FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2002
Alaska Suicide Prevention Council Names Coordinator
The Alaska Suicide Prevention Council has named Merry Carlson of Barrow as its coordinator, according to Health and Social Services commissioner Jay Livey. "Merry's extensive experience in providing services in rural Alaska was a critical element in the Council's decision to select her for the position," said Livey, who chairs the Council.
Carlson is a 7-year veteran of the North Slope Borough Health Department, most recently serving as its deputy director. Her experience includes direct service and administration of agencies in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, seniors, children and youth, developmental disabilities, and infant learning. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology, a Master of Public Policy degree, and has completed coursework toward a doctorate in psychology. Carlson has lived in Barrow for 10 years, where she initially was the Human Services Instructor at Ilisagvik College.
While working for the borough, Carlson supervised programs that served Barrow and seven North Slope villages. Programs included mental health, village counseling services, a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome team, substance abuse, Arctic Women In Crisis, Children and Youth services, and the Community Residential Center.
"I am well acquainted with the increased risk of suicide in Alaska and in rural villages, as well as the unfortunate reality, though not inevitability, of assisting clients, families, community, and staff cope with completed suicides," Carlson said. "This position enables me to have a hand in guiding Alaska's statewide policy to prevent suicide. I am thrilled to have been selected and anxious to start working with the Council to draft a state plan."
The Alaska Suicide Prevention Council was created in May 2001, in response to Alaska's high suicide rate (the state has the highest suicide rate in the country). The 15-member Council serves in an advisory capacity to the administration and 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.
As coordinator, Carlson will earn $56,000 per year. The position is based in Anchorage.
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For more information, please contact Jay Livey at (907) 465-3030.
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