Department of Defense launches online courses for those affected by suicide

FILE – About 130 soldiers with the U.S. Army’s 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, wait to board a chartered plane during their deployment to Europe, March 11, 2022, at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga. The Army is significantly cutting the total number of soldiers it expects to have in the force over the next two years, as the U.S. military faces what a top general called “unprecedented challenges” in bringing in new recruits. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File)

by: Julius Ayo

Posted: Sep 20, 2022 / 10:08 PM EDT

Updated: Sep 20, 2022 / 10:09 PM EDT

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The Department of Defense has launched two online courses to support military members affected by suicide.

According to a story by David Vergun from DOD News, the first course, “After a Suicide,” covers communication techniques, ways to connect or stay connected to a support system, and reminders for how to maintain physical and mental health.

Lisa Valentine, program manager for Military OneSource’s casualty, mortuary affairs and military funeral honors office, told Vergun that on average, each death by suicide affects about 135 others. 

The second course, “After a Suicide – Walking Through Providing Support,” is for service providers. It lasts two hours.

Below are additional resources for those affected by suicide:

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.