Behavioral health: a multi-layered matter.

• Author: Sommer, Susan
• Position: HEALTH & MEDICINE

Alaska's suicide rate is nearly double that of the nation's. Alcohol-related deaths are three times as high. The state's rate of adults who use illicit drugs is also significantly higher than the national rate. Clearly, Alaska faces some serious behavioral health issues.

Behavioral health is a general term encompassing the prevention and treatment of mental illness, substance abuse and addiction, as well as the promotion of emotional wellbeing.

Partners in Alaska's behavioral health industry are many, and include the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services, The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, University of Alaska, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and numerous local and regional organizations. The overarching goal of all these entities combined is healthy Alaskans.

Diverse Approaches

Kate Burkhart, executive director of the Alaska Mental Health Board, emphasizes the multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary nature of behavioral health. The basic needs of those with behavioral health challenges are often not being met--things like food, shelter and health care; economic security; personal security and dignity; access to justice; and community inclusion.

Burkhart says that at the root of most of these difficulties is stigma about the person's condition or situation. Attitudes and behaviors reflect a lack of understanding and acceptance of individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. Sufferers are assigned blame, shame or disgrace, and are often discriminated against and excluded from part or all of community life. "Stigma not only results in isolation and discrimination against people experiencing behavioral health disorders," says Burkhart, "but also creates a barrier to accessing necessary services. Changing public attitudes and perceptions takes time and effort--and that is the first step to changing behaviors."

Several entities, including the Alaska Mental Health Board, the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, advocacy groups and community organizations, have banded together to create anti-stigma campaigns that include media advertising, radio spots and printed materials to address the fact that we all know someone with behavioral health issues and that finding solutions needs to be a collective effort.

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