Page 1 of 2 | Quarterly Connection | Fall 2023
News and Announcements
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Join us this month to promote the theme, Connect to Protect: Support
is Within Reach, using the DSPO Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Toolkit. The toolkit features resources for promoting suicide prevention,
including posters, a pledge, a campaign fact sheet, public service
announcements, social media tools, and more. Help us promote
engagement and encourage help-seeking behavior.
Honorees of the 2021-2022 Suicide Prevention
Recognition Ceremony
DSPO honors and recognizes the following installation programs for their
dedication to saving lives and increasing suicide prevention awareness:
• Army: U.S. Army Garrison, Rheinland-Pfalz,
Kaiserslautern, Germany
• Army National Guard: Guam Army National Guard,
Barrigada, Guam
• Marine Corps: Marine Aircraft Group 12, Iwakuni, Japan
• Navy: Naval Special Warfare SOCOM, San Diego, California
• Air Force: ACC/Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hampton and
Newport News, Virginia
Resource Spotlight
Firearms Safety During a Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
Fact Sheet
Did you know that a gun safe does not count against a PCS weight limit?
The fact sheet explains this new rule, as well as the importance of
practicing lethal means safety during a hectic and stressful time.
Director’s Corner
Dr. Liz Clark, Director
As we enter September and Suicide
Prevention Awareness Month
(SPM), join me in the fight to
prevent suicide. This year’s theme
Connect to Protect: Support is
Within Reach promotes connection
and belonging. Together we stand
up to suicide through connection,
community, and hope.
With this mission in mind, DSPO has
produced its SPM Toolkit, now
available at DSPO.mil/SPM.
Please use these tools to promote a
message of support and reduce the
stigma surrounding mental health.
We are also excited to host our
Suicide Prevention Recognition
Ceremony on September 6th at the
Pentagon Hall of Heroes to honor
recipients’ hard work and creative
programming. Their efforts
exemplify the commitment to
support the community and end
suicide among our Nation’s heroes.
Please join me in supporting our
military community. Together we
light the path for a brighter future.
Fall 2023
Congratulations to this year’s recognition recipients for their
exceptional suicide prevention outreach efforts!
Page 2 of 2 | Quarterly Connection | Fall 2023
A.C.T. Fact Sheets for Older Children
DSPO and DODEA produced a new fact sheet promoting Acknowledge, Care, Tell for suicide prevention. The fact sheet
for older children encourages looking out for friends and taking care of yourself. It also features a parent’s corner about
calmly discussing suicide.
New Podcast Series: Mental Health is Health
DSPO is producing a podcast series available on Buzzsprout about suicide prevention and mental health. Our first podcast
Happening Soon
September 6, 2023
The Pentagon Hall of
Heroes, Arlington, VA
Suicide Prevention Recognition Ceremony
DSPO will recognize the 2021-2022 suicide
prevention program recipients at the Hall
of Heroes. Deputy Secretary of Defense
Kathleen Hicks will present remarks.
September 10, 2023
Colorado Springs, CO
Special Forces Foundation: Shatter the
Silence, Suicide Prevention Awareness
DSPO is excited to attend this event for
the first time to offer resources and
engage with participants.
September 13, 2023
Alexandria, VA
Mark Center Outreach
DSPO and partner agencies will hand out
materials and engage with the community.
Stop by our table and learn more.
September 20, 2023
The Pentagon
Arlington, VA
Pentagon Outreach
Stop by and visit with DSPO and partner
agencies to receive informational
materials and learn more.
September 14-16, 2023
Dayton, OH
Air Force Marathon
DSPO will staff an outreach table with
promotional materials and engage
with participants.
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with the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is about promoting hope. You can also listen on DPSO.mil.
