SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program
In the event of a mental health crisis, especially outside of normal business hours, please dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
The Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA), Inc. is the federally recognized tribal organization of the Aleut people in Alaska. In 2022, APIA was awarded the SSG Fox SPGP. APIA’s SSG Fox SPGP program is designed to reduce suicide risk and improve wellbeing by offering traditional, nontraditional, innovative and culturally appropriate approaches as a means of healing to our veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
We offer these services to eligible individuals so that they may prepare for and engage in a high-quality of life with decreased depression and/or suicidal ideation.
The SSG Fox SPGP was established to honor veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA.
SSG Fox died by suicide at the age of 25 in 2020.
For new and noteworthy news and event presented to you by the SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program, check out our Tide Pool Times Newsletter. Check out archived newsletters here, or find more information in our SSG Fox Suicide Prevention brochure!
Suicide Prevention Training:
- Question. Persuade. Refer (QPR)
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Click here to download a PDF file for the Guide to Narcan brochure.
- Click here to download a PDF file for the Suicide Prevention and Gun Safety Brochure.
Eligibility
Must be at least 18 years old. Reside in the Aleutians East Borough or Aleutians West Census Area, Anchorage or Mat-Su Valley. Preference given to Aleut, Alaska Native or American Indian applicants who reside in and outside of Alaska. You must have documented service in the military. Any members discharged must be under honorable conditions. You must be an active-duty service member or veteran experiencing emotional difficulties and at risk for suicide or a family member of an active-duty service member or veteran experiencing emotional difficulties and at risk for suicide.
If interested, contact the Veteran Peer Support Specialist (VPSS) at: (907) 276-2700 or Toll Free: (800) 478-2742 or at ssgfox@apiai.org.
APIA SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Services
- Certified Peer Support Specialist Services: screening, enrollment, advocacy, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA services.
- Annual Regional Alaska Native Cultural Health and Resilience (ANCHR) Gathering: a culture-based and interactive community gathering. Participants leave feeling empowered through a healing process that reflects cultural values, traditions, and spiritual practices.
- Healing Touch and Reiki: energy therapy to assist in balancing your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
- Yoga Classes: relieve stress, find peace, deal with PTSD, and maintain optimal fitness.
- Mind Body Skill Groups: teaches simple stress-relief and resilience-building skills.
- Listening Circle and Recreational Events: safe spaces to build connections and physical activities to nurture the spirit and the body.
- First Responder and Suicide Prevention Trainings: courses can be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting.
- Wellness Boxes: self-care delivered directly to your doorstep.
Veteran Peer Support Specialist
APIA’s VPSS is a veteran who has experienced similar challenges and will be a partner with you to work on your specific goals. Our VPSS can help with some of the following:
- Conducting eligibility, intake and enrollment paperwork.
- Help veterans with personal goal setting and problem solving through monthly check-in calls.
- Empower and advocate on behalf of veterans to help stop the stigma of mental illness.
- Help veterans find social supports and other resources in their community.
- Assistance with obtaining and coordinating other benefits provided by the federal government, state or local government, or an eligible entity.
- Provision of clinical services that may be accessed but not limited to resources noted below:
What to Expect
APIA SSG Fox SPGP staff will partner with you and provide resources to support you on your personal wellness journey. Here are the steps you will follow to enroll in the program provided under the SSG Fox SPGP: Meet one-on-one with the Veteran Peer Support Specialist (VPSS) to complete eligibility, intake and mental health screenings to verify some risk factors for suicide. Develop an Individualized Prevention Plan (IPP) with the VPSS to enroll in prevention activities and goals you feel are important to your well-being. If you are enrolled in the program and have a family member interested in obtaining additional support, they can follow the same process to begin receiving services.
Contact Information
Contact a Member of the SSG Fox SPGP Team:
Phone: (907) 276-270
Toll Free: (800) 478-2742
Resources
Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health
Phone: 907-762-8668
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Anchorage VA Medical Center
Outpatient and Walk-in Behavioral Care
Phone: 907-257-4854
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.