Sailors from around Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story participated in a 5k walk/run to promote suicide awareness July 29.

The theme of the event was "Race for Hope".

"Suicide is a serious problem that affects so many service members," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Aliscia Malone, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's suicide prevention coordinator. "This is one way for us to let them know they are not alone, and that we can connect them with resources to help them."

One resource is "The Every Sailor, Every Day" campaign, which was launched during the 2014 Suicide Prevention Month. Through an array of digital communications,social media, videos and audience interaction, the campaign educates Sailors on strategies to navigate stress, recognize risk, seek help and intervene early, while promoting proactive engagement and open communication.

In September 2015, Navy Suicide Prevention launched a new message as part of the campaign, encouraging simple actions that can make a difference or perhaps save a life. "1 Small ACT" -- based on Navy's Ask Care Treat (ACT) model -- ties into the broader collaborative communications efforts between the armed forces, Dept. of Defense Suicide Prevention Office and Veterans Affairs to promote the Power of 1 concept.

Over 80 participants, civilian and military, braved the humidity of Virginia Beach to show their support to a cause that hits home for a lot of people.

"Suicide impacted my childhood and suicide prevention is an important aspect of life for a father with three daughters," said Cmdr. Corey Littel, assigned to NECC's medical department. "I told my daughters I was running this for them. They know how painful running is for me but I told them 30 minutes of pain and sweat pales in comparison to the lifetime of pain suicide can have on a family or group of friends. It's a worthy cause and thanks to all who supported the event."

Whether a participant ran for someone they know or simply to support a cause, the overall goal of the event was to raise awareness.

"I try to remind all of my Sailors that there is always someone they can talk to," said JEBLC-FS Command Master Chief Brian Schlicht. "We have more resources to help people here on JEB than anywhere in the civilian sector."

For more information or help contact suicideprevention@navy.mil.

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

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/.