Educating Military Families about Suicide Prevention
Dec 25 2008
The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA (SPAN USA) and TriWest Healthcare Alliance today announced the launch of a new brochure to educate former and active members of the military and their families about warning signs and treatment options in order to increase suicide prevention awareness.
“Nearly 20 percent of suicides each year are completed by veterans, and the number of suicide attempts by Army personnel has increased six-fold since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began,” said Brian Altman, J.D., Acting Chief Operating Office of SPAN USA. “The staggering number of suicides among military personnel and retired veterans continues to make headlines worldwide, and has led many to understand the gravity of this issue.”
SPAN USA created the brochure, with support from TriWest Healthcare Alliance, to raise awareness of warning signs and treatment options, and to engage healthcare professionals and policymakers in order to change these statistics.
In addition to including information on warning signs, the brochure also encourages seeking help as a “sign of strength,” and provides information on finding local suicide prevention resources in cities nationwide.
Visit www.spanusa.org/publications to view and download the brochure, Suicide Prevention for Military Families: What You Need to Know about Warning Signs and Getting Help.
