The negative impact of the pandemic on the mental health of Mat-Su residents remains significant. The youth population, especially, has seen an increase in demand for behavioral health services. At the same time, the ability to meet that increased demand has presented challenges.
“Due to a rapid decline of adolescent-specific services, ARCH is the only adolescent substance-use treatment facility in the state,” she said. “The program empowers young Alaskans to address their substance use and improve their mental health in a structured, therapeutic environment.”
That mission got a boost in May, when the Mat-Su Health Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to VOA Alaska to support the operations of the ARCH residential treatment program.
