- An improved approach to suicide prevention will:
- Enhance quality of life.
- Build healthy climates and cultures.
- Tackle stigma as a barrier to seeking help.
- Promote a culture of “lethal means safety.”
BOSS Resources
Whether you are a BOSS Representative or a BOSS Team Member, these valuable resources are here to help make your Garrison BOSS Program Better!
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Suicide Prevention
The Army Suicide Prevention Program improves readiness by developing policies, training, data collection and analysis, and strategic communications designed to prevent suicides and support Soldiers affected by suicide. The program educates and trains Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Family members on suicide prevention and postvention actions to minimize the risk of suicide.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. The 2024 theme is “We Are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect.”
The Army’s Suicide Prevention Month Awareness materials underscore the importance of connecting with those we trust as a deterrent to suicide. They also highlight how living according to Army Values can help someone rediscover a sense of purpose to better manage the stressors and challenges that can lead to suicide.
Training and Education
The Army Suicide Prevention Program develops and implements progressive, complementary training and education activities for leaders, Soldiers and prevention professionals. The initiatives aim to impart knowledge, skills and attitudes that enhance protection and reduce the risk of suicide.
Annual suicide prevention training follows the Ask, Care, Escort model, designed to increase awareness of suicide risk factors, warning signs and available resources, and encourage intervention for at-risk Soldiers and Family members. Buddy systems and team-building exercises can foster a culture of belonging and purpose. They promote open communication, active listening and empathy, empowering individuals to seek help when needed and support their comrades in times of crisis.
Every Soldier, Army Civilian and Family member can play a part in suicide prevention by recognizing signs of at-risk behavior and connecting those in crisis to resources or professional help. Remaining calm, asking directly about suicidal ideation, acknowledging the situation, and safely escorting the at-risk individual to the appropriate response agency or staying with them until help arrives are crucial steps.
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