In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the plan to gather people from multiple sectors of the community for learning circles. We started sending packages to the people who’d attended a learning circle in their village as a way to stay in touch. After getting a positive reaction to the care packages, we decided to keep sending them regularly to anyone who signed up to receive them. The care packages included goodies and reminders about the wonderful things we can do for wellness in our communities.
Care packages were designed for adults who support youth in rural Alaska, especially those who attend learning circles. They were mailed every 2-3 months, with invitations to join a private Facebook page for more consistent exchanges of ideas and support. Over 2 years, PC CARES sent Care Packages to 493 recipients in 49 communities in Alaska, with a total number of 1,319 packages sent.
What did we learn?
We collected evaluation data via both surveys and interviews with Care Package recipients. The most common comment from recipients we interviewed was how helpful the Care Packages were, and what a pleasant surprise it was to receive them. In surveys, the overall ratings from surveys were positive: (1) recipients were happy they received the packages, (2) they found the information clear and understandable, (3) they would like to take actions suggested in the packages to make positive changes for youth around them. Care Packages provided a bridge to connect PC CARES Learning Circles participants to evidence-based wellness actions they can take during the time when people could not physically socialize. The packages also reminded participants about information from the latest Learning Circles. Packages could be used as additional review materials for participants to implement practical suicide prevention methods.