Connect To Protect: Support is within Reach - We're in this together.
‘Connect to Protect’ during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about the difficult topic of suicide. This year’s theme, “Connect to Protect – Support is Within Reach. We're in this Together,” encourages Soldiers to take care of Soldiers, and emphasizes the vital role we all play in suicide prevention.
On July 16, 988 became the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988 is available nationwide as the number to contact for mental health, substance use and suicide crises. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, anyone can call or text 988 to receive 24/7, free and confidential support, as well as information on prevention and crisis resources for themselves for loved ones.
Fort Belvoir’s Suicide Prevention Program aims to shift the perception of suicide, which is often stigmatized and taboo. Its goal is also to encourage others to seek help, spread hope, and share vital resources to the community. Throughout this month, follow along with the Suicide Prevention Program on Fort Belvoir’s social media platforms to receive prevention information and participate in different activities, to include the Be There Resilience Challenge.
Beginning Sept. 19, all are encouraged to take part in daily exercise challenges such as push-ups or running, as part of the Be There Resilience Challenge. Each exercise has a repetition of the number 22, representing the number of Veterans that die by suicide each day. Once you complete the activity, post a photo of your exercise tracker or a selfie in our Facebook event page.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For more information on suicide prevention at Fort Belvoir, visit the Fort Belvoir Army Substance Abuse website (hyperlinked) and contact the Suicide Prevention Program Manager at milagros.frank.civ@army.mil or 703-805-5529. Remember, “Support is within reach. We’re in this together.”
Millie Frank, Fort Belvoir Suicide Prevention Program Manager