HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Team Hanscom has planned a series of events here to raise awareness and promote available resources.
The 66th Air Base Group Integrated Prevention and Resilience Program office will lead a monthlong campaign focused on awareness and prevention.
“Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is dedicated to empowering our community with knowledge-recognizing risk factors, identifying warning signs, and connecting individuals with vital resources,” said Kristin Wright, Integrated Prevention and Resilience chief. “We’re bringing that mission to life through impactful events that inspire connection, meaningful conversations, and to remind every member of our community that they are never alone.”
On Sept. 4, base personnel and visitors were greeted by volunteers holding signs with positive messages at both of the installation’s gates. Col. Jorge Jimenez, installation commander, along with command staff members also distributed suicide prevention resources.
The following events are open to anyone with access to the installation:
Tuesday, Sept. 16: Hanscom Rocks
Members of the community are invited to paint rocks with positive and encouraging messages from 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at two locations: outside of the Hanscom Fitness and Sports Center and in the commissary parking lot.
Participants may paint a rock, take a rock or place a rock. Anyone who finds a painted rock is encouraged to share photos on the Integrated Prevention and Resilience Facebook and Instagram pages using the hashtag #HanscomRocks.
Friday, Sept. 26: Glow Run
Community members are invited to run, walk, or ruck to raise suicide awareness. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Hanscom Fitness and Sports Center parking lot.
Glow sticks and face paint will be available and local community organizations will provide information about valuable resources and support services for the Hanscom AFB community.
In addition to the events, service members and employees are encouraged to complete their annual suicide prevention training.
On Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Education and Training Center, the Integrated Prevention and Resilience Office and the Sexual Assault and Prevention Office will team up to provide annual suicide prevention and SAPR training.
Additional trainings are scheduled throughout the months of October and November.
“September is a reminder for us all to engage with one another with intention and purpose, not just during this month, but each and every day of the year,” wrote Lt. Gen. Linda Hurry, Air Force Materiel Command deputy commander, in an email to members of the command. “I encourage you to check on each other, and if you are struggling, lean on your teammates.”
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources.
Additional resources include the Employee Assistance Program at 866-580-9078 and Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.
For more information on suicide prevention events, annual training, or prevention and resilience support, contact Wright at kristin.wright.1@us.af.mil.