The ‘Boots’ Move to NMCP for Suicide Awareness

Photo By Seaman Imani Daniels | PORTSMOUTH, Va. (Sept. 25, 2019) – Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) set up a display of 79 pairs of boots to remember the 79 Sailors who were lost to suicide in 2018, and to raise awareness for suicide prevention during the GMT Suicide Prevention Awareness training. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Imani N. Daniels/Released)  

PORTSMOUTH, VA, UNITED STATES

09.25.2019

Story by Seaman Imani Daniels 

Naval Medical Center - Portsmouth

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) hosted the “Have you seen the boots?” initiative during the annual GMT Suicide Prevention Awareness training on Sep. 25. NMCP set up a display of 79 pairs of boots to remember the 79 Sailors who were lost to suicide in 2018, and to raise awareness for suicide prevention during the training.
“Here at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, there is a very unique element that exists,” said Lt. Cmdr. David Viayra, suicide prevention resources director. “You have a triad that is passionate; who genuinely care about their Sailors. And you also have an abundance of tools and resources put in place at this command to make sure you know that you are important.”

• Date Taken: 09.25.2019
• Date Posted: 09.27.2019 13:31
• Story ID: 344185
• Location: PORTSMOUTH, VA, US