Post efforts aim to deter suicide

FORT DRUM — It's a family affair for the 10th Mountain Division when it comes to suicide prevention and awareness.

The garrison, medical activity and installation will begin programming for suicide prevention this week and focus the efforts on getting information to family members as well as soldiers. The programming is geared toward helping spouses recognize the signs and symptoms that their soldier might need help.

"When it comes to operational tempo, it goes on a constant basis of family separation and anticipation of the welcome home, and then they are home just in time to anticipate the next deployment," said Chaplain (Maj.) Paul D. Ramsey, the deputy division chaplain on Fort Drum. "We need to be in constant training on how to prepare spouses to be there for their soldier."

Suicides among soldiers have increased steadily over the past three years.

In 2006, there were 102 confirmed suicides, followed by 115 in 2007 and 143 in 2008. There have been 96 suspected suicides among soldiers in 2009 — 34 of those cases remain unconfirmed. These figures put the suicide rate at about 20.2 per 100,000 soldiers.

By comparison, the national rate for suicides in 2006 (the most recent statistic available) was 11.2 per 100,000 citizens, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Following a Freedom of Information Act request, the Times found that five 10th Mountain Division soldiers committed suicide from 2006 through 2008. During those years, there were 15,000 to 18,000 soldiers serving with the 10th Mountain Division.

"Suicide impacts people negatively either way and it affects people regardless of if we are in the middle of a conflict or not," said Dr. Todd L. Benham, the chief of behavioral health on Fort Drum. "We want soldiers and families to know where the services are. Most people don't see a therapist, so we need to teach them what to look for in order to intervene."

A memorial walk has been planned for 7 to 9 a.m. Sept. 10 that will start and end at Memorial Park. The event will kick off with a speech by Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, incoming commander of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division.

Information on suicide prevention will be available throughout the month at the Post Exchange and at a sign-up day Tuesday at The Commons to receive awareness training.