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DoD conference to address military suicides

A conference scheduled for next week in Washington on suicide among U.S. military personnel and veterans has taken on new importance in light of reports showing active duty suicides to date are outpacing last year’s numbers.

The annual meeting, scheduled for June 20-23, will bring top officials, including Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, VA Undersecretary for Health Dr. Robert Petzel and others together to discuss the topic.

“The goal of the conference is to provide basic information, research findings and share best practices in the realm of suicide prevention, different interventions, post-ventions and surveillance activities,” said Jackie Garrick, head of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.

The Associated Press reported 154 suicides among active duty personnel as of June 3, nearly one a day for the year and 24 more than occurred between Jan. 1 to June 3, 2011.

According to AP and service figures, the Marine Corps and Army have seen a slight uptick, with the Marine Corps having 18, the Army, 80. The Air Force has seen a sharp increase, up 32 from 23 at the same time last year. The Navy has seen a slight dip after experiencing a rising trend in the past few years.

The conference is the fourth on suicide prevention hosted by the Defense Centers of Excellence.

The theme “Back to Basics,” will “emphasize the value of and appreciation for good order, disciplined practices, strong clinical skills and service accountability,” according to the center’s website.

Garrick called the issue a “national public health problem,” saying data from 2010 indicate it is now the 10th leading cause of death of Americans, up from the 11th leading cause.

“It’s a complex issue and the causes are as multiple as people are individuals,” she said.

The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center on Monday released a report showing that for the past two years, suicide supplanted automobile and motorcycle accidents as the second leading cause of death for active duty personnel.

Combat-related casualties have held the top spot since 2004, with the exception of 2008, when traffic accidents surpassed combat deaths.

Garrick said the Defense Department is committed to reduce suicide rates among active duty and is implementing recommendations made by the Defense Department Suicide Task Force in 2009.

“Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We want them to engage in making the call, 1-800-273-8255, press 1 if you are a veteran or a military member, the Veterans Crisis Line,” Garrick said.