What the study found
Participants in virtual PC CARES sessions actively discussed ways to support student wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural Alaska school settings. Their discussions focused on culturally grounded actions, trusted relationships, and small acts of kindness as protective factors.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that PC CARES may serve as a strengths-based, culturally relevant platform for school-based suicide prevention. They also say the findings highlight the need for institutional support to sustain these efforts.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used qualitative data from virtual PC CARES sessions delivered with three rural Alaskan school districts from 2020 to 2022. Participants included school staff, administrators, and behavioral health professionals, and notes and written responses from seven online facilitated sessions were deductively analyzed for themes.
What worked and what didn't
Across 28 sessions totaling 56 hours over two academic years, participants discussed integrating Alaska Native Elders into school activities, modeling healthy behaviors, creating space for youth expression, and incorporating cultural identity into programming. They also noted institutional challenges, including inconsistent policies and limited resources.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not report student-level outcomes or long-term sustainability results. It also does not describe a comparison group, so the findings reflect participant perceptions and thematic analysis from the sessions.
Key points
- Participants discussed culturally grounded actions for school-based suicide prevention in rural Alaska.
- Trusted relationships and small acts of kindness were described as protective factors for youth.
- Institutional challenges included inconsistent policies and limited resources.
- The study analyzed notes and written responses from seven virtual facilitated sessions.
- The authors say PC CARES may be a strengths-based, culturally relevant platform.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Virtual learning circles supported culturally grounded school suicide prevention
- Authors:
- Elizabeth Evans, Lauren White, Tara Schmidt, Angel Zhong, Diane McEachern, Roberta Moto, Josie Garnie, Leanna Issac, Jim Chaliak, Lisa Wexler
- Institutions:
- Maniilaq Association, Norton Sound Health Corporation, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Michigan, University of Michigan, University of Michigan, University of Michigan, University of Washington, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-30
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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