Mandatory suicide prevention briefings announced for 2007

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KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, NEW MEXICO --  In 1996, the Air Force started requiring active duty, Reserve, National Guard, and civilian employees to undergo annual training in suicide awareness and violence prevention. The Air Force Materiel Command has implemented this policy through the Look, Inquire, Note and Know Program.

Col. Robert Suminsby Jr., 377th Air Base Wing commander, recently said, "As Air Force members, it is incumbent upon us to be active in preventing these tragedies...
"The Air Force has many resources to assist in maintaining the well-being of our Airmen. At Kirtland, the staff at the 377th Medical Group's Life Skills Support Center stands ready to provide mental health services as needed. Similarly, chaplain services and the Airman and Family Readiness Center can be invaluable during those difficult times in our lives. We are all familiar with the dictum that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. I challenge all of you to apply that same vigilance to the safety of your Wingmen. All loss of life is regretful, but a preventable death is an even greater tragedy."
In an effort to help all members of Team Kirtland meet the annual training requirement, and to stay current on the latest information regarding preventing Air Force suicides, briefings are offered monthly by Life Skills Support Center staff members at one of the two locations below. Please coordinate with your work center to attend during one of the following briefings.

Briefings at 7:15 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. will be held at the theater on:
Feb. 22
April 26
May 24
July 26
Aug. 30
Sept. 27
Nov. 29
Dec. 4

Briefings at 7:15 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. at the Phillips Conference center, building 201 on the west side of base will be held on:
March 22
June 28
Oct. 25
Dec. 14