Cluster of suicides brings Bethel leaders, health workers and kids together

Aug. 16--BETHEL -- The problem of suicides in Bethel is getting new attention after a troubling cluster of deaths in the town and nearby villages in recent months.

On Saturday, a few dozen children, teens and adults marched across town, waving signs at trucks and four-wheelers that drove by on a drizzly gray afternoon. Then they gathered at the 4-H Teen Center for games, food and a fresh focus on the issue.

"Pledge to Live," some signs said. "Let Your (heart symbol) Smile Even If It's Hard."

It's been a rough time for Bethel, where almost everyone is connected to someone who killed himself or herself, said Ronda Sargent, the 4-H youth director and one of the event organizers. She said that she wanted to take some of the perceived glamour off the prospect of suicide.

"Pledge to live your life and encourage others to live," she told the crowd at the teen center.

Police Chief Andre Achee said about six people in Bethel have committed suicide in the last six months. Counting those in nearby villages, the number is believed to be at least nine, said Sargent and others.

"For a town this size, that's way too much," Achee said Saturday.

Mary Kernak, 20, this year's Miss Camai from Bethel's signature dance festival, made suicide awareness and prevention her platform issue. The march and gathering are important, she said.

"It means we are coming together," she said.

Cassie Hendrix, 12, said she was walking in the march because she believes "people should live their lives and not hate their lives."

At the 4-H Center, Yute Air gave away a free trip to one of the marchers. Children nibbled on marshmallow and fruit shish kebabs. Bethel Family Clinic staff members offered free blood pressure checks, glucose checks and more. The Orutsarsarmiut Native Council, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp., the community child advocacy center and other groups were there offering help.

State public health nurses showed how to make origami swans and fish. People wrote messages to their future selves inside the folded paper. "It gets better." "I've come this far."

The community is trying to restart a suicide prevention task force, Sargent said. Maybe that will lead to regular talking circles and other events to reach those in despair. She knew several of those who committed suicide. One used to work for the city parks department. One was part of the Teens Acting Against Violence youth empowerment group.

Anyone who wants to get involved can meet on Wednesday at noon at the teen center, Sargent said.

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