Below is VOA Alaska’s July 2023 Newsletter. To receive this newsletter and other updates directly to your inbox, sign up here.
VOA Alaska cannot achieve its mission without a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We exist to provide all of Alaska’s youth, young adults, and families with a safe and supportive environment to receive behavioral healthcare and support.
We recognize the harmful legacy of systemic injustice, discrimination, and colonialism that has created barriers to receiving that care. We strive to break down those barriers, whether physical, financial, social, or otherwise, which prevent a person from reaching their full potential.
VOA Alaska is committed to:
- Providing person-centered and culturally responsive programs and services to support, strengthen, and build upon a person’s foundation of well-being and resilience.
- Promoting an inclusive environment where all people feel accepted, valued, and safe—a place where they truly belong.
- Ensuring equitable access to services by reducing financial barriers to receiving care, and by providing telehealth and community-based services and outreach.
- Ensuring equitable access to employment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Advocating for those we serve within our community and connecting them with care and resources that fit their needs.
- Fostering organizational values of curiosity and cultural humility while educating ourselves and others about the communities we serve.
- Partnering with organizations and community members who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on our new DEI webpage. And check back often as we share how we are fulfilling these commitments and creating a space in which all people feel accepted, valued, and safe.
VOA Joins Youth Mental Health Roundtables with U.S. Surgeon General
At the invite of Senator Dan Sullivan, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy visited Anchorage in June to learn about the mental health challenges facing young Alaskans. Throughout the day, Senator Sullivan and Dr. Murthy met with dozens of behavioral health providers, public officials, caregivers, youth, and other community stakeholders.
Julia Luey, President and CEO, joined a roundtable of behavioral health providers, while two residents of ARCH joined a youth roundtable. Read what Julia and ARCH residents shared with the Surgeon General and see photos from the day on our blog.
You’re Invited to VOA’s Back-to-School Community BBQ!
Join us Thursday, August 10, for our Back-to-School Community Barbeque! Families will enjoy fun activities and free school supplies. Attendees will also have the chance to win gift cards and fully loaded backpacks ready for the first day of school! Learn about VOA Alaska’s school-based and family services and connect with community resources. Stay tuned for more information, coming to your inbox soon!
Community Back-to-School BBQ
Thursday, August 10
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Chanshtnu Muldoon Park, Anchorage
Partner Recognition: ConocoPhillips Alaska
VOA Alaska is honored to continue partnering with ConocoPhillips Alaska to empower young Alaskans! In Fiscal Year 2023, ConocoPhillips Alaska partnered with VOA to support on-site access to essential mental health services and supports to students, families, and school staff at 11 schools within Anchorage.
In Fiscal Year 2024, ConocoPhillips is partnering with VOA to expand access to telehealth-based mental health services for young Alaskans in rural and remote communities across the state.
Thank you, ConocoPhillips, for your passion for and commitment to supporting Alaskans!
