KANA Looks to Increased Depression Treatment

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
Kodiak Area Native Association is set to receive grant funds from the federal government. A press release from U.S. Senator Mark Begich’s office announced that $384,000 will go to KANA, specifically to be used for treatment of depression.
KANA was awarded the money as a sub-grantee of the John A. Hartford foundation and the release said it will be used to create depression treatment programs at KANA using consulting psychiatrists and depression care managers.
The John A. Hartford foundation grants are made possible through a Social Innovation Fund, which is program of the Corporation for National and Community Services. To date, the Hartford foundation has awarded money to KANA and seven other sub-grantee organizations in Alaska, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.
In the release, Begich said he thinks the funds will help “improve the lives of individuals and families in Kodiak who might otherwise have suffered in silence.” He said he has long advocated for more mental health resources in Alaska, specifically for depression and the stigmas that surround it.