HB 338-APPROP: GRANTS TO PREVENT YOUTH SUICIDE CHAIR DYSON announced the final order of business, HOUSE BILL NO. 338, "An Act making a special appropriation for a grant to Boys and Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska for a youth suicide prevention program; and providing for an effective date." [HB 338 was sponsored by the House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.] TAPE 02-25, SIDE B Number 2272 JOHN OATES, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska, explained that HB 338 would fund a position in each of the 32 clubhouses throughout the state. The position would be proactive in coordinating with schools and other entities in the community to look for children who are at risk and get them involved in clubhouse activities in an effort to reduce suicides. He pointed out that the suicide rate in Alaska is high, particularly in rural areas. REPRESENTATIVE COGHILL noted that this bill was heard by the current committee several weeks ago. He said he would put a "do not pass" on the report and would object to moving it out. The issue [of suicide] needs to be discussed; it is a heartbreaking matter, he said, but he would object to a million-dollar [fiscal note], which the House Finance Committee should have an opportunity to [debate]. He offered that he was in a subcommittee hearing, and that it was very painful to cut a million dollars from the developmental disability grants. Number 2190 REPRESENTATIVE JOULE explained that he is painfully aware of how suicides impact families. He remarked, "Those of us who are survivors are victims, I think, of a different kind." He said he has the utmost respect for the Boys & Girls Clubs and the good they are doing in the state; he has helped with Boys & Girls Clubs as an advisory member. However, for prevention [of suicide], Boys & Girls Clubs must be part of other things in the communities. As he reviewed a map showing clubhouses around the state, he observed that not nearly enough of the state is covered. He has grappled with this issue, he said, and supports such programs but questions whether this will "get us there." REPRESENTATIVE JOULE noted that this is one-time funding, and said he is painfully aware of the expectation this creates; he emphasized the need to have a greater effort. He explained, "We're talking about a level of training, or a level of commitment that cannot be a one-time commitment. It has to be a level of actions that are going to be so penetrating in our communities." He suggested this is related to HB 408, and to why people fail to feel good about life and who they are. Number 2063 MR. OATES, in response to Chair Dyson, said he could be in Juneau the next day, and had visited with almost all the members or their staffs. CHAIR DYSON remarked that he shares the opinion that this is a somewhat regional program. This fact is coupled with the charge of this committee and the responsibility of finding the funding for the program. He noted that the committee has a decision to make whether to pass this out. He asked what additional information members need in order to make a reasonable vote. "I want you to feel no pressure from me," he added. Number 2013 REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA replied that she would be willing to pass this bill out only after two amendments were made. REPRESENTATIVE KOHRING said, "I'm ready now." REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS expressed concern. He said he had the greatest respect for what Mr. Oates and the Boys & Girls Clubs do, but wasn't certain this was the correct vehicle for such a massive problem. He suggested that other groups such as religious and Native organizations, "spirit" camps, church groups, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and others might be interested in being a part of looking for this solution. He suggested that someone from the administration might have a suggestion on how this might be done across the state. This [effort] does not go across the state, he said, which concerns him as well. Number 1959 REPRESENTATIVE JOULE reported that he was part of the suicide task force put together last year; he said there is no telling what will happen with that, because he believes it was cut from budget. He said that if [the legislature] is going to get at the root of this problem, and if the state is going to make the kind of investment in that, it has to be accomplished in a long- term and "horizontal" manner, not a vertical manner, to be the most successful. REPRESENTATIVE JOULE emphasized that he wants to see these people helped; he noted that [suicide] affects a lot of young men as well as youths. Too many people that he knows, and unfortunately some of his relatives, have [committed suicide], he said, indicating the need for the suicide task force, which includes members of the House and Senate. Referring to remarks by Representative Stevens, Representative Joule said he'd explained to Mr. Oates that one of his first thoughts was to coordinate the suicide prevention effort with the organizations most familiar with the villages they serve - the regional nonprofits. He concluded by expressing frustration that although he'd like to see the committee do something, he wasn't certain that [HB 338] would accomplish what is needed. Number 1846 CHAIR DYSON informed Mr. Oates that he would be afforded plenty of notice of another hearing, and suggested that he find four committee members and work with them until they are comfortable about passing [the bill from committee]. He added that the committee needs to inquire of the Suicide Prevention Council. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON concurred with Representative Joule. [HB 338 was held over.]