Board: Statewide Suicide Prevention Council
Board identification number: 205
Department: HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
Authority: AS 44.29.300; AS 44.66.010
Status: Active
Sunset date: June 30, 2027
Requirements: No Legislative Confirmation or Financial Disclosure required
Prohibitions: The Governor shall replace a member who, by poor attendance or lack of contribution to the council’s work, demonstrates ineffectiveness as a member. Poor attendance” means the failure to attend three or more consecutive meetings.”
Term: 4 years
Chair: Elected by council
Description: The council consists of 17 members, 13 of whom shall be appointed by the Governor as follows: 2 employees of the executive branch of state government, 1 representing the Department of Health and Social Services and 1 representing the Department of Education and Early Development; 1 member of the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; 1 member of the Alaska Mental Health Board; 1 person recommended by the Alaska Federation of Natives, Inc.; 1 person who is an employee of a secondary school; 1 person who is active in a youth organization; 1 person who has experienced the death by suicide of a member of the person’s family; 1 person who resides in a rural Alaska community not connected by road or the Alaska Marine Highway to the state’s main road system; 1 person who is a member of the clergy; 1 person who, when appointed, is at least 16 years of age but not more than 24 years of age; one person who is discharged from, retired from, or engaged in active duty military service in the armed forces of the United States, including the United States Coast Guard, the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, or a reserve unit of the armed forces of the United States, or who is a mental health provider, social worker, or other person actively providing a health care service to discharged, retired, or active military personnel; and 1 public member. In addition, the council has four non-voting members who shall be appointed as follows: the President of the Alaska State Senate shall appoint 1 majority and 1 minority member of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House shall appoint 1 majority and 1 minority member of the Alaska House of Representatives.
Function: The council serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the Legislature with respect to what actions can and should be taken to improve health and wellness throughout the state by reducing suicide and its effect on individuals, families, and communities. The council works to broaden the public’s awareness of suicide and the risk factors related to suicide, enhances suicide prevention services and programs throughout the state, and develops healthy communities through comprehensive, collaborative, community-based, and faith-based approaches. In addition, the council develops and implements a statewide suicide prevention plan, strengthens existing, and builds new partnerships between public and private entities that will advance suicide prevention efforts in the state. The council annually presents its findings and recommendations in a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by March 1 of each year.
Special facts: Seven voting members of the council constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and the exercise of the powers and duties of the council. The council may meet and vote by teleconference.
Compensation: Standard Travel and Per Diem
Meetings: Quarterly. Each meeting is 1 to 2 days.
For further information and to reach individual members, contact:
Beverly Schoonover
Executive Director
Department of Health and Social Services
PO Box 110608
Juneau, AK 998110608
Phone: (907) 465-5114
Fax:
