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Office of Work-Life Programs -
Suicide Prevention Program
Emergency suicide crisis services may be accessed
|
Who is Eligible for this Program?
The Suicide Prevention program is applicable
to the following members of Team Coast Guard:
- Active Duty members and their dependents
- Reservists on active duty and their dependents
- Full time Civil Service employees and their dependents
- Full time Exchange System and MWR employees and their dependents
Purpose of Program
The Suicide Prevention Program provides training and
response to suicidal behavior with an emphasis on awareness and
prevention.
Program
Confidentiality
Discussions of the Suicide Prevention Program are not
confidential. However every effort shall be made to ensured
confidentiality of reported suicides, gestures and attempts within Coast
Guard rules and regulations and the Freedom of Information Act.
Each of us in the Coast Guard should make it our individual
responsibility to become aware of signs and symptoms of suicidal
behavior. If you know of a friend, loved-one, co-worker, or family
member that is exhibiting suicidal tendencies, bring it to the attention
of someone who can help.
Definitions
The following definitions apply to the Suicide Prevention
Program:
- Suicide gesture. Refers to when an individual verbalizes an actual or potential intent to harm him or herself. This can range from very vague to very specific. The most important factor to note is that only suicidal people threaten suicide and therefore all suicide threats should be taken seriously.
- Suicide attempt. Refers to any self-inflicted damage in which the person attempted to carry out his or her intent to die but for unanticipated reasons (i.e., lack of knowledge of the lethality of the means, or an unplanned rescue), fails in the attempt to end his/her life. Some suicidal persons are in a state of acute crisis and therefore experience a high degree of emotional turmoil. Individuals who are in crisis often experience a disruption in their thinking process. This can make it difficult for a person to clarify his or her intentions, or may interfere in making wise decisions. A person in a crisis state might initially consider suicide but subsequently change his/her mind before completing the act.
- Completed suicide. When an individual completes a fatal act that was: (a) self-inflicted, (b) consciously intended, and (c) carried out with knowledge that death is irreversible.
Services and Resources Available
The following services and resources are available within
the Suicide Prevention Program:
- Employee Assistance Program Counseling Services - (800) 222-0364
- Employee Assistance Program Coordinator
- Chaplain
- Suicide Prevention Training
- Command Consultation
Emergency services
| Emergency suicide crisis services may be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the Employee Assistance Program toll free number (800) 222-0364. |
| The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With over 120 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. |
Program References
The following reference provide details of the Critical
Incident Stress Management program:
- Suicide Prevention - COMDTINST 1734.1
Related Hotlines and Web Sites
The following hotlines and web sites provide information related to the Suicide
Prevention Program:
- Air Force Suicide Prevention Program - Provides extensive tools and resources including the Air Force’s excellent Leader’s Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress. To access the Guide click on “Products.”
- American Association of Suicidology (AAS) - This organization is dedicated to the understanding and prevention of suicide. It promotes research, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers. AAS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide.
- Boys Town National Hotline - This is an accredited 24/7 crisis, resource and referral line that is staffed by trained counselors specialized in helping teens and parents deal with problems, e.g., suicidal behavior, depression, relationships, chemical dependency, physical abuse, etc. Call 1-800-448-3000 to speak with a counselor or send an email. TTY line: 800-448-1833.
- Centers for Disease Control - This well-indexed federal website provides extensive information on the subject of violence and suicide prevention.
- Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - The EAP is designed to provide a confidential professional assessment and short term counseling, including phone counseling, and referral services to help all Coast Guard employees with their personal, job or family problems. The program also provides financial, legal and supervisory consultations. Counseling services are available 24/7. Emergency face-to-face sessions are also available. Call 1-800-222-0364.
- Living Works - This organization is the creator of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Program used by the Coast Guard.
- MilitaryHomeFront - A DoD-sponsored website that provides info on services available at DoD facilities throughout the world. Includes useful links including the Coast Guard-applicable DOD's Survivors' Guide to Benefits which is revised twice a year. Note: most services listed as available through MilitaryOneSource are not available to Coast Guard personnel. Comparable services are available through the Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program.
- Military Suicide Prevention Conference - This annual conference is sponsored by DoD and the Veterans Administration. The 2010 conference will be held January 10-14 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Registration is open to Coast Guard personnel.
- National Hopeline Network - Provides 24/7 crisis counseling for those who are thinking of suicide and for those worried that someone may commit suicide. Callers are connected to the nearest certified crisis counseling center. Individuals seeking help can call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Service’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Center for Mental Health Services, this national hotline 24/7 suicide prevention service is available to all those in suicidal crisis who are seeking help. Individuals seeking help can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Callers are routed to the closest possible provider of mental health and suicide prevention services. Active duty and veterans should identify themselves as such so that additional services can be provided as needed. However, no identifying information is required from callers. The site contains a special section for veterans.
- Navy Leader's Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress - This well-organized website provides guidance to leaders at all levels in recognizing distress related behaviors and what to do to help.
- The QPR Institute - This website is dedicated to excellence in prevention education. Includes an excellent and free downloadable book for those who are considering suicide. Click on "Suicide - The Forever Decision Free Download."
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) - This Department of Health and Human Services website offers plenty of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention-related resources including separate pages on Disaster Readiness and Response, the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, and Suicide Prevention.
- The Suicide Prevention Action Network USA - This well-established non-profit organization is dedicated to preventing suicide through public education and awareness, community action and federal, state and local grassroots advocacy. The organization was founded by survivors for survivors - to transform grief into positive action to prevent future tragedies.
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center - This government-sponsored website provides prevention support, training, and resources to assist organizations and individuals to develop suicide prevention programs, interventions and policies, and to advance the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors - The mission of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors is to provide comfort and support to ALL who are grieving the loss of a loved one in military service. The program reaches out to anyone, regardless of relationship, circumstance or geographic location of the casualty.
- “Veterans Chat” - An online, one-on-one “chat-service” for veterans. It enables veterans, their families, and friends to communicate anonymously with a trained VA counselor. This pilot project went live in July 2009 and is available 24/7.
Point of Contact
If you are unable to contact the Employee Assistance Program Coordinator on your
Regional Work-Life Staff, or need additional
assistance beyond the information provided here, please contact the
Headquarters Employee Assistance Program Manager, Mr. John Reibling,
CG-1112, at (202) 475-5161, Fax: (202) 475-5907 or email at
John.S.Reibling@uscg.mil.
Last Modified 10/20/2009