Positions Available

Executive Director - Anchorage;  Program Director - Anchorage; YouthMOVE-Alaska Coordinator; Peer Navigator positions - Northwest Arctic or Barrow area; Childcare position - Anchorage.


For more information please click here

What do I need to know about medicating or not medicating my youth?

You will need answers to these questions before you and your child or youth agree to  take medications for a behavioral health related problem.  The person  prescribing the medications should be able to answer the questions.  You should also know how research the information from a reputable source on the internet http://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx.  If you want help doing this or talking about making the decision, please call a Peer Navigator at 888-770-4979 or 770-4979 in Anchorage.

Medication Questions

  • What is the name of the medicine being recommended?
  • Why/How will this medicine help my child?
  • How long must the medication be taken before we notice a change?
  • How often is the medication taken?
  • is there a preferred schedule?
  • How long does the medication need to be taken?
  • Is the medicine known by other names (generics)? Is the generic as good as the name brand? Is there a cost difference? Is it approved by the FDA for that purpose?
  • Is it being prescribed for other medical conditions?
  • What are the side effects of taking this medication?
  • How often do these side effects take place?
  • Are any of the side effects permanent?
  • If temporary, how long after stopping the medication will the side effects subside?
  • Can this medication become addictive or be abused?
  • What types of precautions do we need to take for this medication to be the most effective, and avoid interactions?
  • Prescription or over the counter medicine interactions
  • Food or drinks to avoid
  • Exercise or sun exposure precautions
  • Allergies
  • Are any medical or lab tests needed before starting the medications? (Blood, Pulmonary, Heart, Liver, …)
  • Are lab tests needed once medication has begun?
  • If so, what types of tests and how often?
  • Who will prescribe the medication and make adjustments if necessary?
  •  
  • Can we use medication alternatives?
  • Are there any alternatives to medication we could try first?
  • Alternative medicine doctors or clinics
  • Therapy interventions
  • Natural remedies/Homeopathic
  • How will we tell if an alternative is working, or is not working?
  • What would be our next step?
  • What if no medication is suggested?
  • What is being recommended?
  • Who do we follow up with/Where do we go?
  • Who will judge their progress or lack of progress?
  • What is the process if they are still in crisis?
  • What if I need help understanding all of this?
  • A Peer Navigator can assist you in understanding medications and treatment for your child/youth and to communicate your families’ needs to ensure your families’ voice is heard. To talk to a Peer Navigator call us at AYFN.