Staff and students at Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland placed "1 Small Act" signs on their doors to encourage Sailors to help those in need, and to raise awareness about suicide prevention throughout the month of September.

In ALNAV 058/16, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus wrote, "I am personally committed to helping our Sailors, Marines, and civilians, and their families during tough times. While we recognize Suicide Prevention Month in September, please pledge that you will personally support your brothers and sisters, in and out of uniform, in a team effort to combat suicidal ideations and actions."

"Suicide is a serious issue that many people may not think could affect them until the least expected moment happens," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Christina Ramirez, from New Orleans.

She went on to say Suicide Prevention Month is important, not just to emphasize awareness, but also to empower those to make a difference in the community by taking action to identify those who might not see it in themselves.

"It is a great reminder of how we can help someone who is struggling with the thought of suicide," said Seaman Apprentice Adrienne Harralson when asked the importance of Suicide Prevention Month. "Knowing how to act may be the difference between life and death [for someone considering suicide]."

The Navy has long used the acronym "ACT" (Ask, Care, and Treat) to encourage Sailors to intervene when they see someone in distress. Ask the person directly if they are thinking of killing themselves. Care refers to being empathetic and listening without judgment. Treat involves getting the person immediate assistance -- chaplain, trusted leader, or medical professional for treatment.

"We need to ensure a strong sense of community and belonging," said NTTC Lackland Executive Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Rob Collett. "We need to provide an environment that promotes optimism, self-worth, and avenues [for individuals] to receive mental and physical health care."

When talking about suicide prevention, intervention, or post-treatment, the Navy recommends the following best practices to encourage help-seeking behaviors.

- Avoid using judgmental language.
- Use objective terms like "death by suicide" or "non-fatal suicide attempt" for a suicidal event.
- Avoid presenting suicide as an inevitable event or oversimplify the cause.
- Avoid adding glamor or glamorizing suicide.
- Always emphasize the importance of every single life.
- Always provide information for assistance.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stress or in need of help, call the Military Crisis/National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255, press 1).

Staff and students at NTTC Lackland are educated and reminded about the devastating effects of suicide when they check-in and weekly for the duration of their training.

Naval Technical Training Center Lackland provides five courses of instruction, which are Master-at-Arms "A" school, Corrections Specialist and Counselor, and Military Working Dog Handler and Kennel Master. The command trains more than 2,600 students each year to prepare the best for the worst in defending freedom around the world.

For more information about the NPC's Suicide Prevention Program, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/suicide_prevention/Pages/default.asp.

For more information and resources about Suicide Prevention or counseling, visit Military OneSource at http://www.militaryonesource.mil/.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf, http://www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ/ or http://www.twitter.com/censecfor.