JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Signs proclaiming “We Care” greeted motorists as they entered the gates of Joint Base San Antonio installations the morning of Sept. 8.
At Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, civilian members held positive messages of support at base gates during the morning inbound commute as part of the “We Care” initiative.
They spent the morning at various gates letting each person know that the simple, yet powerful display allows for everyone to stand together in support of those struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide.
The show of support for the JBSA community – especially its young military members and veterans – comes two days before World Suicide Prevention Day, which is Sept. 10, and is one of the highlights of this year’s Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month.
Suicide is a serious public health issue in the United States that affects nearly every age group, and its impact on active-duty members and veterans is even more pronounced.
We Care Day and other events at JBSA this month are raising awareness of this public health crisis and letting service members and veterans know that the community cares and provides the help they need to overcome their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, go directly to the Mental Health Clinic or to your closest emergency room. For any questions or concerns, call the Brooke Army Medical Center Department of Behavioral Health at 210-916-1600 at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center at 210-292-7361 or the JBSA-Randolph Mental Health Clinic at 210-652-2448.
Another resource, the Veterans and Military Crisis Line, is available at 1-800-273-8255. Chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat or send a text message to 838255.
You can also reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-8255.
Above all – you matter and your Air Force Family cares about you.