Alaska’s suicide rate was among the top four in the US from 1978-1984, with the exception of 1979. The rate for White Alaskans averaged 31% higher than for Whites elsewhere in the US for the same year. The Native suicide rate is several times higher than other ethnic groups. The problem is particularly serious in younger males, where the expected average deaths from suicide is less than 2 a year, but was 12 for the years, 79/80/81. Mortality ratios by sex, age and race discussed.