Suicide Awareness Training for the 2023 fiscal year begins Sept. 1 with the Take 5 To Save Lives Suicide Awareness Passport Campaign.
Suicide Awareness Training begins in September
Suicide Awareness Training for the 2023 fiscal year begins Sept. 1 with the Take 5 To Save Lives Suicide Awareness Passport Campaign.
Take 5 To Save Lives is a public awareness campaign run by the National Council for Suicide Prevention in support of World Suicide Prevention Day. White Sands Missile Range is adopting this campaign to encourage everyone to take 5 Steps that focus on preventing the tragedy of suicide.
There will be plenty of opportunities to complete training, workshops or an activity and earn a stamp by attending events for each of the 5 steps. You can earn more than one stamp by attending certain events on the list.
Employees must document completion on a Passport Card that can be obtained through your Training Coordinators or the ASAP office. Participants are invited to attend any or all activities but must attend at least one in each category to receive ASAP training credit for FY23.
The first event will be on Sept. 14 and the last event will be on Dec. 14. Participants have four months to complete the 5 Steps.
At the Sept. 14 event you can Sign a Pledge/Spin the Wheel from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Frontier Club. You can earn a stamp for both Step 4 and 5 at this event.
Activities can be downloaded by scanning the QR Code on the flyer.
Complete one activity in each of the 5 Steps between September and December and receive ASAP Training for FY23.
Make sure to document completion on the Passport Card. Don’t forget to bring your Passport Card to the events and have it stamped. Passport Cards must be turned into the ASAP Office by Dec. 20.
Make sure to bring your Passport Card to earn Parent Participation Points, which can also be earned at some of the events.
For more information call (575) 678-1957 or (575) 678-2112.
These are the 5 steps:
1. Learn the Signs – Although it may not always be obvious, individuals experiencing an emotional crisis usually exhibit one or more of the warning signs of suicide. Your ability to identify the signs will better prepare you to take action and could help save a life.
2. Know How to Help – You shouldn’t be afraid to ask your friend if they’re having thoughts of suicide. By knowing exactly what to say and do you’ll be ready to act and keep your friends and family safe.
3. Practice Self Care – Research indicates that our mental fitness or wellness is crucial to our overall long-term health and can even protect us from disease. Learn some tips for keeping mentally fit. Make it a priority.
4. Reach Out – If you or someone you know is in emotional distress you must reach out to help. You are not alone. Learn about different help options and how to take that first step in seeking help and care.
5. Spread the Word – Let’s get people talking. By sharing the Take 5 campaign we can raise awareness of the problem of suicide and equip people with easy tools to help themselves and others.
By Miriam Rodriguez
WSMR Public Affairs