Dear Suicide Prevention Allies,

The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to preventing suicide among our military community. Suicide prevention is a DoD priority throughout the year, but during September—Suicide Prevention Month—the Department brings added attention to the complex issue of suicide and emphasizes the resources and support available. Each year, the Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO) develops and executes a Suicide Prevention Month campaign, in partnership with the Military Services. We encourage everyone to get involved and to #BeThere, not just for others, but for yourself as well.

Here are some ways you can join in and support the 2019 Suicide Prevention Month campaign:

• Download and use the 2019 DoD Suicide Prevention Month Toolkit.
• Download and display the 2019 Suicide Prevention Month poster.
• Use the Suicide Prevention Month #BeThere pledge to share how you will #BeThere and help save a life.
• Visit DSPO’s Fulfillment Center to order and/or download resources and tools.
• Follow DSPO on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Use the hashtags #BeThere, #SPM19, and #SmallStepsSaveLives when posting to social media.

If you, or someone you know is in a crisis, there is help—call the VCL/MCL at 1-800-273-8255, press 1, or visit www.militarycrisisline.net and chat online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calling from overseas? In Europe: Call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118; In Korea: Call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118; In Afghanistan: Call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111.

For non-crisis concerns, such as relationship, family, or financial challenges, you can get help from Military OneSource which provides 24/7 service to all Service members, including National Guard and Reserve members, and eligible family members. Arrange a face-to-face, phone, online, or video counseling session by calling 1-800-342-9647.

Thank you for your dedication to suicide prevention in September and year round.

This toolkit is designed for you and your organization to use to show your support for the DoD Suicide Prevention Month campaign.

• Military OneSource
  Military OneSource provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and reserve component members and their families. Find helpful resources, products, articles and tips on numerous topics related to military life. More
• Military Kids Connect
  Military Kids Connect is a Department of Defense website to help military youth ages 6-17 build resilience & cope with the challenges of military life.
• Veterans Affairs Resource Locator
  Find localized help and support getting your life back on track, no matter where you are or what you are experiencing. More
• VA Suicide Prevention Videos
  Watch videos from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations about reaching out for help. More
• Virtual Hope Box
  The Virtual Hope Box is a smartphone application. It contains simple tools to help patients with coping, relaxation, distraction and positive thinking. It provides personalized, supportive audio, video, pictures, games, mindfulness exercises, positive messages and activity planning, inspirational quotes, coping statements and other tools. More
• The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention
  The Action Alliance is the public-private partnership advancing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. More
• SAMHSA National Registry of Evidenced-Based Programs and Practices
  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. More
• USMilitaryMatters
  Free online training and resources for National Guard and reserve members, loved ones and prevention professionals. More
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  Promote National Suicide Prevention Month. More
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. More

The Defense Suicide Prevention Office does not provide crisis services. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veteran/Military Crisis Line for immediate assistance.