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I read a recent observation that, with the wonderful news of zero deaths in Iraq last month, that “more veterans of (Iraq) died as a result of (post-traumatic stress disorder and) depression at home than they did of direct enemy action in country.” This is most likely true, with the Army experiencing 345 suicides during 2010. Our Soldiers have been facing the longest period of sustained combat in the Army’s history — and its effects are being felt most acutely once they return home.
To address this critical problem to our Army, our Soldiers and their families, the Army has instituted a multi-level, holistic approach to health promotion, risk reduction and suicide prevention that accounts for the many challenges our Soldiers, families and Army civilians face. These challenges include substance abuse, financial and relationship problems, post-traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury. The Army suicide prevention efforts are focused on directly assisting Soldiers, families and Army civilians.
Our commitment to date has resulted in substantial changes to our policy, programs and processes, with measurable reductions in our high-risk populations. Prevention is the responsibility of commanders, supervisors, officers, noncommissioned officers, civilian employees and family members. They all can have a tremendous influence on increasing help-seeking behavior, reducing high risk behavior, and ultimately reducing unacceptable casualty rates. Each can make an immediate and positive impact on reducing risk.
To support these efforts, we are observing Army Suicide Prevention Month Sept. 1-30 in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 6-12. Suicide Prevention Month will be a critical, Armywide opportunity to raise awareness, and to provide education on warning signs, risk factors and intervention actions.
This year’s theme for the Army is “Shoulder to Shoulder: Building Resiliency in the Army Family.”
There are many valuable resources for dealing with those at risk for suicide. Local contacts include:
- Behavioral Health: 684-6771, after hours 684-6000. Walk-ins are welcome 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
- Garrison Chaplain’s Office: 684-2210
- Family Life Center: 684-8995 (weekdays)
- Employee Assistance Program: 684-2869 (weekdays)
- Emergency rooms at local hospitals after normal duty hours
- There is also a 24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
I challenge each and every one of you to actively engage your leaders, Soldiers and peers — to prevent suicide you must know and understand your teammates around you. I also encourage you to actively take advantage of the different programs and resources that are available here on Fort Leavenworth through the newly established Resiliency Center and to learn more about reducing and managing the different contributing factors that lead to suicide.
We will only truly be Army Strong when each Soldier and his or her family are strong in mind and body.
I read a recent observation that, with the wonderful news of zero deaths in Iraq last month, that “more veterans of (Iraq) died as a result of (post-traumatic stress disorder and) depression at home than they did of direct enemy action in country.” This is most likely true, with the Army experiencing 345 suicides during 2010. Our Soldiers have been facing the longest period of sustained combat in the Army’s history — and its effects are being felt most acutely once they return home.
To address this critical problem to our Army, our Soldiers and their families, the Army has instituted a multi-level, holistic approach to health promotion, risk reduction and suicide prevention that accounts for the many challenges our Soldiers, families and Army civilians face. These challenges include substance abuse, financial and relationship problems, post-traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury. The Army suicide prevention efforts are focused on directly assisting Soldiers, families and Army civilians.
Our commitment to date has resulted in substantial changes to our policy, programs and processes, with measurable reductions in our high-risk populations. Prevention is the responsibility of commanders, supervisors, officers, noncommissioned officers, civilian employees and family members. They all can have a tremendous influence on increasing help-seeking behavior, reducing high risk behavior, and ultimately reducing unacceptable casualty rates. Each can make an immediate and positive impact on reducing risk.
To support these efforts, we are observing Army Suicide Prevention Month Sept. 1-30 in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 6-12. Suicide Prevention Month will be a critical, Armywide opportunity to raise awareness, and to provide education on warning signs, risk factors and intervention actions.
This year’s theme for the Army is “Shoulder to Shoulder: Building Resiliency in the Army Family.”
There are many valuable resources for dealing with those at risk for suicide. Local contacts include:
- Behavioral Health: 684-6771, after hours 684-6000. Walk-ins are welcome 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
- Garrison Chaplain’s Office: 684-2210
- Family Life Center: 684-8995 (weekdays)
- Employee Assistance Program: 684-2869 (weekdays)
- Emergency rooms at local hospitals after normal duty hours
- There is also a 24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).
I challenge each and every one of you to actively engage your leaders, Soldiers and peers — to prevent suicide you must know and understand your teammates around you. I also encourage you to actively take advantage of the different programs and resources that are available here on Fort Leavenworth through the newly established Resiliency Center and to learn more about reducing and managing the different contributing factors that lead to suicide.
We will only truly be Army Strong when each Soldier and his or her family are strong in mind and body.
