The Bering Strait Opioid Response Initiative started in July 2025 to address the community impacts of opioid use in the Bering Strait region. Kawerak Wellness conducted a confidential region-wide survey as a starting point, to begin to understand community experiences with opioids and to inform and implement an appropriate response reflecting the unique needs, cultures, and strengths of the region. The confidential survey circulated regional communities during the fall months.
Funding for this project was provided through Kawerak, thanks to a grant from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Kawerak Wellness and Northwest Planning, LLC partnered in administering the survey and processing responses. Participation was voluntary and confidential and responses were compiled to help guide future work utilizing these grant funds.
As a follow up to the survey, Northwest Planning, LLC and Kawerak Wellness hosted community conversations with focus groups in each of the regional communities. Focus group attendees included community leaders, those that work and volunteer with prevention programs, healthcare and other social service workers.
Wellness Department Director Kimberly Ayek said she greatly appreciated and valued the willingness of community members to participate in the focus groups. Ayek said providing a confidential space was an important part of the process, helping participants to feel safe sharing personal experiences.
“There is a strong desire across communities to address opioid misuse, but it has to be grounded in trust, relationships, and approaches that make sense,” she said.
The organizers prioritized creating a private space in order for participants to feel safe and heard. This environment helped participants to speak openly about personal experiences.
“That openness is so important when talking about something as sensitive as opioid misuse, and it allows for more meaningful conversation,” Ayek shared.
Kawerak staff genuinely appreciate the insights and stories shared by participants which will help to guide the future of this project. Ayek said the next steps are to take the information they’ve gathered and to turn it into action.
Kawerak Wellness and Northwest Planning, LLC are developing a strategic plan for the opioid response project, which will help guide the grant funded activities for the upcoming three years. The plan will focus on prevention of opioid overdose among youth and young adults. Some goals include expanding access to harm reduction resources and overdose reversal medications while strengthening pathways to treatment and recovery support services through collaboration with regional partners.
