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In 2012, the U.S. military hit a record high with 349 suicides, surpassing combat deaths in Afghanistan.
The U.S. Air Force is doing its part to reduce those numbers.
“Suicide prevention is important everywhere because every life is valuable and getting people to understand that is a big part of suicide prevention,” said Capt. Daphne Brewton, 86th Medical Squadron mental health flight installation suicide prevention program manager. “A lot of times people will be in the midst of something very difficult and we want to help people understand the problems that they are going through are temporary.”
Organizations within the military are focused on reducing suicides. Some of these organizations include the mental health clinic, chaplain services and a crisis hotline for military members and their families.
“I work closely with the chaplains, Airman & Family Readiness Center, and military family life consultants so that we can all work together on how we can make sure people get the right help they need,” Brewton said. “We are constantly trying to get the information out to people that we are here to help.”
The Air Force is a family with agencies setup to help deal with various problems Airmen and their families face so that they never believe suicide should be the solution.
“The Ask, Care and Escort program is a suicide prevention program where you remember to ask, care and escort members we are worried about,” said Staff Sgt. Nichole Kuck, 86th MDS mental health flight mental health technician. “We reinforce resiliency and suicide prevention to help people overcome life challenges so you won’t even come to the point where you (might be thinking of taking your own life).”
The U.S. Air Force is dedicated to the care and well being of the physical, mental and spiritual health of Airmen and their families. With the ACE program, every Airmen is on the frontline in helping prevent suicide.
When Airmen seek help for their wingmen and themselves, it works toward our goal to end suicide amongst our ranks.
If you are thinking of hurting yourself or know someone who needs help, call the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Ramstein Life Skills at 479-2390 or 06371-46-2390.
