WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- September is National Suicide Prevention Month.
National Suicide Prevention week is Sept. 5-11.
Awareness is key. These specific times are designed to increase awareness and focus. True suicide prevention starts before there are any acute signs of distress. Before any early warning signs. These are very important to know. Prevention starts in our daily lives. Communication is key. A sense of belonging, being connected has been proven to be a protective factor.
They foster a protective environment that increases resilience around stressful life factors.
Anyone, anywhere can get involved in suicide prevention. Take time to get to know those around you. These seemingly small things make a big impact in our daily lives.
The new acronym S.L.O. – safes, locks, and outside the home can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt. It is evidenced based that 90 percent of those who attempt and survive do not continue on to die by suicide later. One way to safeguard gun safety is locks. There are locks available at the Base Exchange Home and Garden next to the gun display case. There is a limited supply in the Director of Psychological Health office (main area on the shelf under the television).
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), text #741741 or call 911 immediately.”
To contact the 445th Airlift Wing DPH, call 937-257-6267. The 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing DPH can be reached at 937-713-1101.