Interior Alaska has long grappled with the challenge of providing adequate care for adolescents experiencing acute behavioral health issues. Parents, deeply concerned for their child's well-being and safety, often find themselves in a distressing situation:  seeking help at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital's emergency department (ED), only to discover that treatment beds are unavailable locally, sometimes necessitating waiting periods of nearly five days for their child to be transferred to a treatment facility in Anchorage or out-of-state. The ordeal of waiting in a padded, windowless locked room, designed for safety, is a harrowing experience for both the young patients and their families.

Recognizing this pressing need, Foundation Health Partners (FHP) and the Greater Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation (GFCHF) have collaborated to address the issue head-on. Our efforts have focused on not only raising awareness about the challenges of behavioral health care in Interior Alaska but also on fostering community support to improve the situation.

In recent years, GFCHF events like "Taking off the Mask" and "Together; Casting a Light" have aimed to destigmatize behavioral health discussions and shed light on the deficiencies in our continuum of care. While galas like these have been instrumental in raising awareness and funds, the focus is now shifting towards tangible solutions.

The upcoming event, "Together; Casting a Light," scheduled for March 23rd, will serve as a rallying point for the community to contribute to an effort to expand the behavioral health unit at FMH to accommodate acute adolescent treatment.  Attendees will be urged to consider the plight of families grappling with the decision to seek care elsewhere or risk managing crises at home due to limited local resources. The heart of the event lies in empowering guests to make a meaningful difference by investing in the well-being of our community's youth.

However, the success of this endeavor relies heavily on community involvement. There are various ways individuals and businesses can contribute, from sponsorships and donations to providing auction items or simply spreading the word. By educating others about the issue and the ongoing campaign, we can garner widespread support and enact lasting change.

The need for improved behavioral health care for adolescents in Fairbanks is an ongoing challenge, and the extends far beyond the development of inpatient treatment services.  Since April of 2023, FHP has been convening regular meetings of both local and state policy makers and service providers to identify the full range of service gaps in our community and to develop coordinated plans to address over the next few years. Many of our partners are also working to improve services where they are able.

That said, the expansion of the behavioral health unit at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital signifies a critical stride toward delivering comprehensive care for adolescents in our community facing mental health crises. As we unite to support this vital initiative, it is important to delve deeper into the details of the expansion project and consider how contributions, whether through financial donations, or spreading awareness, can be made. Every contribution, regardless of size, holds the power to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Let us join hands in creating a brighter future for our youth and fostering a community where mental health support is readily available to all. Together, a healthier, more resilient Fairbanks can be built for generations to come.

Interested in donating or learning more, visit fairbankshospitalfoundation.com or call (907) 458-5550.