Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appealed to Service members to help stop suicide in the Armed Forces N.O.W. through a
video message last week. With suicide on the rise, one of Battaglia’s priorities is the persistent and continued implementation of resiliency programs.
[youtube QtkBAJkZDUg nolink]
“From private to general, we shoulder an obligation to look and listen for signs and we stand ready to intervene and assist our follow Service member or battle buddy at a time of need,” Battaglia said.
N.O.W. stands for:
- No problem is too big that would drive one to use suicide as a solution
- Outreach for help is literally a fingertip away
- We care
Suicide Prevention Resources
The Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and the Military Services have
suicide prevention resources available for Service members, veterans, leadership and families. Please utilize these resources if you or someone you know is in crisis.
Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense to Service members and their families to help with a broad range of concerns including complex issues such as relationships, stress and grief. Services are available 24/7 for all Service members—as well as for National Guard members, reservists, veterans and eligible immediate family members. Military OneSource provides guidance on finding resources, including community services, installation services, or TRICARE. For more information, call or visit:
The
Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center is a trusted source of information on issues stemming from psychological health concerns and traumatic brain injury. The Outreach Center has professional health resource consultants with expertise in psychological health and traumatic brain injury, available 24/7, to respond to specific questions and needs. The Outreach Center may be reached at:
The
Veterans Crisis Line is a toll-free, confidential resource that connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Veterans Affairs (VA) responders. Veterans and their loved ones can receive free, confidential support 24/7, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. The Veterans Crisis Line may be reached at:
Army Suicide Prevention Program (ASPP) is an Army-wide commitment to provide resources for suicide awareness, intervention skills, prevention, and follow-up in an effort to reduce the occurrence of suicidal behavior across the Army. The ASPP develops initiatives to tailor and target policies, programs, and training in order to mitigate risk and behavior associated with suicide. If a Soldier or family member would like to share concerns about the quality of patient care, they may reach the
Wounded Soldier Family Hotline, available 24/7, at:
Navy Personnel Command Suicide Prevention has a website that provides training and tools for suicide prevention. Military life, especially deployments, can present challenges to Sailors and their families that are both unique and difficult. Some can be managed without assistance and some cannot.
Navy Chaplains are available 24/7 for Sailors and their families by contacting:
- 1-877-4-1-TOUCH (1-877-418-6824) and press option 2 then option 2 a second time when you hear the recording
- anchordesk@navy.mil
The
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) suicide prevention website has resources for Marines and their families, command and leaders and health professionals. The number one issue among suicidal Marines is personal relationship problems, along with financial and legal problems. By attending classes and utilizing available resources Marines and family members can learn how to take control of their problems and get back on track, before suicide seems like the only answer. The
Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR) provides support to Marine Corps wounded, ill and injured and their families in the many phases of their recovery process. The WWR
Sergeant Merlin German Wounded Warrior Call Center is available 24/7 at:
- 1-877-4USMCWW or 1-877-487-6299
The
Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP) has a website designed to provide information and tools to members of the Air Force community (Suicide Prevention Program Managers, commanders, gatekeepers, etc.) in their efforts to help reduce Air Force suicides.
The
Coast Guard Suicide Prevention Program applies to Coast Guard active duty and reserve personnel and appropriated civilian and non-appropriated fund employees and their families. It also applies to other Uniformed Services members and their families while serving with the Coast Guard or using Coast Guard facilities. The program provides policy and procedures, and assign responsibilities for the Coast Guard’s Suicide Prevention Program.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone. These resources are immediately available to aid you if you are in crisis. To find more resources, visit the National Resource Directory at
www.nrd.gov/.