September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) hosted the “Have you seen the boots?” initiative during the annual GMT Suicide Prevention Awareness training on Sep. 25. NMCP set up a display of 79 pairs of boots to remember the 79 Sailors who were lost to suicide in 2018, and to raise awareness for suicide prevention during the training.

“Here at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, there is a very unique element that exists,” said Lt. Cmdr. David Viayra, suicide prevention resources director. “You have a triad that is passionate; who genuinely care about their sailors. And you also have an abundance of tools and resources put in place at this command to make sure you know that you are important.”

As the U.S. Navy's oldest, continuously-operating military hospital since 1830, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth proudly serves past and present military members and their families. The nationally-acclaimed, state-of-the-art medical center, along with the area's 10 branch health and TRICARE Prime Clinics, provide care for the Hampton Roads area. The medical center also supports premier research and teaching programs designed to prepare new doctors, nurses and hospital corpsman for future roles in healing and wellness.

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