, but he advised them not to attend following the death because it would be too emotional.
Alaska’s Suicide Rate Crisis
According to the CDC, Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the country, and suicide is the fifth leading cause of death in the state. Young advocates from Western Alaska, including 20-year-old Jacob Nicholai of Toksook Bay and 18-year-old Johnny Nicholai, traveled to express their commitment to suicide prevention. Jacob Nicholai stated he “traveled hundreds of miles to be here today because I want to be a voice for those I have lost to suicide.” Johnny Nicholai emphasized that “988 saves lives,” referencing the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Proposed Funding Solution
Advocates called for passage of a bill that helps fund mental health crisis services and the 988 lifeline through a 98-cent surcharge added to all local telephone numbers. Nicole Bick, a suicide prevention policy advocate, acknowledged that while there have been successful meetings with legislators and acknowledgement of the need, “it’s difficult to pass bills that involve a surcharge.” Advocates argue that funding the program could mean the difference between life and death. The bill was scheduled to be heard in a Senate committee on Friday.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/03/20/suicide-prevention-advocates-call-policy-change-after-death-kwigillingok-youth/