R 301825Z AUG 17
MARADMIN 486/17
MSGID/MARADMIN CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS OBSERVANCE OF SEPTEMBER 2017 SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH//
POC/A.RILEAGOLBY/MAJ/MFCP4/-/TEL: 703-432-0249/EMAIL: ANNA.RILEAGOLBY@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  September is Suicide Prevention Month (SPM).  Each September the Marine Corps observes SPM reminding Marines, Sailors attached to Marine Corps units, and their family members of available support networks, suicide prevention, and behavioral health resources.  Throughout the month, we encourage leadership to use online and in-person opportunities to provide information and emphasize the important role that every Marine plays in suicide prevention.  The Marine Corps goal is zero suicides.
2.  While World Suicide Prevention Day is Sunday, 10 September 2017, the Marine Corps will also observe World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday, 8 September 2017 to allow for maximum participation on installations.  Marines are encouraged to support locally scheduled events during the 2017 SPM.  Please see your Suicide Prevention Program Officer for events in your area or to help organize an event.
3.  Headquarters Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Program developed the hashtag BeThere_Marine to post on social media sites.  Hashtag BeThere_Marine is designed as a call to action, encouraging peer-to-peer support, bystander intervention, and reducing barriers to help-seeking behaviors.  Look for the hashtag on the official social media sites in September.
4.  The Marine Corps has many programs and services that help Marines and their families.  Marine leaders are asked to use this month to educate your Marines about resources available on and off the installations, and decrease stigma by encouraging help-seeking behaviors.  Ensure that every Marine is familiar with the DSTRESS line 877.476.7734 or 098.970.7734 (OCONUS).
5.  If you believe someone is thinking about suicide, trust your instincts and training (Recognize, Ask, Care, and Escort).  Have a conversation about your concerns and listen without being judgmental.  Most importantly, help your fellow Marine reach out for help.
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
7.  This MARADMIN is cancelled 1 October 2017.
8.  Release authorized by BGen K. W. Stein, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.//