CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea - The 65th Medical Brigade and Medical Activity-Korea recently conducted a two-day stand-down to equip employees with the tools and resources necessary to maintain readiness and resiliency. Although the Brigade hosted the stand-down from the Four Chaplains Chapel, medical units across Korea were able to participate virtually, allowing participants direct access to subject matter experts and opportunities for candid, small-group discussion and feedback.
The Brigade’s command team, Col. Dave Zimmerman and Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Mulvaney, began the conversation before introducing experts to talk about specific resources available on-post, virtually, or over the phone.
“One of our employees needed some help and wasn’t sure where she could find resources until she saw the ‘Your Life Matters’ card in one of the offices,” said Zimmerman.
One side of the ’Your Life Matters’ card provides eight different lifelines for individuals while the other side is a message from Zimmerman and Mulvaney. For Soldiers, a dog-tag version of the card is part of the uniform.
“This little card could make a difference and prevent a tragedy,” said Zimmerman. “We have made it a part of the uniform so Soldiers always have access to resources.”
Subject matter experts from the Ready and Resilient program, Eighth Army chaplain’s office, and behavioral health provided messages to each group and discussed counseling resources that are readily accessible when needed.
June Park, the area III R2 community integrator, discussed how the R2 program identifies challenges and gaps in the organization and community, focusing on the need for prevention, rather than intervention. Park also provided insight on four categories of resilience – spiritual, family/social, behavioral health and physical – providing skills to maintain wellness and mitigate high-risk behavior.
Maj. Charles Williams, 65th Medical Brigade’s chief of Behavioral Health, offered perspective on how to effectively respond to stressors in daily life. Williams told the audience that everyone, at some time, has an adjustment disorder, which can be an emotional or behavioral reaction to identifiable stressors. For many people, stressors compound on each other and are not addressed until risk levels are elevated. For that reason, it is critical for everyone to have an outlet to relieve stress that works for them.
Williams also emphasized that individuals must recognize when they feel overwhelmed and need help. This could include talking to a friend, or someone anonymous, exercising, taking time away from work, or simply saying ‘I don’t have the bandwidth’. Williams concluded by highlighting the importance of looking out for each other, emphasizing “…if you have a battle buddy, and you see that they need help, offer it.”
Following presentations from subject matter experts, employees participated in small group discussions led and facilitated by the Brigade leaders, where they could feel at ease and communicate freely without attribution.
At the end of the session, Zimmerman asked everyone to take time for reflection during the upcoming holiday season.
“Command Sergeant Major and I care about each one of you. This stand-down is not a “check the box” item. We appreciate everything you do and welcome your feedback so we can affect change for the better,” said Zimmerman. “Most importantly, know yourself, and know when you need to talk to someone. And remember to look out for your teammates as well. Our people are the Brigade’s greatest capital.”
Resources:
Korea-Wide Suicide Crisis Lifeline: 080-855-5118
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 001-1-800-273-8255
DoD Safe Helpline: 001-1-877-995-5247
Military OneSource: 001-1-800-342-9647
On-Call Duty Chaplain: 010-9496-7445
Counseling Assistance: 010-1566-2525
Korea DoD Helpline: 1303 (KATUSAs)
Korean Suicide Hotline: 1393 (Korean Nationals)
Live Internet Chat Service: www.militarycrisisline.net
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