Service members and civilians across the installation attend annual mandatory Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention, or SHARP training. SHARP training teaches the reporting process.
Yet, if a SHARP-related incident were to occur, how many would be able to think clearly enough to remember how to reach out for resources?
What about suicide prevention? Again, annual mandatory training is taken and information is given. But, if a situation were to occur and an individual became concerned about a friend or battle buddy, would that individual have the time to search the internet for life-saving information?
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command created an app to provide information when it is most needed.
TRADOC teamed up with several installations, to include Fort Leonard Wood, to make a series of WeCare apps, making it faster and easier for individuals to get the information and help needed.
"When an individual is in a personal crisis, for example having suicidal thoughts or finding themselves in a SHARP situation, having help readily available with just a few clicks might make the difference in getting the necessary care or advocacy services that a person needs," said Carol Oberwager-Spencer, Sexual Assault Response coordinator. "Receiving the proper care and services quickly is important for individuals feeling lost, hopeless and alone."
The app puts individuals in contact with local and national resources. Important numbers can be reached at the push of a button.
"When the app is installed on your cell phone, an individual will have access, at the tap of a finger, to a wealth of intervention, prevention and crisis phone numbers," Oberwager-Spencer said.
WeCare, Fort Leonard Wood includes suicide-prevention tools, such as the Army Suicide Prevention Manual; a "What can I do?" section with suicide prevention lines; contact buttons for the installation chaplain and the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital emergency room.
SHARP resources include definitions of both restricted and unrestricted reporting; and buttons which dial the local SHARP Hotline and the Family/Victim Advocacy numbers.
The app also includes links to organizations, including SHARP and suicide prevention.
"On the 'Resources' tab at the bottom of the home page, there are more than 33 additional links available that offer a multitude of resources and help from the American Association of Suicidology to the Wounded Warrior Resource Center," Oberwager-Spencer said.
WeCare, Fort Leonard Wood is free to download for both Apple and Android users and can be found by searching the smartphone's app store.
"It isn't just for service members," Oberwager-Spencer said. "(It's) available for any individual who is looking for help or resources 24/7."
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