FORT LIBERTY, N.C. – September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School’s (SWCS) Family Programs team planned events to connect Soldiers and Families with available resources and education to recognize warning signs.
“While suicide is a year-round concern, we dedicate the month of September to bringing heightened awareness not just to the act but to the causes, as well,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Jacob Allison, command sergeant major of the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center.
The year-round theme was emphasized often throughout the month.
“Any one of us can make a difference in someone’s life,” Allison said.
Suicide prevention and awareness is a Department of the Army program and an enduring command priority. Everyone plays an integral part in helping others in this fight.
“Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month is all about connecting with people and reminding them of the influential roles they play in each area of their lives, such as teammate, child, parent, sibling, and friend,” said Chaplain Lt. Col. Rob Belton, SWCS command chaplain. “It’s about reminding them that they matter, that we care about them, that they’re not alone.”
Belton added that “such words of encouragement can literally mean the difference between life and death. By taking the time to engage with those around us, by offering a listening ear and a kind word, we can be the voice of hope and the reminder that life is always worth living.”
Christin Chavez, director of SWCS Family Programs, emphasized team building, individual building, resiliency, and inclusiveness through several events.
Chavez elaborated on the reason for the activities.
“Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month activities and trainings are exactly how we change the culture and normalize conversations around depression and suicide,” she said. “If we’re not being proactive, we’re beholden to reactivity and, sometimes, that’s just too late.”
The SWCS Family Programs team works to support the SWCS command team to reinforce the message to normalize discussions about mental health and seeking help when Soldiers and/or Family Members need additional support.
“The goal of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is to identify available suicide mitigation resources, education, and training to empower use of these tools and reach out for help,” Chavez said.
A resource rodeo, showcasing prevention and resources and connecting individuals with mental health and crisis help, was a central part of the month’s events.
“The resources present covered various areas that often impact mental health or contribute to suicide risk, including physical, mental, spiritual, and self-care aspects including Military and Family Life counselors, Behavioral Health providers, chaplains, Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention, Army Substance Abuse Program, Army Wellness Center, United Service Organization, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Army Community Services programs and many more,” said Tanisha Sanchez Ogle, Family Programs representative for SWCS.
“The event aimed to gather resources that support suicide prevention and provide assistance to Soldiers and their Families,” said Sanchez Ogle. “We were pleased to see around 180 participants, including Soldiers, their Families, and civilians come together for this important cause.”
Allison reminded us that “Suicide is not something for someone else to solve. We all share responsibility at the individual, team, and leader levels to look out for one another, identify the signs, ask the tough questions, and ensure help is provided.”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line.
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