CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 311257Z AUG 23 MID600053304918U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS ALNAV 067/23 MSGID/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/AUG// SUBJ/SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH// RMKS/1. September is Suicide Prevention Month. Death by suicide has profound consequences for loved ones, colleagues, and our larger military community. It is our responsibility to raise awareness, reduce the stigma for help-seeking, and build a culture of warfighting excellence that promotes trust, respect, and connection among our Sailors, Marines, civilians, and their families. 2. The Department of the Navy (DON) is committed to cultivating a stronger, more resilient, and ready force that values every life and individual. We cannot address suicide prevention using a single approach. Rather, we must employ multiple strategies – improving quality of life and job satisfaction, promoting lethal means safety, increasing access to mental health care, and providing the resources and support needed to cope with stress, trauma, and other challenges. We are collectively responsible for establishing psychologically safe environments that effectively combat the sense of isolation and reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors. 3. This year's DON Suicide Prevention Month theme is "Address the Stress: Building a Community of Knowledge and Resilience". I encourage Sailors, Marines, and civilians at all levels to join me in dedicating this month to promoting open dialogue and destigmatizing mental health challenges and help- seeking behavior. 4. As an organization, we must ensure that our people have access to the necessary resources and support for stressors before they seem overwhelming. This includes offering educational materials that help identify warning signs and provide guidance on how to support someone who may be struggling. 5. Open and empathetic communication is crucial in supporting individuals who may be at risk. We must emphasize the importance of active listening and understanding within our community. By fostering an environment where Sailors, Marines, and civilians are comfortable reaching out for help and support, we can make a significant difference in their lives. 6. As leaders, we have the power to influence change and create conditions that will positively impact our teams. By prioritizing our own mental health and well-being, modeling healthy behaviors, and encouraging self-care, we set an example that others can follow. Let us develop an environment where mental health is valued and seeking help is seen as a sign of strength. 7. Resources for leaders can be found at: https://www.secnav.navy.mil/ofr/Pages/Resource.aspx. 8. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the following resources are available. a. The National Suicide Hotline: 988. b. The Military Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 (press 1) or Text 838255 / https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/. c. Military OneSource: 800-342-9647 / https://www.militaryonesource.mil/. d. Vet Centers: 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387) / https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/. e. DON Civilian Employee Assistance Program (DONCEAP): 844- DONCEAP (1-844-366-2327) / TTY: 888-262-7848 / International: 866- 829-0270 / https://www.magellanascend.com/. f. Embedded resources such as the military family life counselors, chaplains, deployment resiliency counselors, deployment readiness coordinators, and your leadership. 9. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//