CAMP HUMPHREYS -- September is designated as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.
Throughout the month the Army Substance Abuse, Suicide Prevention Program will host activities that will focus on the prevention and intervention of suicide. The activities include setting up information tables throughout the community, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) Workshops and appearances by motivational speakers on topics relating to suicide and its prevention.
Last year, there were approximately 329 completed suicides within the Army. The statistical data includes Active Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Department of the Army civilians and family members. The demographics and race of those that committed suicide included Caucasian, African American and Asian; Fort Bliss, Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, Fort Campbell and USAG Humphreys.
The good news is it seems the rates of suicides are decreasing. In 2012, there were 359 reported completed suicides. Although one is too many, 329 in 2013 is definitely a move in a direction the Army wants to keep seeing. As of Aug. 22, there have been 161 reported completed suicides this year.
Suicide is preventable. In 2011, more than 8 million adults reported having serious thoughts of suicide, 2.5 million reported making a suicide plan and 1.1 million reported a suicide attempt. In 2009, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death, claiming more than twice as many lives each year as homicide.
The Army Suicide Prevention Program is part of the Army strategy for reducing and eventually eliminating suicide, suicide ideation and suicidal gestures. Suicide Prevention Program managers remain committed to serving the community to the best of their ability. Their intentions are to continue educating the community on the effects of suicide and how it can be prevented.
Korea-wide Suicide Crisis Life Line: Toll Free from Cellular Phone, 0808-555-118; from DSN, 118
Suicide Prevention Month activities:
-Col. Darin S. Conkright, Humphreys Garrison commander, to sign proclamation designating September as 2014 Suicide Prevention Month, Sept. 9, noon, at the Main Exchange.
-Suicide Prevention Information Table, Sept. 4, 15 and 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Main Exchange.
-Suicide Prevention and Awareness Training, Sept. 17, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m., in the Post Theater.
-Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Sept. 25-26, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., in the Humphreys Community Fitness Center.
All activities or events are open to the community.
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