Military suicide: preliminary observations on actions needed to enhance prevention and response affecting certain remote installations : testimony before the Subcommittee on Personnel, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate

Military suicide: preliminary observations on actions needed to enhance prevention and response affecting certain remote installations : testimony before the Subcommittee on Personnel, Committee on Armed Services, U.S. Senate

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Contributor(s):
United States. Government Accountability Office, issuing body.
United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Armed Services. Subcommittee on Personnel, issuing body.
Publication:
Washington, DC : United States Government Accountability Office, April 6, 2022
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Government Regulation
Military Health -- statistics & numerical data
Policy Making
Suicide -- statistics & numerical data
United States
United States. Department of Defense
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
Why GAO did this study. Suicide deaths and attempts within the military community are devastating events for families. They can also harm unit morale and readiness. Remote OCONUS installations may pose challenges that increase suicide risk. This statement examines, among other things, (1) the incidence of suicide and related risk factors among servicemembers at remote OCONUS installations during 2016-2020. It also discusses the extent to which DOD and the military services have, in relation to remote OCONUS installations (2) established and ensured implementation of policies, programs, and activities that address suicide prevention; (3) established privacy protections for servicemembers and dependents seeking suicide prevention care and integrated suicide prevention into primary care; and (4) established guidance and training for key personnel for responding to suicide deaths and attempts. This preliminary analysis is included in GAO’s draft report, which was provided to DOD in March for review and comment. For that report, GAO analyzed data, policies, and guidance; reviewed documentation from 57 installations; and interviewed DOD and military service officials. What GAO Recommends. Based on preliminary analysis, GAO is making various recommendations, including that DOD establish a process to assess suicide risk at remote OCONUS installations, three services establish oversight of installations, and DOD develop a strategy for hiring key behavioral health personnel and improve guidance and training for commanders.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (23 pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
9918434587706676 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9918434587706676