ALCOAST 461/24 - DEC 2024 WORKFORCE READINESS: MANDATORY STAND-DOWN FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

R 122030Z DEC 24 MID120001627018U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 461/24
SSIC 6200
SUBJ: WORKFORCE READINESS: MANDATORY STAND-DOWN FOR
SUICIDE PREVENTION
A. Email from ADM Fagan and Master Chief Jones, 12DEC24
B. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 251250Z NOV 24 ALCOAST 445/24 -
"Staying Resilient Through the 2024 Holiday Season"
C. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 031620Z SEP 24 ALCOAST 341/24 -
"Suicide Prevention Awareness Month"
1. We are dedicated to proactively reinforcing resiliency at every
level of the organization and committed to a culture fostering
collaboration, connection, and hope. It is imperative that the
Service takes care of the people who dedicate their lives to
serving others.
2. There has been an increase in reported suicidal thoughts and
suicides within the Coast Guard this year. Each loss is tragic and
profoundly impacts families, friends, and coworkers.
3. In accordance with REF (A), all units are directed to conduct
at least a 90-minute mandatory Suicide Prevention Stand-Down and
report completion to their chain of commands NLT 21 DEC 2024.
Units shall begin the Stand-Down by showing a video message from
the Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard,
use the Suicide Prevention toolkit (pages 19-22; Suicide Prevention
Stand-Down Guide), and USCG Stand-Down -Suicide Prevention
Spotlight. These resources will be posted by 14 DEC 2024, to the
Suicide Prevention Program SharePoint site:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-
Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office-of-
Work-Life-CG-111/Suicide-Prevention-Program/

4. The goal of the Stand-Down is to:
    a. Raise awareness of suicide risk factors and warning signs
    b. Connect members to available behavioral health resources
    c. Promote social connection
    d. Encourage and increase help-seeking behavior
    e. Eliminate stigmas attached to help-seeking behavior
    f. Collectively discuss safety policies, behavioral health goals,
and resources available to members
5. The work you do is often difficult and dangerous. Putting
yourselves in harm's way so others may live can be extremely
stressful for you and your families. That stress is compounded when
there is insufficient support for mental health. That stress does
not just affect us individually. At its most extreme, this stress
combined with other factors can lead to mishaps, suicidal ideations,
and loss of life.
6. Seek Support. Remember it is a sign of strength to ask for help.
Whether you're struggling emotionally, feeling overwhelmed by the
demands of the season, battling problems with substance use, or
even contemplating suicide, talking to someone you trust can be
incredibly healing and provide you the support to get needed help.
Support can come from family, friends, chaplains, or mental health
professionals, and yes, seeking help is a sign of strength, not
weakness. I encourage each of you to personally review REFs (B)
and (C), to refamiliarize yourself with available resources.
7. Commands are encouraged to identify and mobilize Employee
Assistance Program Coordinators (EAPCs), Chaplains, Behavioral
Health Technicians, those trained in Applied Suicide Intervention
Skills Training (ASIST), SafeTALK and/or volunteer Resilience
Coordinators (RCs) to be ready to support those that may need
additional resources during the unit stand down.
8. For spiritual readiness and resiliency information, please locate
your nearest Coast Guard Chaplain via link below or (202)-372-4900.
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

www.uscg.mil/chaplain

9. For more information, please contact CDR LaMar Henderson,
Suicide Prevention Program Manager at LaMar.B.Henderson@uscg.mil or
(202)-494-0561.
10. VADM Tom Allan Jr., Deputy Commandant for Mission Support
(DCMS), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.