WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Lisa Murkowski today joined efforts
to extend needed funds, service and resources to Alaska’s at-risk youth
communities — as a co-sponsor of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act
Reauthorization of 2011. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Jack
Reed (D-RI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Tom Udall (D-NM), would strengthen suicide
prevention efforts for the state, tribal organizations, and college campuses.
“Alaska’s children are our most valuable natural resource –
and they’re threatened by an epidemic of suicide. Thousands of Alaskans stood
up and chose respect last week, but the first step is to teach and help our
children to respect themselves. I’m proud to join my Senate colleagues in
stepping up our fight for Alaska’s future.”
The legislation addresses the crisis of youth suicide from
three fronts; providing grants for Suicide Prevention Resource Centers,
providing grants for states and tribes to develop and implement a state
sponsored youth suicide early intervention and prevention strategy, and also
providing grants for College campuses. Past beneficiaries of the Garrett
Lee Smith Memorial Act in Alaska include the State of Alaska Department of
Health and Human Social Services, Alaska Youth Suicide Prevention Project,
Southcentral Foundation, Kawerak, Inc. and Maniilaq Association.
“As a mother, I know every child is different. That’s why
one of the strengths of this bill is that it takes solutions to thousands of
vulnerable young Alaskans — whether they’re in a Kotzebue Sound village or a
classroom in Juneau,” Murkowski said.
Alaska’s suicide rate is highest in the country, and twice
the national average. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Alaskan
youth ages 10-19, and the second leading cause of death for American Indian and
Alaska Native youth ages 10-24, with males committing suicide at a rate five
times higher than females.
The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization of 2011
has been sent to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee,
where Sen. Murkowski is a member.
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