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ALCOAST 395/12
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
A. Suicide Prevention Program, COMDTINST 1734.1 (SERIES)
1. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Tragically, every year we
lose valuable members of our organization to suicide. It is often
revealed that people who express suicidal behavior did not know where
to go for help or believed that seeking help would be seen as a
weakness. These are preventable deaths. We all share responsibility
to care for ourselves and our shipmates in times of personal crisis
or discouragement. Help is available to those who need it and, by
taking action even when it is uncomfortable to do so, suicidal
actions can be stopped.
2. The reasons people think of suicide as a solution are complex.
Signs and symptoms include withdrawal, anger, mood changes, feeling
trapped or hopeless, and loss of lifes meaning.
3. If you notice these changes in yourself, family members, or
coworkers, take action. If it is you, know that it is OK to not be
OK. Get help. If you see these changes in another, talk to the person
openly about their behaviors and your concern. ASK the question: Are
you thinking about killing yourself? CARE- by letting the person
express his or her feelings. LISTEN- do not preach or condemn the
feelings. ESCORT- the person to the nearest source of help. Do not
leave the person alone if you suspect he or she is suicidal. Every
effort must be made to ensure the persons safety.
4. There are many sources of help for those with suicidal thoughts:
    A. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-TALK at
any time. Speak with someone who can help you talk about your
situation and identify resources.
    B. CG SUPRT (formally the Employee Assistance Program): Call
855-CGSUPRT (855-247-8778) at any time. This is the Coast Guards
program to assist active duty members, SELRES, civilian employees,
and their family members with all kinds of issues such as financial
matters, relationship discord, and other stressors that could be
leading to suicidal thoughts. The program can assist in an emergency,
provide counseling, and help you obtain resources.
    C. Contact a CG medical clinic, Employee Assistance Program
Coordinator, or Chaplain. Their contact information can be found at
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/suicide(underscore)prevention.asp
    D. Community Resources: Call 911 when there is an immediate
crisis.
    E. For additional information about suicide and the Coast Guard
policies on suicide prevention and other Work-Life matters, go to
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife.
5. Commanding officers/OICs are strongly encouraged to use this
message as a starting point for unit discussion and education on this
topic. Contact the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator in your
District HSWL office. Additional resource POCs are: the EAP Program
Manager COMDT (CG-1112) Ms. Lisa Teems, Lisa.A.Teems(at)uscg.mil OR
202-475-5157 and HSWL Service Center WL Director CDR Jerald
Mahlau-Heinert, Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert(at)uscg.mil OR 757-628-4795.
6. RADM Maura Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life,
Sends.
7. Internet Release Authorized.