Public Health Approaches to Suicide Prevention - Gannett Health ...

Table 1: USAF Suicide Prevention Program and Associated Policies (Air Force Instructions, AFIs)Initiatives and Mandated PolicyActionTracking IndicatorsI. Leadership, involvement AFI 44-154,Suicide and Violence Awarenessand Education TrainingLeader awareness education andtraining (squadron CommanderCourses)Messages from the USAF Chief of Staff deliveredevery 3-6 months to all installation commandersreminding them of the importance of suicideprevention and encouraging them to activelypromote protective factors, identify risk factors andencourage airmen not to fear seeking help.II.Addressing suicide throughprofessional military education AFI-44-154, Suicide and ViolenceAwareness and Education andTrainingIncorporate suicide prevention intoProfessional Military Education curriculathrough required training.Tracking of training, assessment of skills andknowledge of basic suicide and violence riskfactors, intervention skills and referral proceduresfor people potentially at risk.III.Guidelines for commanders: use ofmental health services AFPAM 44-160 The Air Force SuicidePrevention ProgramImprove referrals of active dutymembers for mental health evaluationthrough emphasizing that commandersand mental health professionals arepartners in improving duty performanceAnnual briefings to commanders includedresources for referral to Mental Health, SubstanceAbuse, Family Advocacy or Emergency Evaluation(as of 2003, resources accessible through an AFwebsite for commanders).IV.Community preventive services, AFManual 168-695Increase preventive functions performedby mental health personnelProvide one full-time equivalent for communitybasedpreventive services at every mental healthwork center.V. Community education and trainingAFI 44-154 Suicide PreventionEducation and Community TrainingRequired training at two levels for nonprofessionalsin basic suicide factors,intervention skills, and referralprocedures for people potentially at risk.Non-supervisory “buddy care” training for allpersonnel and leadership/supervisory training forunit gatekeepersVI.Investigate interview policy (hand-offpolicy)Changes in policies to ensure individualsunder investigation for legal problems (arisk for suicide) are assessed for suicidepotential.AF Chief of Staff signed a policy letter in 1996; nosuicides have resulted since due to agenciesfailing to comply.