COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the Integrated Prevention Workforce (IPPW) team at Columbus Air Force Base is gearing up to bring more excellent connectivity to the installation.
September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Month Awareness Month in 2008. Since then, September has been a time to acknowledge those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.
“This is the time to reflect on lives lost to suicide, acknowledging that millions each day experience suicidal ideations, and to equip our community with knowledge of valuable resources available to support during their moment of crisis,” said Vera A. Jordan, 14th Flying Training Wing, Integrated Prevention Workforce Director. “Never suffer in silence because you are not alone. We are working hard to reduce the stigma by educating others on the importance of seeking help when needed.”
According to the CDC, each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of their loss. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-24.
“We are a team that loves connecting, communicating and bonding with others by getting to know them and their story,” said Scott Isom, IPPW Prevention and Response Team. “The IPPW program focuses on non-clinical, primary prevention of interpersonal and self-direct violence, stopping it before it occurs.
The IPPW team has lined up a full slate of events in September to help raise awareness of suicide prevention. A list of their events can be found at https://columbusafbliving.com/event/suicide-prevention-month-events/
“We are excited about all activities because each event has its strength,” said Jordan. “We like the connectedness associated with our first event, Let’s Talk and Walk, because of the variability it allows. Also, our game day activities are also set up to develop and establish teamwork, connectedness and trust.”
If you are struggling or just need someone to talk to, please reach out to our IPPW team at (662) 434-1244. You can also text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States Armed Forces.