SCR 14-H&SS REGIONAL BEST PRACTICE MODELS  1:52:09 PM CHAIR STEDMAN announced that the final order of business would be SCR 14. He said this is the second hearing on the resolution. On February 26 the committee heard from the sponsor, took public testimony, and held the resolution in committee. The intent today is to adopt a committee substitute and look to the will of the committee. SENATOR KELLY moved to adopt the CS for SCR 14, labeled 28- LS1397\N, as the working document. CHAIR STEDMAN objected for discussion purposes. 1:52:29 PM HEATHER SHADDUCK, Staff, Senator Pete Kelly, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, described changes in SCR 14 on behalf of the sponsor. She said there are two changes in the resolution. On page 1, line 4, it used to say, "Whereas, the rate of alcohol-related deaths in the state is 185 percent higher." That was based on an older Alaska score card, therefore, the percentage has been changed to "152 percent" in version N, which reflects the latest score card. The second change is on line 6, "71 percent higher" is changed to "93 percent higher." CHAIR STEDMAN removed his objection. There being no further objection, version N was before the committee. 1:53:42 PM MS. SHADDUCK related that the resolution provides for natural helpers and the goal to create regional best practice models that the Governor and the Commissioner can put into effect. She concluded that SCR 14 provides a community-based solution. 1:54:28 PM CHAIR STEDMAN noted there was one zero fiscal note from the Legislature. SENATOR KELLY summarized that the resolution reflects the desire of the leadership team to not look to government, but to communities, for solutions. The leadership team intends to raise money from the private sector. Through the budget process, funds will be requested for developing the best practices and creating the networks. It is not designed as a government program, but recognizes the networks that already exist. The plan is to find the people who are addicted, and train and empower people who care and will reach out to them. He shared a story about the superintendent from Kotzebue who had identified a group of young people as those who others turned to. Previously, Kotzebue had six suicides per year, then a leadership team was formed and the number of suicides decreased to zero. He said similar natural helper groups exist in other regions. This summer helpers who can be identified and trained will be identified. Next, best practices will be identified. 1:59:22 PM SENATOR STEDMAN said there was public testimony previously. MARK HAMILTON, former-President, University of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, provided information related to SCR 14. He said community intervention is so much better than government programs. A study shows that the government agency is number 9 or 10 on the list of who to trust or go to for help. The elders are the natural helper group and will be accepted. SENATOR KELLY described a story from Representative Ben Nageak regarding how to get in people's faces when there is an important issue. 2:01:41 PM SENATOR KELLY moved to report the CS for SCR 14, labeled 28- LS1397\N, from committee with individual recommendations and attached zero fiscal note. CHAIR STEDMAN announced that without objection, CSSCR 14(HSS) is reported from the Senate Education Standing Committee.