Session: The Use of Messaging in the Prevention of Suicide in the Military and Veteran Populations (Society for Prevention Research 25th Annual Meeting)

The use of messaging can be a powerful tool in preventing suicide. The following presentation will give three examples of how messaging was used as a suicide prevention strategy in the military and veteran populations. The first presentation will look at how well the World Health Organization guidelines for media reporting of suicide events were followed when reporting of Department of Defense suicide events and recommendations for best practices will be provided. The second presentation will discuss the methodology of a joint media campaign between the Department of Defense and the Veteran’s Administration to raise awareness of suicide prevention. The third presentation will summarize the strategy to increase community perception and involvement to heighten awareness of support services for National Guard and Reserve members. Responsible messaging can educate the public about suicide and encourage those at risk of suicide to seek help, which will ultimately save lives.