Command Suicide Prevention Program
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Sailors form the phone number to the Veteran's Crisis Line, illustrating that suicide prevention is an all hands evolution.
Program Background: The Navy Suicide Prevention Program consists of four elements
ü Training – to increase awareness of suicide concerns, improve wellness, and know how to intervene when someone needs help
ü Intervention – ensuring timely access to needed services and having a plan of action for crisis response
ü Response – assisting families, units, and Sailors affected by suicide behaviors
ü Reporting – reporting incidents of suicide and suicide related behaviors
Suicide Prevention Program Check List
Every command is required to have a suicide prevention program. Check the link above for tools to assist in implementation of your program.
Tips: Creating a Strong Foundation
- Make sure that all parties involved in suicide prevention are on the same page
- Get to know everyone involved in suicide prevention
Get connected
- Find out who the mental health professionals are
- Get to know the chaplains
- Find out how suicide prevention training is tracked
- Find out what needs to happen in the event of a suicide
- Gather everyone together and talk about suicide prevention at your installation
When Everyone is Connected They Will Know
- When training is done it needs to be recorded and tracked
- If a Sailor needs help, everyone will know who the Mental Health Professionals, Family Support Center caregivers and Chaplains are and that they are providing any treatment necessary
- If there is a suicide related behavior, attempt or death you will know what reports need to be filled out, when to fill them out, and who to contact for questions
- Where to find guidance on prevention, training and reporting
