GCI Suicide Prevention Fund supports community-based mental wellness efforts across Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The application period for the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund is open through June 15 at 5 p.m. The fund supports organizations across Alaska working to strengthen mental wellness, build connection, and help prevent suicide in their communities.

Designed to help address Alaska’s ongoing suicide prevention crisis, the GCI Suicide Prevention Fund supports local efforts focused on early intervention, access to care, and community connection. Administered by the Alaska Community Foundation, the fund has contributed more than $1 million to community-based organizations across the state since 2016.

“The impacts of suicide are felt across families, schools, and entire communities,” said Tiffany Vassar, GCI Senior Manager of Contributions & Events. “What we continue to see through this fund is how much connection matters. Whether it’s a conversation, a shared activity, or simply creating space for people to come together, those moments make a difference. We’re grateful to support organizations that are helping people feel seen, supported and not alone.”

Across Alaska, program partners are leading locally rooted efforts shaped by the unique strengths and needs of their communities.

In Northwest Alaska, Maniilaq Association’s Regional Community Wellness Taskforce is bringing together local partners and communities to design solutions rooted in collaboration, shared learning, and cultural understanding.

Formed in response to community calls for greater coordination, the Taskforce works directly with villages to support locally driven strategies that reflect each community’s unique needs and priorities, while emphasizing culturally grounded approaches and intergenerational connection.

“Savaliiq atautchikun (working together) is at the heart of our work; we prioritize giving our partner communities the flexibility to choose a focus that is the most relevant to them,” said Tim Gilbert, President & CEO of Maniilaq Association. “Simple things—like being heard, having trusted adults to turn to, and feeling connected to culture and community—can protect against later struggles and help build stronger, healthier futures.”

Through learning sessions, workshops, and community-led discussions, the Taskforce is helping build shared understanding around wellness and supporting communities as they develop solutions that strengthen connection, promote healing, and create a greater sense of hope.

In the Bering Strait Region, Norton Sound Health Corporation's Native Connections program is helping youth in 16 communities build resilience, strengthen connections, and promote wellness through a blend of suicide prevention efforts and culturally grounded healing practices.

The program combines evidence-based prevention strategies with traditional activities that foster belonging and community engagement. Participants take part in talking circles, mental health education, and cultural activities such as drum-making, sewing, beading, fishing, gathering, and other traditional practices.

“Our work has focused on culturally grounded activities that prioritize connection, belonging, and healing,” said NSHC Native Connections Project Director Tonia Osborne. “By meeting people where they are and honoring cultural practices, the project created space for healing, connection, and hope during a time of profound loss.”

In addition to prevention programming, Native Connections has played an important role in postvention efforts, helping communities come together after loss through shared cultural activities and access to both behavioral health support and cultural leadership. By fostering connection and strengthening community relationships, the program continues to support healing and wellness throughout the region.

Program partner Kawerak, Inc. is supporting youth, families and communities across the Bering Strait Region through its Wellness Program, which focuses on culturally grounded prevention, outreach and community engagement.

Through culture camps, outreach events, and community wellness activities, the program creates opportunities for youth and community members to connect through traditional practices, shared experiences, and positive relationships that reinforce a sense of identity and belonging.

“Providing food, especially traditional and culturally meaningful foods, creates a welcoming environment, strengthens cultural identity, and supports participation, connection, and overall wellbeing,” said Kim Ayek, Wellness Program Manager, Kawerak, Inc. “Food is not simply an add-on, but a critical tool for relationship-building, cultural grounding, and prevention work.”

Program leaders noted that integrating food and cultural practices not only increased engagement, but also strengthened relationships and helped create safe, welcoming spaces where individuals could participate fully and feel connected to one another and their communities.

Eligible applicants include nonprofits and equivalent organizations such as Tribal entities, schools, churches, and municipal programs working to support mental wellness and prevent suicide. The application period is open through June 15 at 5 p.m. More information and application details are available through the Alaska Community Foundation.

About GCI

Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.libertycapitalcorp.com/.