By COL Steven W. Swann, MD, FACS, FAADM, WTC Command Surgeon, Director, Clinical Support Division
The Army Suicide Prevention Program relies upon proactive and vigilant people who recognize danger and take action to save a life. Active engagement can help minimize the risk of suicide within the Army and stop tragic and unnecessary loss of human life. Suicide prevention is everybody’s business in the Army. As I read MAJ Eric McCoy’s suicide prevention blog, I knew as a commander he has much to tell new, young commanders. His blog discusses how to approach suicide prevention and has a number of his lessons learned as a commander who went through two suicides early in the train-up to deploy. By sharing lessons learned, the Army can further strengthen suicide prevention resources. We must continue to confront this issue head on.
The Army and Department of Defense continue to bring behavioral wellness and eliminating related stigma to the forefront of Soldier, Veteran, and Family care. The Army Suicide Prevention Task Force released their 2010 report with more than 250 recommendations, including establishing health promotion councils at each installation, expanding behavioral health screenings, and recruiting additional behavioral health counselors. The Army Deputy Chief of Staff also developed a Commander’s Tool Kit for suicide prevention to assist leaders at all levels as they implement their suicide prevention program. The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury supports a multi-pronged effort including reaching out to troops, Veterans, and their Families, psychological treatment and counseling, and programs to address stressors that may lead to suicide.
Suicide is a potentially preventable tragedy that profoundly impacts the Army Family. WTC encourages commanders to share lessons learned, create standard operating procedures, and educate Soldiers. Your efforts can save a life.
