September: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, giving an opportunity for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the Military Health System (MHS) to raise public awareness for this serious risk among Service Members, Veterans, and Beneficiaries. This national outreach focuses on ensuring that Service Members, Veterans, their families and friends, and their support networks are aware of the available suicide prevention and mental/behavioral health resources. Additionally, this month will provide a chance for the DoD, Veteran’s Administration (VA) and MHS to show how individuals, organizations, and communities can work together to support Service Members and Veterans in times of crisis and to provide life-saving resources for those at risk for suicide.