Suicide Prevention

The two leading sources of loss of life of Sailors and Marines are motor vehicle mishaps (34%) and suicides (19%). From FY 1995 - 1999, 355 military personnel ended their own lives during periods of extreme anxiety, depression and stress. The impact of these losses is immeasurable. Each and every one of us has a role in suicide awareness and prevention.

Leaders at all levels need to be aware of warning signs and be prepared to intervene. The Secretary of the Navy approved a collaborative action plan of Navy Personnel Command and Headquarters Marine Corps to produce an all-hands DON suicide prevention training course. The course heightens awareness of this problem and promotes two basic themes: Sailors and Marines take care of each other and it's OK to get help. The course is designed to be used by a facilitator and consists of an instructive manual, overhead slides and a short film entitled "Suicide Prevention: Taking Action - Saving Lives" (DIN 806377).

Copies of the video training kit can be ordered by Navy and Marine Corps commands through the Defense Visual Information Website at http://dodimagery.afis.osd.mil. Orders may be placed at that site by through the DAVIS/DITIS search option--then choosing the PIN/ICN search option and entering pin number 806377.

See also NAVADMIN requirement for Suicide Prevention GMT. http://www.persnet.navy.mil/navadmin/nav00/nav00223.txt 

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