WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 2014 – As Suicide Prevention Month and year-long Defense Department and Department of Veteran’s Affairs efforts continue to combat suicide, Pentagon officials emphasize the importance of the power of one, peer support and resources.The DoD, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, has launched “The Power of 1" campaign in observance of Suicide Prevention Month during September 2014. The theme underscores the belief that one person has the power to teach resilience, recognize warning signs, intervene, chat, or make a call; it only takes one person or one act to save another person's life.
Secretary emphasizes collective responsibility
“Watching out for each other every day is a collective responsibility for the Defense Department’s military and civilian workforce,” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.
“Preventing military suicide is one of DoD’s highest priorities and something I’m personally committed to as Secretary of Defense,” Hagel said. “As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we must rededicate ourselves to actively working not only every month, but every day to fulfill our collective responsibility to watch out for each other and take care of each other.”
One way service members and DoD civilians can take care of each other is by using the “The Power of One” theme, said Jacqueline Garrick, director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.
“One conversation, one text, one chat, could save a life. Know the resources out there,” Garrick said. “Reach out, find the person who can help you; don’t be afraid to have these kinds of conversations, whether you’re the one who needs help or you see someone who needs help. One conversation can save a life.”
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