The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to preventing suicide among Service members and their families. Suicide prevention is a DoD priority throughout the year, but during September — Suicide Prevention Month — the Department brings added attention to this complex issue. This year, the DoD’s Suicide Prevention Month theme, Connectedness, highlights the important role that connections to family, friends, the community, and resources can play in preventing suicide. As part of the conversation this month, the Military Health System will also look at ways to be proactive and mindful in tackling pain challenges, including the need for opioid safety.
To enable others to share information within the DoD community, our Monthly Communications Toolkit provides the MHS enterprise with customizable, ready-to-use material to promote these topics and other issues important to the health and wellness of the DoD community.
Suicide Prevention Month
In support of the DoD’s theme of “Connectedness,” MHS will highlight how strength and resilience are possible through support networks and the use of DoD and Department of Veterans Affairs resources.
Public awareness campaigns like the Real Warriors Campaign (https://www.realwarriors.net/) and Make the Connection (https://maketheconnection.net/) encourage service members to ask for help and recognize seeking help is a sign of strength. Watch this video from the Co-Founder of Team Rubicon explaining why it is important for them to help veterans explore their options for mental health care (https://teamrubiconusa.org/)
Pain Awareness Month
September is also Pain Awareness Month, during which the MHS will highlight the need to work with a healthcare provider to help identify what’s most effective in treating your pain and providing relief. Patients and providers can learn about pain treatments, opioid safety, and other useful resources here: https://go.usa.gov/xf5ks
No one can avoid experiencing pain at some point in their life. It's a universal experience. Depending upon how severe the pain is, how long the pain lasts, and how the pain is managed, it can have a significant impact on an individual, their family, and friends. Watch this video to learn more about how to work with a doctor to safely and effectively manage pain.
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Policy
This Defense Health Agency-Procedures Manual (DHA-PM), based on the authority of References (a) and (b), and in accordance with the guidance of References (c) through (i), establishes the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) procedures to establish required standards for:
a. Military Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and primary care clinics for adult, child and adolescent, health behavior, behavioral medicine, and behavioral health services in primary care.
b. Behavioral Health Consultants (BHCs).
c. Behavioral Health Care Facilitators (BHCFs).
d. External Behavioral Health Consultants (EBHCs).
e. Primary Care Clinic Leaders.
Congressional Testimony
12/4/2019
Dr. Karin A. Orvis Director, Defense Suicide Prevention Office, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) and Mike Colston, MD Captain, Medical Corps, US Navy Director, Mental Health Programs Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) [testified] before the Personnel Subcommittee of Senate Armed Forces Committee
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Two Airmen from the 21st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron dental lab, successfully responded to a friend from another Air Force base with suicidal thoughts.
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