thedrifter
02-09-09, 06:56 AM
Suicide prevention program a success for MCLB
The Marine Corps has a hands-on suicide prevention program in place, which has proven successful for Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany.
Jennifer Maddox Parks jennifer.parks@albanyherald.com
MCLB-ALBANY — Based on the overall numbers, 2008 was a record in terms of suicides for the Army, with 130 confirmed cases as of last week. According to officials at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany, the numbers for the Marine Corps were not as staggering.
Officials attribute this to the suicide prevention program the Marines have in place.
“There is no need for a Marine to suffer in silence,” said Brenda Ray, health promotions coordinator at the base. “So many resources are at their disposal. I think we have a first-class program.”
The program reaches out to all Marines. When regular safety briefs are performed, suicide prevention briefs are also done—which usually includes a detailed presentation by a trained professional. In addition, there are trained counselors on the base available to provide assistance to Marines as well family members.
“When I was a young Marine, there were no family services in place. We’ve come a long way in 35 years,” said Eric Ashley, the base’s Marine and family services director. “The program exists to make sure Marines can do what they need to do.”
Marine leaders, who are trained to recognize warning signs, also play a role in suicide prevention by ensuring their subordinates get the necessary treatment they need should the signs present themselves.
“Part of training is geared through leadership,” Ashley said. “We train Marines to recognize the signs.”
There have been no suicides within Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany in recent memory. For the Marine Corps as a whole, there were 41 suicides out of 146 attempts in 2008. Sixty-two percent were under 25 years of age and 94 percent were male.
“(The Marines) put themselves in harm’s way. It’s the least we can to offer these services,” said Public Affairs Officer Lt. Caleb Eames.
Prevention training is provided on an annual basis for one hour. Those referred to the base’s Family Services Center are assessed in order to determine the best course of treatment. A mental health assessment is also required for those coming back from an overseas tour after which follow-ups are performed after 90 days and six months.
“First and foremost, they are men and women,” said Ray. “We need to be compassionate enough to know what is going on. When we reduce stress, then and only then will they be mission-capable.”
There are three clinicians at the base’s Family Services Center. Classes in areas including stress management, finances and parenting are also available.
“If you can think of any issue, one of (our agencies) are able to deal with it. It boggles the mind the services we offer,” Ashley said. “The bottom line is to get the Marines in here.”
Ellie
The Marine Corps has a hands-on suicide prevention program in place, which has proven successful for Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany.
Jennifer Maddox Parks jennifer.parks@albanyherald.com
MCLB-ALBANY — Based on the overall numbers, 2008 was a record in terms of suicides for the Army, with 130 confirmed cases as of last week. According to officials at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany, the numbers for the Marine Corps were not as staggering.
Officials attribute this to the suicide prevention program the Marines have in place.
“There is no need for a Marine to suffer in silence,” said Brenda Ray, health promotions coordinator at the base. “So many resources are at their disposal. I think we have a first-class program.”
The program reaches out to all Marines. When regular safety briefs are performed, suicide prevention briefs are also done—which usually includes a detailed presentation by a trained professional. In addition, there are trained counselors on the base available to provide assistance to Marines as well family members.
“When I was a young Marine, there were no family services in place. We’ve come a long way in 35 years,” said Eric Ashley, the base’s Marine and family services director. “The program exists to make sure Marines can do what they need to do.”
Marine leaders, who are trained to recognize warning signs, also play a role in suicide prevention by ensuring their subordinates get the necessary treatment they need should the signs present themselves.
“Part of training is geared through leadership,” Ashley said. “We train Marines to recognize the signs.”
There have been no suicides within Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany in recent memory. For the Marine Corps as a whole, there were 41 suicides out of 146 attempts in 2008. Sixty-two percent were under 25 years of age and 94 percent were male.
“(The Marines) put themselves in harm’s way. It’s the least we can to offer these services,” said Public Affairs Officer Lt. Caleb Eames.
Prevention training is provided on an annual basis for one hour. Those referred to the base’s Family Services Center are assessed in order to determine the best course of treatment. A mental health assessment is also required for those coming back from an overseas tour after which follow-ups are performed after 90 days and six months.
“First and foremost, they are men and women,” said Ray. “We need to be compassionate enough to know what is going on. When we reduce stress, then and only then will they be mission-capable.”
There are three clinicians at the base’s Family Services Center. Classes in areas including stress management, finances and parenting are also available.
“If you can think of any issue, one of (our agencies) are able to deal with it. It boggles the mind the services we offer,” Ashley said. “The bottom line is to get the Marines in here.”
Ellie