ALCOAST 303/18 - AUG 2018 SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH

R 280847 AUG 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01754//
ALCOAST 303/18
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH
1. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This year’s theme is a continuation
of last year’s theme which is "Be There: Your Action Could Save a Life.”
2. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on
individuals, families and communities. Over 40,000 Americans die each year by suicide. Based on
the DoD Health Related Behaviors Study, 3.0% of Coast Guard (CG) members thought about attempting
suicide and 0.2% reported a suicide attempt. Our focus is to ensure that we reduce factors that
increase risk for suicide and increase factors that promote resilience. You are strong; you are
ready; and you are essential! Make it your mission to Be There!
3. There are numerous resources available to help CG active duty members, reservists, civilian
employees and family members who are in need of assistance:
    a. Call 9-1-1: If you feel someone is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others,
call 9-1-1.
    b. CG SUPRT: Call 1-855-CG-SUPRT (247-8778) at any time. This is the CG Employee Assistance
Program (EAP), available to assist active duty members, reservists, civilian employees, and
family members with a full range of issues such as financial matters, relationship discord and
other stressors that, if neglected, could lead to more serious consequences such as depression
and suicidal thoughts. You can also visit CG SUPRT online by going to: www.cgsuprt.com.
    c. CG medical personnel and Work-Life Employee Assistance Program Coordinators (EAPCs) are
also available to assist. Their contact information can be found at:
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/suicide_prevention.aspx/.
    d. Chaplains are another valuable resource in the CG. Their contact information can be found
at: http://www.uscg.mil/chaplain/locations/ or by calling 1-855-USCG-CHC (872-4242).
    e. Concerned about a Veteran or CG member who may be in emotional distress or suicidal crisis?
If you would rather chat or text, a confidential chat is available at:
http://www.VeteransCrisisLine.net. The Veterans Crisis Line is available at, (800) 273-8255 and
Press 1, or text 838255.
    f. Upload the "USCG HSWL" app on your smart phone to have all the contacts and phone numbers
listed above readily available, 24/7.
    g. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) also offers resources at https://cgmahq.org/.
Contacting your local representative, listed at the internet site, is a good place to start to
determine available options.
4. CG leaders are encouraged to have ongoing open and honest discussions about the importance of
asking for help. If you need assistance or notice someone could use a hand do not be afraid to
“Be There: Your action could save a life.”
5. For more information on this topic and other EAP issues, please contact your local Work-Life
EAPC. Alternate POCs include the HSWL Service Center Work-Life Division Chief, CAPT Jerald
Mahlau-Heinert, Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert@uscg.mil at (757) 628-4795 or COMDT (CG-1111) Chief
Behavioral Health Services Division, Dr. Marta Denchfield, Marta.E.Denchfield@uscg.mil at
(202) 475-5253.
6. RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director, Health, Safety and Work-Life, sends.
7. Internet release authorized.