Robins AFB seeing results with anti-suicide program

Amanda Gross

Suicide prevention programs at Robins AFB have been successful in the past four years, the Macon Telegraph reports.

After the base experienced an alarming record eight suicides in 2008, officials there launched an "aggressive anti-suicide campaign" that aims to bring the number of suicides to zero, Colonel James Dienst, commander of the 78th Medical Group, told the news outlet.

In 2009, there were four suicides on base, and in 2010, three. There were four last year as well, the news outlet reports. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in 10,000 people commit suicide each year, which means that a "normal" rate at Robins would be two or three per year. But Dienst won't be satisfied until the base is at zero.

"At Robins, absolutely our goal is zero," he told the news outlet. "That's kind of our driving philosophy. We pray in 2012 we will have zero."

The campaign, called "You Matter," has implemented initiatives regarding the coordination of mental health services on base and in the community and the emphasis on reaching out for help and looking out for others who seem to need support.

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