Did you know that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month? Many people are affected by the tragedy of suicide, but we can come together as a community to support and protect the Total Force. This year’s campaign Joining Your Fight: Connect to Protect promotes a unified effort in the battle to end suicide across the military community and highlights the significant role that connections to family, friends, community members, and resources play in preventing suicide.
Connectedness is a key protective factor that assists with combating the everyday risk factors individuals encounter throughout life. Successful suicide prevention efforts are linked to fostering connectedness – the vital relationships and interpersonal connections that individuals forge with family, friends, colleagues, and their community.

Minot Air Force Base aims to increase unit cohesion and connectedness by creating bonds in organizations, which creates an environment where teamwork can thrive. This increases commitment to our mission and, ultimately, to each other.
Service members and civilians who feel a greater connection to each other, their leadership and mission are more protected against risk of self-harm in times of distress. Seeking help, including mental health services, is viewed as normal by Airmen, Guardians, and Civilians, and is supported and encouraged by leadership.

Suicide among service members, veterans, and their families is a public health and national security crisis. Suicide is the culmination of multiple factors and complex interactions, yet suicide is preventable. Every death by suicide is a tragedy and weighs heavily on the military community.
One life lost to suicide is one life too many.

#JoiningYourFight

#ConnectToProtect

Minot Air Force Base Prevention Office provides our military community with activities to create healthy connections, find resources, and provide information about suicide prevention. Call to find out more: 701-723-2936