316th soldiers recognize Suicide Prevention Month

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
Story by Staff Sgt. Peter Berardi

Date: 09.10.2012
Posted: 10.01.2012 11:14
News ID: 95527

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The Army has designated September as Suicide Prevention Month and joins the nation in observing National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 10-14, and World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10.

Retired Maj. Gen. Mark A. Graham, who lost a son to suicide, said it’s important to be safe, be smart and be compassionate. It’s a sign of strength to get help, not a weakness. “Do not wait, let’s stop suicide and prevent it before it happens,” he added.

The 316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) conducted suicide prevention training at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 25. Soldiers were given information and discussed risks, behaviors, warning signs and preventive measures.

“There are too many suicides in the Army,” said Capt. Bronwyn Odhner, the 316th ESC headquarters headquarters company commander. “This training helps us learn how to take care of ourselves and others.”

The Army has expanded its Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training efforts and developed and fielded a number of training tools to facilitate units' training. Other resources include Master Resiliency Training, ACE cards, Suicide Prevention Training Tip cards, Leaders' Guides and videos.

Soldiers and family members can contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/Military Crisis Line anytime, at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).