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Carry The Cure is a non-profit, faith-based organization founded in 1996 by Pastor Pat Donelson - Alaska District Youth Minister, and Doug Yates - National Native Youth Director, in response to Western Alaska's outcry against the epidemic of suicide among Native Teens. The Alaska suicide rate is more than twice the U.S. rate (Alaska Department of Health & Social Services). In Carry The Cure's home base, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, there were 15 suicides between 1999 and 2000 (Alaska Vital Statistics & Alaska Medical Examiner). Eight of these suicide victims were younger than 24 years of age.
Just as dedicated mushers drove their dog teams across nearly 1000 miles of arctic terrain to carry the cure for diptheria to the afflicted Eskimos in rural Western Alaska in 1925, a new group of Alaskans are today forging ahead to carry a new cure to rural Alaska - the cure for teen suicide. This new generation of Alaskans, which is now under the direction of Bill Pagaran, is called Carry The Cure (CTC). This dedicated team of youth and adults travels throughout Alaska to provide a message of hope through school rallies, mentorship, and education.
Current Carry the Cure, Inc. Officers: Bill Pagaran - President Justin Ford - Vice President Debbie Hopkins - Secretary/Treasurer
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