The Kawerak Wellness Program has started a new initiative to confront the regional impact of opioid use—and you can help by completing an online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BSORI.
This important survey asks how opioid use affects our lives, families, and communities. Your insights will help shape future programs to prevent and address regional opioid use in ways that reflect our region’s values, strengths, and needs.
There are prizes for regional residents (18 years and older) who complete a survey by the deadline. Prizes include up to 25,000 ATMOS points (or Alaska Airlines miles) donated by Kawerak, and Safeway gift cards for $500, $240, $220, $60 and $40. To be eligible for the prize drawing participants must currently live in the Bering Strait Region and a survey must be submitted by 6 PM AKDT on November 28, 2025. Complete prize rules are included in the online survey.
Kim Ayek, Kawerak Wellness Program Director, shared, “This survey is part of a new project led by the Kawerak Wellness Program and funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Grant # 79T1087889). We know there are devastating effects of opioid misuse and addiction with regional individuals, families, and communities. The opioid crisis does not discriminate—it impacts people from all walks of life, ages, and backgrounds.”
Recognizing this impact, the Bering Strait Opioid Response Initiative was funded to address this crisis through a comprehensive community approach. This initiative aims to listen, learn, and develop actionable strategies that reflect the unique needs, cultures, and strengths of our region.
Kim Ayek further shared, “We encourage regional residents to help with this project and share your voice by participating in the online survey. Together, we can improve regional wellness rooted in healing, strength, and community care. Marra magua igayanaqsirut naguuġuktuat (it’s time to help those who want to get better).”
