McConnell medical professionals make suicide prevention effort Published Aug. 16, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- In 2010, 98 U.S. Air Force personnel completed suicide -- the highest suicide rate since current tracking methods began in 2004. The 22nd Medical Group Mental Health clinic goal is to save lives and combat those statistics Aug. 25 and 26, 2011, by hosting a briefing titled "Suicide Prevention: Because Death has no Reset Button." The briefings feature guest speaker Dr. John Westefeld, professor of counseling psychology at the University of Iowa and nationally-renowned suicidologist. With more than 33 years experience in counseling psychology, Westefeld has more than 65 scientific publications and professional reviews. "The purpose of the event is to raise awareness for suicide, decrease stigma, increase help seeking behaviors, and to aide military members in identifying individuals that may be at risk for suicide," said Capt. Christopher Button, 22nd Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander. "The ultimate goal is to prevent suicide." "Our Air Force has a big problem with suicide," said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Edwards, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief. "It is important that we all know the signs and symptoms, not only for ourselves, but so we can also take care of those around us." In addition to briefings similar to the upcoming one, there are numerous other base resources available for assistance, guidance or information at McConnell and every base throughout Air Mobility Command. McConnell's Unified Services is a collaboration of base agencies focused on enhancing Airmen and their families' well-being, balance and resiliency. With focus placed on the five current areas of concern at McConnell: domestic violence, driving under the influence, substance abuse, suicide and relationships, McUS aims to increase awareness of helping agency programs. Of the individuals in the Air Force who completed suicide in 2010, 60 percent had troubled relationships, roughly 30 percent had legal issues, nearly 30 percent had substance abuse problems and roughly 25 percent had financial problems, according to the Air Mobility Command Behavioral Health Consultant. Ninety-four percent of completed suicide deaths are by males, although most attempts are made by females. In the U.S. military population, males ages 18 to 25 are most at risk for completed suicide, said Button. The 22nd MDG mental health clinic, for example, has services available for active duty members and beneficiaries. Active duty members are eligible for the full array of services offered to include individual and couple's therapy, groups in depression management and healthy thinking, psychological testing and evaluation and substance abuse. Beneficiaries are eligible for services through couples counseling and educational groups. Available classes include sleep enhancement, stress management, relaxation, tobacco cessation and anger management. Mental health also offers a free self-help library in the clinic, funded by McUS, featuring self-help books for a variety of mental health concerns. Books are available to all beneficiaries, no questions asked. Family advocacy offers support services to Team McConnell beneficiaries including new parent support and the promotion of healthy couples and families. "We made a promise to a deceased Airman's family that we would do everything in our power to not let [suicide] happen again at McConnell," said Button.