By Gerald Taylor
Mrs. Kennedy
September was Suicide Prevention Month, but preventing suicide is something we can do each and every month, especially as we move into the holidays.
The DoD Suicide Prevention Month theme is “Connect to Protect: Support is Within Reach.” “The Army’s supporting theme is “We’re in this Together.” The theme is “based on the Army’s approach of encouraging Soldiers to take care of Soldiers with the importance of the roles that the team, Family, and individual play in suicide prevention.”
The 108th Training Command (IET) wore yellow in support of September 10, which is World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is observed every year to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. The wearing of yellow on World Suicide Prevention Day originates from the death of Mike Emme in September 1994. Mike was 17 and owned a 1968 Ford Mustang that he restored himself and painted yellow. Following his death by suicide, his family and friends used yellow of his cherished Ford Mustang to honor him.
Mr. Taylor
Resources
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988, Press 1 for the Military Crisis Line.
• Crisis Text Line – If you’re feeling anxious and need someone to talk to, text SIGNS to 741741. The Crisis Text Line is a 24/7, free and confidential service.
• Army Emergency Relief – Assistance is available by calling the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337, and then selecting option 3 for financial assistance.
• Give An Hour – A national network of mental health care providers who give an hour of their time each week to help members of the military and their families cope with the “unseen wounds” associated with military service. https://giveanhour.org/
• Military One Source – Resource website providing 24/7 support for military personnel, spouses, family members and survivors on a number of resources. http://www.militaryonesource.mil
• VETS4WARRIORS – We’ve been where you are, and we’re with you now. 24/7 telephonic, confidential peer-to-peer support by veterans. https://www.vets4warriors.com/