May 3, 2025 Seward Folly Staff

What started as a mission to curb teen drinking in 2004 has evolved into something much more comprehensive. The Seward Prevention Coalition (SPC) has recently secured a $50,000 grant from The Alaska Mental Health Trust, marking a new chapter in their work to support teen mental health in Seward.

The numbers tell a sobering story. Recent surveys of Seward’s youth reveal that teenage girls, particularly those in grades 8-10, are facing significant challenges — 60% report poor mental health, and half say they’re “always” or “almost always” stressed. These findings didn’t emerge from guesswork; they’re backed by extensive research, including anonymous student surveys and feedback from over 300 parents.

The digital world plays a significant role in this crisis. Social media use among Seward’s teens shows a stark gender divide: 50% of girls spend three or more hours daily on social platforms, double the rate of their male peers. Perhaps more concerning is the disconnect between parents and their struggling children — many adults remain unaware of their teenagers’ mental health challenges.

But SPC isn’t just collecting data — they’re taking action. The organization has forged strategic partnerships to tackle these issues head-on. They’ve teamed up with Montana State University’s Center for Health and Safety Culture, implementing their Positive Culture Framework to promote healthier behaviors through shared community values.

They’ve also adopted the Iceland Prevention Model (IPM), a proven approach that examines each community’s unique risk and protective factors. This method has already shown promising results, with early health screenings leading to fewer crisis situations requiring emergency services.

“We use campaigns to support parents and children, prioritizing mental health, supported by community and how to access that support,” explains Katie Cornwell of the SPC.

The coalition’s philosophy is clear: creating lasting change requires adult involvement. While teens might struggle with mental health challenges, they often lack the agency to make systemic changes on their own. With their recent funding boost, SPC aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health care and create an environment where seeking help isn’t just accepted — it’s encouraged.

For Seward’s teens, this might mean the difference between struggling in silence and finding the support they need to thrive. As the SPC moves into this next phase, their goal remains steadfast: helping today’s teenagers become tomorrow’s healthy, productive adults.