With the theme: “Shoulder to Shoulder: No Soldier is Alone,” the U.S. Army and Installation Management Command are encouraging awareness among Soldiers, their family members and civilians of the programs, training and resources available to help prevent suicide.
Suicide Prevention Week is September 7-13, and World Suicide Prevention Day is September 14. The National Guard and Army Reserve will conduct a month-long observation from September 6 to October 5.
“The loss of an American soldier’s life is a great tragedy and cause for concern, regardless of the cause,” said Lt. Gen. Michael Rochelle, deputy chief of staff for personnel. ‘army. “And in the event of a suicide, as a military, we are committed to providing prevention and response resources.”
Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, said the theme embodies the Army’s values of selfless service, integrity and personal courage.
“This means doing the right thing and taking the necessary steps to ensure that your friend, family members or civilian personnel receive the appropriate support they may need, especially when you know someone is going through a difficult time with a personal matter,” Chiarelli said. .
Throughout September, APG News will broadcast news focused on the Army’s message that “everyone – Soldiers, families, Army civilians and employers – must be involved in suicide prevention” and that no soldier should “go it alone.”
The information will include steps the Army is taking to reduce the stigma of Soldiers seeking mental health care and steps the Army is taking to reduce suicidal behavior, including encouraging personnel and family members to seek mental health care. appropriate solutions to their concerns.
The overarching goal is to educate Soldiers, families and civilians about the world-class programs, training and resources in place to assist in suicide prevention and increase awareness of suicide warning signs and responses appropriate measures that can save a person’s life.
In addition to APG News, information about suicide awareness and prevention can be found at the following websites: The Army G1 Suicide Prevention website, http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/ default.asp and Army Knowledge Online.
Also U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventative Medicine website provides links to suicide prevention resources and training products, including the Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) Card, a training tool aimed at increasing awareness and intervention skills among youth leaders to help them to train their soldiers.
For more information, visit Army Behavioral Health website.
For a list of resources and events for National Guard and Army Reserve components, visit their website.
The Army G-1’s position is: “Suicide is a preventable tragedy and every effort should be made to understand and inform Army personnel of the risk factors involved, to train Soldiers to respond and make them aware of professional help at all levels. “.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Alliance, “when given a chance, life usually wins.”
