<p>The stigmas and statistics of mental health awareness are important issues for Alaskans, especially as it relates to suicide prevention. On this episode of Hometown, Alaska host Justin Williams leads a conversation about how to discuss mental health and suicide prevention with Blaze Bell of Standing Together Against Rape and Recover Alaska as well as Shana Cooper of the Alaska Native Justice Center. They share their professional insight and personal experiences to explain how to approach these issues and share what resources are out there. </p><p><br></p><p><em>If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide dial </em><strong><em>988 </em></strong><em>to reach the Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support. </em></p><p><br></p><p><strong>HOST: </strong>Justin Williams</p><p><br></p><p><strong>GUESTS:</strong></p><p>Shana Cooper, Alaska Native Justice Center</p><p>Blaze Bell, S.T.A.R., Recover Alaska</p><p><br></p><p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p><p><a href="https://afsp.org/?page_id=0519EC1A-D73A-8D90-7D2E9E2456182D66" target="_blank">American Foundation for Suicide Prevention</a></p><p><a href="https://afsp.org/suicide-prevention-resources/" target="_blank">Suicide prevention resources</a></p><p><a href="https://988lifeline.org/" target="_blank">988 Suicide &amp; Crisis Lifeline</a></p><p><a href="https://health.alaska.gov/dbh/Pages/TreatmentRecovery/MentalHealth/links.aspx" target="_blank">AK Division of Behavioral Health treatment and recovery resources</a></p>