AYSO - Anchorage Youth Speak Out



Anchorage Youth Speak Out (AYSO) is a free public event held three times a year. It provides a powerful platform for youth to candidly share their personal experiences with substance use and its effects on their lives. This gathering not only raises awareness but also drives community engagement and action.

At the next event on January 23, 2025:

• Hear experiences from youth about the impacts of substances and their recovery journeys. 
• Learn about current youth substance use data trends and tips for building youth resiliency skills.
• Discuss how to work together to build a healthier community for our youth. 

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Wilda Marston Theatre, 3600 Denali St, Anchorage, AK 99503

Hosted by VOA Alaska, in collaboration with the Anchorage Adolescent Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition, Anchorage Community Opioid Response Network (Anchorage Health Department), and the Alaska Department of Health.

Spirit of Youth Awards Nomination Deadline Extended to January 15th!

The original December 31st deadline is now January 15, 2025. Take this extra time to celebrate the incredible teens making a difference in Alaska. Spirit of Youth honors youth achievements in cultural pursuits, scientific innovation, and community service.

Nominated teens receive a certificate at a public event. Eight honorees are awarded scholarships up to $2,000, with runners-up earning up to $1,000. Groups receive grants for their initiatives. Awardees are also featured on public radio through the Radio Stories series.

Award Categories:

• Humanitarian Award: For improving communities through service and advocacy.
• Innovator Award: Celebrating achievements in math, science, and technology.
• Lifesaver Award: Recognizing youth saving lives or promoting health.
• Phoenix Award: Honoring perseverance through challenges.
• Visionary Award: For entrepreneurial ventures.
• Dreamer Award: Highlighting contributions in arts and cultural preservation.
• Role Model Award: For youth leading and mentoring peers.
• Discovery Award: Recognizing environmental advocacy and science.

Spotlight Alaska’s youth! Submit your nominations by January 15, 2025.

Learn more and nominate at Spirit of Youth’s website!

Creative Workshops at Kenai Peninsula College!

Pathways to Recovery in Alaska: Collaborative Approaches to Harm Reduction and Treatment is calling for Presenters

The event will be May 13, 14, and 15^th in Anchorage.

Call for Proposals Form

Deadline for submission is February 10^th.

Join us for Alaska’s first conference on substance use

treatment and harm reduction, hosted by the State of Alaska Department of

Health and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. This year’s theme, Pathways to Recovery in Alaska: Collaborative Approaches to Harm Reduction and Treatment, emphasizes the importance of engaging Rural Alaskan communities, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and delivering actionable insights into harm

reduction practices that resonate with Alaska’s unique needs. 

What we are looking for:

• Proposals that align with the conference’s mission to address addiction through innovative approaches, culturally responsive care, and evidence-based practices.
• Topics addressing Alaska’s challenges, including rural healthcare access, tribal partnerships, and the integration of harm reduction strategies.
• Multidisciplinary sessions that promote collaboration between healthcare providers, social workers, harm reduction advocates, and treatment specialists.
• Presentations that bridge professional silos, bringing together diverse sectors such as behavioral health, law enforcement, primary care, and community organizations.
• Initiatives that demonstrate the power of integrated care models and community collaboration.
• Inclusion of Alaska Native perspectives and methods, such as traditional healing practices and community-based interventions.
• Proposals that respect the cultural diversity of Alaska and address the specific needs of indigenous and rural populations.
• Sessions that offer actionable tools, frameworks, and resources that attendees can apply in their work to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Who Should Attend? This conference is designed for treatment providers, public health professionals, community organizers, policymakers, and anyone dedicated to supporting recovery pathways across Alaska. 

Call for Proposals Form

Recover Alaska Applauds U.S. Surgeon General’s Call for Cancer Warnings on Alcohol Labels

This initiative represents a significant step forward in increasing public awareness of the well-documented link between alcohol consumption and various forms of cancer.

“Alaskans deserve to have clear and accurate information about the risks associated with alcohol consumption,” said Tiffany Hall, CEO of Recover Alaska. “Adding cancer warnings to alcohol labels is a vital public health measure that can empower individuals to make informed choices for themselves and their families.”

Research has consistently demonstrated that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for at least seven types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancer. Recover Alaska supported Rep. Andrew Gray when he introduced House Bill 298, “The Alcoholic Beverages and Cancer Act,” a first-of-its-kind bill to require all alcohol retailers in the state to post cancer warning signs at the point-of-sale stating: “Alcohol use can cause cancer, including breast and colon cancers.”

“By placing clear warnings on alcohol products, we can not only educate but also foster an environment where reducing alcohol consumption becomes a collective priority,” added Rep. Andrew Gray, “This is a chance for policymakers, health organizations, and industry leaders to come together in support of a healthier future.” LEARN MORE HERE.