UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 061817Z SEP 19 FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 065/19 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/SEP// SUBJ/SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH// RMKS/1. Taking care of Sailors, Marines, Department of the Navy (DON) Civilians, and their families is a key element of overall readiness and combat effectiveness. As Secretary of the Navy, I want to stress the need to remain involved, ask questions, and be supportive to prevent death by suicide. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we need to remember preventing suicide is our daily mission and not just a monthly one. 2. This years Suicide Prevention Month theme, "Small Steps Save Lives," focuses on safety precautions that Service Members, Civilians, and their families can put in place to reduce the risk of death by suicide. Implementing safety precautions is one small step in preventing death by suicide. Statistics show that death by suicide using a firearm remains the most common and lethal method in death by suicide. It is important for leaders, peers, family members, and friends to emphasize safe firearm storage, especially if someone they know is under additional stress and is in possession of a firearm. People make impulsive decisions during times of stress and take actions that they might not normally take. Service Members and civilians are encouraged to consider storing their personal firearms during highly stressful periods. Commands should encourage Service Members and civilians who are at risk to voluntarily store their weapons per Department of Defense Instruction 6490.16, Defense Suicide Prevention Program. Safely storing and disposing of medications, which are the most common method of non-fatal suicide attempts, is just as important as safe firearm storage. 3. Suicide prevention is one of my top priorities throughout the year, but during September Suicide Prevention Month I want to bring additional attention to the complex issue of suicide and emphasize the resources and support available. The Department, in concert with the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, provides evidence-informed training and robust support programs to mitigate stress factors and provide for necessary physical, behavioral, and mental health services. It is vital to be aware of these training opportunities and programs so we can inform those that may have suicidal ideations or previously attempted death by suicide. 4. If you or someone you know is in need of help, or if you want to talk about the stress in your life, the following resources are available: a. Military Crisis Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255, https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/support/be-there b. Military OneSource, 1-800-342-9647, https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ c. USMC DSTRESS Line, 1-877-476-7734, https://www.usmc- mccs.org/services/support/dstress-line d. Civilian employees and their families: Civilian Employee Assistance Program at 1-844-366-2327, 1-866-829-0270 (international), or http://DONCEAP.foh.psc.gov e. Navy Suicide Prevention Program webpage for the 1 Small Act Toolkit and other resources, http://www.suicide.navy.mil f. Marine Corps suicide prevention webpage, http://www.usmc- mccs.org/services/support/suicide-prevention 5. Thank you for the work you do every day in service to this great country! 6. Released by the Honorable Richard V. Spencer, Secretary of the Navy. BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//