USAG Ansbach has resources for Suicide Prevention

ANSBACH, BY, GERMANY

09.03.2019

Story by Amy Stork 

U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach

ANSBACH, Germany (September 2, 2019) – Are you thinking about suicide? Do you know or suspect someone else is thinking about suicide?

There are people who can help. The most important step to combat thoughts of suicide is to reach out for professional support.

The U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach has training, counseling, and guides on suicide awareness and prevention available at the Army Substance Abuse Prevention office on Katterbach Kaserne in bldg. 5817.

“We have many resources in the community; Military Family Life Consultants, Family Life Chaplain, and Behavioral Health to name a few,” said Mathetta Howard, Suicide Prevention Program Manager. “Taking advantage of resources before we experience a crisis is equally as important as seeking help when we are in crisis with regard to mitigating suicide risk.”

Warning signs of suicide risk include hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out; anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, and mood swings; feeling like there is no reason to live; rage or anger; engaging in risky activities without thinking; increasing alcohol or drug abuse; withdrawing from friends and family.

“If you are going through a difficult time, you do not have to go through it alone. Reach out for help. If you know someone who is going through a tough situation, check in and encourage them to seek help. We are a community and we must take care of each other,” said Howard.

Howard encourages the community to use the Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) Army-approved model for training and intervention or customized training that facilitates open dialogue about suicide, seeking help, and available resources.

“Ask calmly and directly about suicide: Are you thinking of killing yourself?” said Howard. “Listen to the person and never leave them alone.”

The Military Crisis Line in Europe is 00800-1273-8255 or DSN 118.
Although September kicks off Suicide Prevention Month, USAG Ansbach does not treat suicide prevention like a seasonal endeavor. It is a top priority.

“We value every Soldier, Family member and Army Professional as a part of the team and every one of them is critical to accomplishing our mission here in USAG Ansbach,” said Col. Steven M. Pierce, USAG Ansbach commander.

USAG Ansbach Suicide Prevention Resources

Suicide Prevention Hotline
DSN 118, CIV 09641-83-118

Suicide Prevention Program Manager
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5817, DSN 467-3972, CIV 09802-83-3972

Local Emergency Resources
CIV 112

Army Substance Abuse Program
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5817, DSN 467-1710 CIV 09802-83-1710

Employee Assistance Program
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5817, DSN

Family Life Chaplain
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5819, 24/7 CIV 0162-296-4338

Military Family Life Consultants
12th Combat Aviation Brigade, Bldg. 5814, DSN 467-3324 CIV 0980-283-3324
Katterbach Kaserne, CIV 0151-1812-3764
Storck Barracks, CIV 0171-849-7174

Army Community Service
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5817A, DSN 467-2883, CIV 09802-83-2883
Storck Barracks, Bldg. 6510, DSN 467-4555, CIV 09841-83-4555

American Red Cross
Katterbach Kaserne, Bldg. 5817B, DSN 467-1760 CIV 07031-15-2334

• Date Taken: 09.03.2019
• Date Posted: 09.03.2019 06:38
• Story ID: 338152
• Location: ANSBACH, BY, DE