Story by Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
USAG Stuttgart and the Army Substance Abuse Program, are joining the Department of Defense in promoting Suicide Prevention Month in order to educate the military community about suicide prevention, resources, and steps everyone can take to protect one another against suicide.
Each September, the DOD observes Suicide Prevention Month to promote prevention resources across military communities and share ways to take simple action – to #BeThere for others and themselves.
This year’s campaign slogan is Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach, highlighting the important role connections with family, friends, the community, and resources play in preventing suicide, especially in these unique and challenging times.
Research indicates connectedness is a protective factor against some of the risk factors for suicide, such as loneliness or feeling like a burden. The slogan reinforces how everyone within reach – leaders, Service members, and families – can play a role in preventing suicide.
“ We need to come together to Connect and protect” General Mark A. Milley.
Throughout September, ASAP will host a variety of events and activities to emphasize the importance of suicide prevention and highlight available resources.
For more information of Suicide Prevention Month and resources available, visit www.dspo.mil/spm
Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a Service member or veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans/Military Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Because suicide is a public health issue and scientific research indicates that certain types of reporting can negatively impact vulnerable individuals, reporters covering this topic can visit ReportingOnSuicide.org for important resources on communicating about suicide.