BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command observed Suicide Prevention Month in September through multiple command-wide initiatives providing support to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
At Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Airmen wore suicide prevention patches throughout September. Barksdale AFB was the first installation to approve a suicide prevention patch, and it was recently updated in 2022 to include the new “988” hotline.
Team Barksdale also sent two thousand patches to Nellis AFB, Nevada, which were all distributed within a week.
Suicide is a complex problem affecting both military and civilian communities, and preventing suicide requires teams that exercise vigilance and compassion towards their members. Outreach and communication are two of the most important tools to prevent suicide, and sometimes even the simplest gesture can make a difference in someone’s life.
This was the case in an anecdote shared by a command chaplain, where an Airman was contemplating suicide at work when a Wingman happened to casually pass them the 988 patch to wear. The Airman told the chaplain that receiving that patch from their Wingman saved their life because they took it as the sign to get help, which they immediately did.
A Resiliency Day took place Sept. 25 at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, where Airmen and families from around the wing participated by attending team building exercises, seminars and a resources fair.
In solidarity with victims of domestic violence and to bring awareness to suicide prevention, the Office of Integrated Resilience at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and Kirtland’s helping agencies enacted their “No Wrong Door” campaign.
The goal of this initiative is to create a supportive environment and ensure that every door, virtual or physical, is an open door to resources, help and understanding.
To participate, members place one or more posters on their office door between Sept. 15 and Oct. 25 that highlight at least one resource suitable for both military and community members, such as Family Advocacy, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Military OneSource, and others.
Whiteman AFB, Missouri, had multiple initiatives going on throughout the month of September. At the beginning and end of the month, Whiteman AFB personnel were greeted with uplifting signs when they arrived on base.
They also had a positive message board at the Base Exchange. Members could take a message for themselves and leave a message for others, showing their support and care.
At Malmstrom AFB, Montana, “Signs of Hope” were held by volunteers during the morning and evening commute times on Sept. 19 to promote suicide prevention. Airmen also had the opportunity to participate in “Laps for Life” where 156 people participated, totaling 4,268 laps (1,157 miles).
Even though September has come to an end, AFGSC installations continue to find ways to provide year-round support and prevention resources to Airmen, Guardians, and their families.
More Mental Health Resources can be found here: https://www.afgsc.af.mil/Mental-Health-Resources/
AFGSC Base-Specific Resources:
(Listed alphabetically)
Barksdale AFB Mental Health Services Dyess AFB Mental Health Services Ellsworth AFB Mental Health Services F.E. Warren AFB Mental Health Services Kirtland AFB Mental Health Services Malmstrom AFB Mental Health Services Minot AFB Mental Health Services Whiteman AFB Mental Health Services
Veterans/Military Crisis Line:
- Continental United States (CONUS):
- Outside of the Continental United States (OCONUS):
- In Europe, call: 844-702-5495 or DSN 988
- In the Pacific, call: 844-702-5493 or DSN 988
- In Southwest Asia, call: 855-422-7719 or DSN 988
- The VCL/MCL OCONUS is available to all Service members, veterans, and their families. The country code to reach the United States is required for each number and is dependent on the caller's location. Individuals calling from OCONUS, Canada, Mexico, or off an installation will be responsible for long-distance international charges from their respective carriers, even if dialing a toll-free number.
988 Suicide and Crisis Line:
- Call: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- For Text Telephone (TTY) users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
- Visit: https://www.988lifeline.org/, en Español https://988lifeline.org/es/home/
- Chat: Text with a Crisis Line responder - Send a text message to 838255
- The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. If callers are unable to reach the crisis support through phone dialing, the chat service is available online in all locations with an internet connection.
Non-Crisis Support:
(e.g. relationship, family, or financial challenges)
Military OneSource:
- CONUS: 800-342-9647
- OCONUS: 800-342-9647 or 703-253-7599
- Visit: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/
- Service members and their immediate family can connect with Military OneSource for free and confidential counseling 24/7.
TRICARE:
DoD Employee Assistant Program:
- 866-580-9046 (TTY: 711)
- The DoD Employee Assistant Program provides resources, information, and confidential help 24/7.
