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Empowering survivors: Confronting sexual assault, supporting healing, and promoting awareness
April 29, 2024 — As April marks Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, it's important to acknowledge the issue at hand. A study conducted in February 2018 by RALIANCE, a national partnership dedicated to ending sexual violence, found that nationally, 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and, or, assault in their lifetime. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat sexual violence... MORE

1st Lt. Zizi Zemeheret, 59th Medical Operations Squadron social work fellow, and Lt. Col. Kirsten DeLambo, 59th Medical Operations Squadron psychological health director, demonstrates a staged counseling session in the Mental Health Clinic at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, April 23, 2024. In efforts to promote sexual assault awareness and prevention: speak out if witnessing harassment, utilize the various counseling options available to survivors, and be informed of the two available – Unrestricted and Restricted – reporting options. Unrestricted Reports enable adult victims of sexual assault to report crimes without requesting confidentiality for their allegations, while Restricted Reports allow adult victims of sexual assault to confidentially report the crime to specified individuals without initiating an investigation. (Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melody Bordeaux)

New DAF Mental Health Overview clarifies mental health resources for Airmen, Guardians
April 10, 2024 — Department of the Air Force mental health leaders published a new "Mental Health Overview" that outlines comprehensive resources for Airmen and Guardians seeking mental health support... MORE

Image of Airmen speaking to a group of people.

59th Medical Wing DEIA Committee marks one-year milestone in inclusion efforts
March 15, 2024 — Amidst the changing tides of social consciousness and policy directives, Col. Aquilla Highsmith-Tyler stands at the forefront of the 59th Medical Wing’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. With unwavering dedication, she leads a charge to transform the military landscape into one that values every individual's unique identity and experiences... MORE

The primary mission of DEIA is to enhance the readiness of the DoD workforce and ensure the nation’s security by leveraging the pillars of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and optimizing the diverse talent in support of the Joint Warfighter.

Mental Health Is Health: Depression and oral health
January 16, 2024 — Depression can cause you to neglect your oral health if you aren’t able to motivate yourself to do daily tasks like brushing your teeth and flossing. See how TRICARE can help your mental and oral health... MORE

Air Force dental technician aims a hand-held x-ray machine at a service member's cheek.

Holiday resilience: How TRICARE supports your mental health
November 29, 2023 — For many people, the holiday season brings expectations of joy. But for some, the holidays may be a time of stress, sadness, or isolation. Life events like the deployment of a spouse, the loss of a loved one, and complex family dynamics can affect how we feel during the holiday season... MORE

TRICARE encourages you to focus on your mental health during the holidays and throughout the year. There are steps you can take and resources you can use to manage the holidays. Remember, you’re not alone, and help is close at hand.

Empowering service members: advancing mental health access, targeted care
November 14, 2023 — Taking the initiative to seek help for emotional difficulties is a courageous and responsible step for a service member. Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center’s Mental Health Clinic is dedicated to ensuring that all service members receive effective care in a timely manner... MORE

Graphic demonstrating the process of Mental Health care and additional resources through targeted care. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

Department of the Air Force to review discharges of veterans with mental health conditions, experiences of sexual trauma
September 28, 2023 — The Department of the Air Force, or DAF, has agreed to review the discharges of thousands of veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, or other mental health conditions, or who experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment. The DAF will also implement administrative reforms for individuals who apply to have their discharge statuses upgraded in the future... MORE

Vogel Meditation Center teaches resilience through art, meditation, yoga
September 15, 2023 — When it comes to national security, the Department of Defense has three documents it depends on. One of those, the National Defense Strategy, contains four top-level priorities, including building a resilient Joint Force. To do that, resiliency teams are looking outside the box for innovative ways to create awareness and resilience among service members... MORE

Students sitting on the floor creating art.

Mental Health is Health: Resources are available
September 7, 2023 — Being healthy is more than just being physically healthy. It includes mental and emotional well-being as well. Mental health challenges can affect anyone at any age and stage of life... MORE

Department of the Air Force takes action on barriers to mental health, wellness, resilience
July 31, 2023 — The Fortify the Force Initiative Team, championed by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force, had volunteers from myriad functional communities working to promote holistic wellness and address resiliency barriers since early 2022... MORE

59th MDW: Mental health impacts readiness
June 1, 2023 — Our mental, physical, and emotional well-being can affect many aspects of our health. Taking a holistic approach allows us to achieve wellness in all facets of life... MORE

Breaking silence: Shattering the taboo of mental health
May 15, 2023 — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness... MORE

Airman holds up sign that reads, be kind to your mind.

New mental health care initiative improves access to care and readiness
May 8, 2023 — Air Force mental health leaders implemented a new initiative to nearly all Air Force bases to improve access to mental health, increase access to support resources, and mitigate the impact on readiness... MORE

A room plaque for the 341st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron mental health flight is pictured inside the base clinic June 23, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base Mont.

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs: DOD focused on improving mental health of force
March 9, 2023 — Defense Department health leaders provided testimony at a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense hearing March 7. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez said the department is committing resources with a focus on preventing suicides of military and family members. ... MORE

Physician Says DOD Focused on Improving Mental Health of Force

Online courses provide aid to those affected by suicide
September 22, 2022 — The Defense Department is now offering two online courses that provide support and guidance for those affected by suicide... MORE

New 988 dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
July 14, 2022 — Starting Saturday, July 16, 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline will change to a new three-digit dialing code: 988. ... MORE

Graphic showing a photo of a girl on her cellphone and the following text: "988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Coming July 16. Call, Text, Chat: SAMHSA's new 988 dialing code."

Healthy weight: How diet, lifestyle and mental health impact your eating habits and fitness
July 13, 2022 — Think you might need to lose a little weight? You're not alone. Even in the military, where maintaining physical fitness remains a job requirement and a key component of military readiness, thousands of service members struggle with weight... MORE

Image of an Airman holding a cookie and broccoli.

Air Force secretary talks PTSD, mental health with medical leaders
June 30, 2022 — Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall met with Air Force Medical Service leaders to discuss the Department of the Air Force’s approach to prioritizing post-traumatic stress disorder care and support June 24... MORE

960th CW hosts Mental Health & Resiliency Fair
June 14, 2022 — More than 1,220 Airmen and families attended the 960th Cyberspace Wing’s 2nd annual Mental Health & Resiliency Fair in-person and virtually at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland May 14... MORE

Reserve Citizen Airmen visit community organization information booths during the 960th Cyberspace Wing Mental Health & Resiliency Fair May 14, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Mental Health Awareness: It’s okay to answer Question 21
May 4, 2022 — May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a good time to bring up Question 21 on Standard Form 86, which federal employees complete for initial or renewed security clearances. ... MORE