ASAP celebrates life in support of Ntl. Suicide Prevention Month

By Melissa Parnell, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Risk Reduction ProgramOctober 12, 2010

ASAP celebrates life in support of Ntl. Suicide Prevention Month
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ASAP celebrates life in support of Ntl. Suicide Prevention Month
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SCHOFIELDAca,!E+BARRACKS, Hawaii - Army Substance Abuse Program team members marked the last day of national Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Sept. 30, by holding a celebration of life at Kalakaua Community Park, here.

ASAP sponsored a total of 24 suicide prevention events, here, throughout the month of September, with the intent of deterring or preventing high-risk behaviors that are associated with suicide, such as alcohol and drug use.

During the final event, active duty Soldiers, family members, Department of the Army civilians and retirees relaxed with free massages and navigated go-carts through a coned course while wearing "drunk goggles."

Participants also received information on services available to enhance quality of life and reduce high-risk behaviors, as well as enjoyed treats provided by the family readiness group for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Soldiers Against Drunk Driving.

The event brought together various agencies and community groups whose missions encourage a positive outlook on life. Participating agencies and groups included the Suicide Prevention Task Force, massage therapy provided by Michael Kaul Iharra, the Employee Assistance Program, the Risk Reduction Program, Survivor Outreach Services, Army Community Service, the Sexual Assault Response Program, the Exceptional Family Member Program, SADD, Sobriety Training and Recover Resources, the Native Hawaiian Liaison Office and the 25th ID Band.

"By providing resources and options to our Soldiers and their family members, we hope to promote the idea that there are other means in which to seek solution - beyond suicide," said Jennifer Miller, RRP coordinator.

ASAP kicked off its Suicide Prevention Campaign, Aug. 30, when more than 1,800 active duty Soldiers attended the Save-a-Life Tour, or SALT.

"SALT is the nation\'s most advanced, high-impact alcohol awareness program," said Johnny Miller, ASAP prevention coordinator. "It featured nontraditional approaches to alcohol awareness and anti-drinking and driving campaigns, by utilizing state-of-the-art drinking and driving simulators."

If you have thoughts of suicide, please call the Hawaii State ACCESS Line at 832-3100. The Hawaii State ACCESS Line is a suicide and crisis call center hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is also available through Military OneSource at (800) 342-9647 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK.

View more photos from Celebrate Life on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/usag-hi/sets/72157625103323188/">Flickr</a>.

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