AETC increases suicide prevention awareness with new Web site Published Nov. 25, 2009 By Ashley M. Wright Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Education and Training Command Medical Services and Training Directorate took another step in caring for the Air Force's most valuable resource by unveiling a new community of practice (CoP) Web site for suicide prevention. The purpose of the AETC Suicide Prevention Web site is to share pertinent information, educate, and provide tools which raise awareness about suicide prevention, reducing suicides and suicide attempts within the command. All Airmen within AETC will be able to view and utilize the contents of the Web site, not just personnel in the mental health career field, said Lt. Col. Cheryl Scaglione, command mental health consultant. The Web site, which can be accessed through the Knowledge Now virtual community, contains links to related Web sites, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, recent articles, official suicide policies, self-assessment questionnaires for issues like depression, post traumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse and suicide prevention resources. According to Senior Master Sgt. Varnell Johnson, command Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and treatment program manager, the Web site took about four months to complete and still has potential to grow. The sergeant envisions the site growing due to synergy from mental health personnel collaborating and sharing best practices or other useful information for the site. The suicide prevention site began as a strategic review board initiative and the plan is to add additional training resources such as briefings and handouts for Commander's Calls and Wingman Day. Knowledge Now can be found at https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/ASPs/CoP/OpenCoP.asp?Filter=OO-SG-AE-40 or via the Air Force Portal. Once the user is in the community, they can search for "AETC suicide prevention CoP" to locate the site.