Ohio National Guard

Problem statement ISSUE: DEATH BY SUICIDE IN THE OHNG DISCUSSION: Deaths in combat for OHARNG since 9/11: 15 Death by suicide for OHARNG since 9/11: 49 Suicides JUN16-JUN17: 10 in 12 months CHALLENGE: What should the organization, family, and individual do to combat this problem? Most effective when you present as we had a death by suicide in June (73rd), Aug (37th IBCT), Sep (174ADA), Oct (174ADA), Nov (174ADA), skipped DEC and Jan, death in Feb (73rd), Mar (37th IBCT), Apr (STC) & (AIR GUARD), May (16th ENG) another death of SM in 16th ENG had been separated ETS for 60 days, Jun (not validated yet) and the Air National Guard also had death by suicide in April. First in 6 years

ARNG Suicides : 2013 - 2017 Information Current as of 29 March 2017 OHARNG is 7th nationally in deaths by suicide. Part of that is affected by size of the force, we are in the middle of the top 5 largest state contingents Weekly Message: Practice Self-Regulation using Mental Games Count to 10 and then re-engage. We have all heard it and maybe tried it, but what are we actually doing? When we are angry, stressed, rushed, or acting on any other emotion, we are not operating at our optimal level of productivity or control. Counting to ten or other forms of mental games give us a chance to slow our bodies and minds and regain focus so we can regain control over the task at hand. There are many types of mental games, talk to your MRT to learn more. Awareness: Family Assistance Centers: The ARNG established Family Assistance Centers (FACs) in the 54 States and Territories to provide support to geographically dispersed Service members and their Families. FACs provide information, referral, and outreach to geographically dispersed Service members and their Families to support them in times of crisis and build resilience. FACs provide information on crisis intervention & referral, legal resources, financial resources, Tricare services, ID Cards/DEERS, and community outreach information. FACs provide assistance to Service members, military families and survivors from all branches of service and components. Contact your unit to find out more about Family Assistance Centers. Update:   As of 29 March 2017, CY17 suspected suicides increased by one for a total of 29. Equivocal deaths remain the same for a total of 3. A suspected suicide was submitted by WIARNG. The WIARNG reports the suicide of a SM by unknown means. The SM was a 24 year old, White male in the rank of SPC. An add-on SIR will be completed upon receipt of further information, if necessary.  As of 29 March 2017, CY16 suspected suicides remain the same for a total of 109. Equivocal deaths remain at five, pending further details on the manner of death. CY16 ARNG suicide rate is 31.9 per 100k. ARNG suicide demographics are generally similar to civilian, USAR, and Active Component suicides: single, 17-24 years of age, and white males still comprise the majority of suicides. Key factors in each loss continue to be relationship difficulties, financial-unemployment issues, substance abuse and/or behavioral health concerns. Primary mode of death by suicide is gunshot wound followed by hanging. Information Current as of 29 March 2017

Highest State Rate Montana 23.8 per 100k National and Local trend per 100k Suicides : 2017 OHARNG 43 per 100k NGB Army 25.4 per 100k Highest State Rate Montana 23.8 per 100k National General Public 13.26 per 100k Ohio General Public 12.5 per 100k Air National Guard National 10.4 per 100k OHARNG 43 per 100K Suppose to be the healthiest 1% of the general population. NGB Army 25.4 per 100K Highest State Montana 23.8 per 100K National General Public 13.26 per 100K Ohio General Public 12.5 per 100K Air National Guard National 10.4 per 100K 2013 highest but continued increases each year since low in 2014 with 2017 on track to surpass 2013 Not sure what changed between 2013-2014 to create such a significant drop (NATIONALLY). 2013, 2016, & 2017, we have had our highest number of suicides since data has been kept in 2000.

2013 highest rate but 2017 in on track to surpass 2013 National and Local Analysis of Suicides 2013 highest rate but 2017 in on track to surpass 2013 2013, 2016, & 2017 highest number of suicide since 2000

Nationally, rates are highest for white males age 45-64, then 85 and older. OHNG has few SMs that age and experiences death much younger Misconception that BH struggles for military members are just those with multiple deployments that can’t adjust back to civilian life. While that does still occur, what we see most are young adults struggling with being on their own, finding or keeping jobs, substance abuse, and relationships ending so they give up.

Among survivors of near fatal suicides, when asked about time from their decision to complete suicide and the attempt: ● 24% said less than 5 minutes ● 47% more said an hour or less Limiting access when possible, even briefly can be incredibly important

15-6 Investigations Warrior ethos to be strong, not ask for help Financial struggles Physical medical issues Relationships ending frequent trigger Peers knew they drank too much 8 of the 10 OHARNG 2016-17 deaths are known to have involved substance abuse Family or friends all knew of some symptoms, few knew all of them Disconnect so they don’t communicate to Command None of the last 10 deaths by suicide were currently involved with MED DET case management