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SUBJ/SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH// 
 
RMKS/1.  Death by suicide is a tragedy we must do everything in our power to 
prevent.  While September is Suicide Prevention Month, this is a year-round 
priority for me and for the Department of the Navy (DON).  We must bring 
additional attention to this complex issue and remind all our Sailors, 
Marines, and civilians of the resources available.  Your life matters; your 
service matters.  Support is within reach. 
 
2.  Our mission readiness and combat effectiveness depend on our workforce 
being healthy and resilient.  Just as we develop the skills to succeed in our 
work over the course of a career, we must also continue to develop skills to 
take care of our minds and bodies.  We must learn and practice techniques to 
mitigate stress and seek intervention before our personal or professional 
lives become overwhelming. 
 
3.  The demands of service can have deep and lasting effects on the lives of 
our warriors, their families, DON civilians, and our communities.  Please 
reach out whenever you need to or see the need in others.  Talk to 
somebody.  Encourage others to talk to someone.  Asking for help is a sign of 
professional commitment and self-awareness. 
 
4.  There is No Wrong Door for Sailors, Marines, and civilians to get the 
help they need.  Mental health professionals, chaplains, family counselors, 
and other support professionals are here for you.  Mental health services are 
available across the globe at military medical treatment facilities, embedded 
within operational units and available within our local 
communities.  Resources are available via the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-
273-8255, Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647, and at Veteran Centers at 1-
877-WAR-VETS.  For civilians, the DON Civilian Employee Assistance Program is 
available at 1-844-366-2327.  Information about suicide prevention is also 
available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention.   
 
For leaders looking to expand their suicide prevention programs and identify 
activities that will be effective in addressing the problem of suicide, 
suicide prevention courses are available for free 
at https://healtheknowledge.org/course/index.php?categoryid; these courses 
were created through a Suicide Prevention Resource Center grant from the U.S. 
Department of Health and Human Services. 
 
5.  One death by suicide from anywhere within our ranks impacts all of 
us.  Look out for yourself, for your family, and for your shipmates.  Support 
is within reach. 
 
6.  Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// 
 
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