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​​​ SSPC Logo

About the SSPC Council

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History

 
The Statewide Suicide Prevention Council (SSPC) was established in 2001 by the Alaska State Legislature (AS 44.29.300; AS 44.66.010). SSPC duties include serving as an advisory council to the Legislature and Governor regarding suicide awareness and prevention; improving health and wellness by reducing suicide and its impacts in communities through comprehensive, collaborative, community-based, and faith-based approaches; broadening public awareness of suicide and its risk factors; enhancing prevention services and programs; building partnerships between public and private entities; developing a statewide suicide prevention plan; and providing an annual report to the Governor and Alaska State Legislature. 

In 2010, the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council (SSPC) became co-located under AMHB and ABADA’s executive director, but maintains separate staff. While SSPC does not meet concurrently with the Boards, members of both boards are represented on the council and offer presentations and updates at each respective meeting.
 

Goals and responsibilities


Established by AS 44.29.350

 
The goals of the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council were initially outlined in the enacting legislation, SB 198.
 
They are to:
  • Improve health and wellness throughout the state by reducing suicide and its effects on individuals, families and communities;
  • Broaden Alaskans’ awareness of suicide and the role of risk and protective factors in suicide;
  • Enhance Alaska’s suicide prevention services and programs;
  • Develop healthy communities through comprehensive, collaborative, community-based and faith-based approaches implemented at the community level and supported by regional, state, and federal resources;
  • Develop and implement a statewide suicide prevention plan; and
  • Strengthen existing and build new partnerships between public and private entities that will advance suicide prevention efforts in the state.

The Meaning behind Our Logo


SSPC Logo (three geese flying with yellow sun behind) When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies at the point position.

 

Lesson

Suicide is not an easy problem to address day-in and day-out. By involving others, we have a chance to lead as well as opportunities to rest. The Statewide Suicide Prevention Council advocates for suicide prevention at the statewide level and calls on other voices to be heard.
 

The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

 

Lesson

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We need to be sure our honk from behind is encouraging and not something else. The Statewide Suicide Prevention Council can help you target factors that reduce suicide rather than be discouraged by statistics.
 

If a goose gets sick or wounded, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to protect and care for it.

 

Lesson

The Statewide Suicide Prevention Council provides support to communities and agencies that support individuals in crisis.