Confidential help is available 24/7 through the Veterans Crisis Line and 988 Suicide and Crisis line. See below for contact details. Image: Alex_Po/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe Navy is bolstering suicide prevention efforts in response to the Brandon Act, a law passed by Congress that requires all of the armed services to improve confidentiality and access to mental health services.
The act is named after Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who killed himself after writing a letter to his commanding officer in which he described hazing, bullying and sexual assault he endured with little support from his command.
Seapower magazine, published by the Navy League of the United States, mentioned initiatives that include expansion of both in-person and virtual mental-health consultations and quality-of-life improvements directed particularly at the lower enlisted ranks. Junior sailors, the story noted, account for a high portion of suicides and suicide attempts.
Months before the Brandon Act took effect, Seapower reported, the Navy launched initiatives such as the Sailor Assistance and Intercept for Life (SAIL) suicide intervention program.
It offered both in-person and virtual help provided by Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) counselors. The number of sailors reaching out through SAIL has steadily increased, and access to the program will expand to sailors and their families in all 10 Navy regions by this year’s end.
988 SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE:
Connects active duty service members and veterans in crisis with qualified and caring Dept. of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Support is available via telephone, mobile text or online.
Call 988 then Press 1
Text 838255MILITARY ONESOURCE:
Military OneSource offers free and confidential non-medical counseling via phone and live chat, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They also offer specialty consultations, with services including peer-to-peer support, wounded warrior support, health and wellness coaching, transition assistance and more.
Call 800-342-9647 (CONUS).
For OCONUS calling options, click here.
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