HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – September is Suicide Prevention Month and military and civilian personnel here, as well as their family members, are invited to attend workshops and other events to highlight the importance of physical and mental well-being.
According to base officials, the best way to prevent suicide is to make sure that family members, friends and coworkers feel connected and have a sense of belonging.
“It is important to remember that suicide is preventable,” said Kristin Wright, violence prevention integrator and suicide prevention program manager here. “Building connections with each other helps sustain emotional strength, and creates a sense of belonging.”
Officials have planned events throughout the month to build those connections in the community.
“Many of the events we have planned focus on providing the skills and training on how to recognize the risk factors and warning signs of suicide, and ways in which someone can provide assistance to someone who is at risk for or experiencing suicidal ideation and behaviors,” said Wright.
Base leadership will kick off the month-long effort by distributing A.C.E. (Ask, Care, Escort) cards and suicide prevention pins at the gates as members of the workforce arrive to work.
“Recognizing Suicide Prevention Month provides us with a dedicated time to bring added attention to the current crisis of suicide among the military branches,” said Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander.
Officials have also planned safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) workshops Sept. 7 and 28 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Military and Family Readiness Center (formerly called Airman & Family Readiness Center) in building 1240. This event is open to anyone aged 15 years and older who has base access.
“Hanscom Rocks!” will take place Sept. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Hunt Community Center at 1998 Patterson Road. This event is open to anyone with base access.
“Members of the community are invited to attend with your friends and family to paint rocks with positive messages that promote connectedness for members of Team Hanscom community,” said Wright.
Organizers will then place the rocks around the installation encouraging those who find them to post a picture of it on the Integrated Prevention & Resilience Facebook or Instagram pages with the hashtag #HanscomRocks.
On Sept. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wright will be at the Main Exchange to distribute gun locks.
“We encourage all of our community to learn and use proper storage of firearms such as gun locks, safes, or storing them outside the home,” said Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation command chief. “Putting time and distance between a person at risk for suicide and a means for suicide, like medication or a firearm, gives them time to reconsider and can prevent suicide.”
Wright said the purpose of these events are to highlight that suicide prevention is a community effort.
“We all can play a role in preventing suicide by staying connected to our family, friends, co-workers and community members,” she said. “Checking in with someone and asking them, ‘Are you OK?’ can offer a lead-in to a conversation, build trust, and support, and offer a sense of connectedness and belonging.”
Earlier this summer, a new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline launched a new quick-dial option.
Anyone located within the United States can call or text 9-8-8 any time of day, seven days a week to receive support for suicidal, mental health, and substance use crisis. The line will connect callers to trained crisis counselors.
“These mental health professionals are trained on helping the military population and addressing the unique issues they encounter,” said Wright. “Veterans, service members and military families face distinctive challenges in multiple aspects of their lives.”
For further information, personnel can contact Wright directly at kristin.wright.1@us.af.mil or via telephone at 781-225-4033.