ALCOAST 172/22 - MAY 2022 SUICIDE PREVENTION STAND-DOWN TOOLKIT

R 101440Z MAY 22 MID600051828035U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 172/22
SSIC 1754
SUBJ: SUICIDE PREVENTION STAND-DOWN TOOLKIT
1. Prevention is our best intervention! The Suicide Prevention
Program has developed a voluntary Stand-Down Toolkit to assist
Commands to provide engaged conversations with their respective
workforces about managing stress and the importance of mental health
to maintain optimal readiness. Commands are encouraged to conduct a
voluntary stand-down in the month of May. The guide also includes
customizable materials for distribution. The toolkit below includes
the following:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-
for-Human-Resources-CG-1/Health-Safety-and-Work-Life-CG-11/Office
-of-Work-Life-CG-111/Suicide-Prevention-Program/

a. Direct talking points for command leadership to begin having
open-ended personal conversations about stress, self-care, and
avoiding self-harm. It also helps command leadership strategize how
to create a supportive environment for members.
b. A Coast Guard Leaders Suicide Prevention Safe Messaging Guide
that details guidelines for communicating about mental health,
suicide prevention related matters, and social media posts.
c. A Stress Continuum presentation that discusses in detail the
stages of stress and the effects of stress on individuals and their
surroundings. This presentation was discussed during Wellness
Wednesday on March 30 and is available for replay at your leisure.
Wellness Wednesday recordings are available on the COMDT (CG-11)
CGPortal webpage:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

d. A customizable tri-fold pamphlet that can serve as a handout
following support conversations.
e. The newly developed DHS-Columbia Protocol app. The mobile app
(iOS and Android platforms) can be used on any personal or Coast
Guard-issued mobile device. The app was deployed to recipients who
have a GFE mobile device on the evening of May 3, 2022. The app
supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plain-
language questions that anyone can ask when they are concerned about
a coworker, themselves, a friend, or family member. The app will be
briefly discussed during the 04 May Wellness Wednesday; in addition,
a detailed presentation on the app's use and functionality will be
given during the 18 May Wellness Wednesday.
2. There are numerous resources available to help Coast Guard active
-duty members, reservists, civilian employees, and family members
who are in need of immediate assistance:
a. Call 911: If you feel someone is in immediate danger of
hurting themselves or others, call 911 without hesitation.
b. CG SUPRT: Call 1-855-CG-SUPRT (247-8778) at any time. This is
the Coast Guard Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available to
assist active-duty members, reservists, civilian employees, and
family members with a full range of issues, including financial
matters, relationship discord and other stressors that, if
neglected, could lead to more serious consequences, such as
depression and suicidal thoughts. You can also visit CG SUPRT
online at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

c. The Coast Guard recently welcomed a team of Regional
Behavioral Health Providers (RBHPs). You, respective units, as well
as Coast Guard leadership, have access to enhanced prevention,
intervention, and postvention behavioral health support. To make
an appointment with your RBHP, please contact your unit medical
officer for a referral or email BehavioralHealth@uscg.mil.
d. Work-Life Employee Assistance Program Coordinators (EAPCs)
are also available to assist with connecting you to various
supportive resources. Their contact information can be found at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/hswlsc/work-life_division/
Shared%20Documents/EAP/USCG%20HSWL%20EAPC%20Contact.pdf

e. Chaplains are another valuable resource. Their contact
information can be found at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

or by calling 1-855-USCG-CHC (872-4242).
f. Concerned about a Veteran or Coast Guard member who may be in
emotional distress or suicidal crisis? If you would rather chat or
text, a confidential chat is available at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

The Veterans Crisis Line is available at (800) 273-8255 and Press 1,
or text 838255.
g. Download the "USCG HSWL" app on your smart phone to have all the
contacts and phone numbers listed above readily available.
3. The Coast Guard focuses on minimizing suicide-related behaviors
by promoting wellness and social cohesion. We invite members to
attend one of two evidence-based trainings: SafeTalk and ASIST.
a. SafeTalk teaches participants powerful, life-saving "suicide
alert" skills in just four hours, which is vital to further
strengthening the Coast Guard's network of safety. No matter your
background or experience, you can learn these lifesaving skills.
b. ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is a
two-day workshop where participants learn how to prevent suicide by
recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing
a safety plan to keep someone safe and alive. If you are interested
in becoming a Shipmate Support Peer (SSP) trained in ASIST, please
contact your local Employee Assistance Program Coordinator (EAPC).
4. Coast Guard leaders are encouraged to have ongoing, open and
honest discussions about the importance of connection, social
cohesion, and the service members ability, to reinforce that
"Support is Within Reach" for fellow Shipmates. Good Shipmates
"Connect to Protect" each other, ashore or afloat.
5. For more information on any of the above-mentioned topics or
any other suicide prevention materials, please contact your local
Work-Life EAPC. Alternate POC include CDR LaMar Henderson
(LaMar.B.Henderson@USCG.mil), Suicide Prevention Program Manager; or
CDR Renee Pleasanton (Evelyn.R.Pleasanton.mil), Work-Life Division
Chief; or CDR Marion Collins (Marion.G.Collins.mil), Behavioral
Health Technical Authority.
6. RADM D. L. Thomas, Director, Health, Safety and Work-Life
(CG-11), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.

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