FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) – A joint effort has begun to establish a mental health court with the goal of “divert[ing] individuals from a criminal system into a behavioral health treatment program,” according to Fairbanks City Mayor Mindy O’Neall.
“When people do not have treatment, the cycle continues. It continues for individuals, for families, and for the entire community,” O’Neall said on May 26.
She explained that the city, along with local and state partners, are striving to create a court program that “break[s] the trauma of incarceration cycle, supports a consistent continuity of care, and restore[s] personal agency and purpose.”
She said that such mental health courts in other locations have shown they improve outcomes for offenders.
“Participants are more likely to remain stable, less likely to reoffend, and more likely to reconnect with housing, employment, health care, and family support systems,” O’Neall said. “Recent Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority court (AMHTA) system tracking demonstrates that graduates across the state’s collective therapeutic court models saved an estimated 118 years of jail time in one single fiscal year.”
She said that statistics from AMHTA show that the state saved nearly $9 million from these therapeutic courts.
“Our goal is to create a coordinated system where eligible individuals struggling with serious mental health challenges can be connected to treatment plans, case management, court supervision, and community resources designed to support long-term success instead of repeated crisis,” O’Neall explained.
Other speakers included leaders from Tanana Chiefs Conference, Northern Hope Center, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Fairbanks Integrated Community Services and Fort Wainwright.
Many of those that spoke reflected on the advancements of mental health care access, work programs, and the ongoing need to reduce stigma and increase awareness of mental health challenges.
“Together we are working to strengthen the support system that people rely on during some of the most difficult times,” said Sharon Hildebrand, the chief and chairman of Tanana Chiefs Conference.
“Across our region we know our unique challenges, distance, access to care, and the impacts of historical trauma. But we also know the strength and resilience that we carry.”
As part of the continuing collaborative efforts to treat mental health challenges in Fairbanks, North Hope Center plans to “open up a crisis center which will help people in their deepest, darkest need and will give them services,” said Lane Delventhal, the president of Northern Hope Center.
Jackie Morton, the director of family and personal affairs at Fort Wainwright, also mentioned the changes that have been made by the military following high rates of suicide on post.
While this new court program has yet to come to fruition, O’Neall said the framework and coordination between involved groups is underway.
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