A Message from the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs

Posted on Updated on

MHS Colleagues:

September, with the first hints of cooler weather and schools back in session, often seems more like the start of a new year than the official new year in January.  We in the MHS stand ready to serve our beneficiaries as they get ready for the cold and flu season, make sure their vaccinations are up to date, and allow us to provide the care they need.

Last week, we said a formal farewell to Hon. Gilbert Cisneros, who has served us so well as the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.  His personal commitment to the well-being of all our people was foremost in everything he did, and it was a privilege to work for him. I know you will join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him well in the next chapter.

September is also Suicide Prevention Month, a time for us to renew our commitment to preventing this tragic loss of life.  Within our organizations, it’s important for us to communicate to our people about the resources available to help anyone in crisis.  By example, we can help remove the stigma around seeking mental health care.  I will never forget meeting Teri and Patrick Caserta, parents of Brandon Caserta, a young Sailor who died by suicide in 2018.  I met them during the formal signing of the implementation order for the Brandon Act, named for their son, which is designed to ease access to mental health care. While I admire their ability to channel their grief into action by successfully advocating for this legislation, I am saddened by their need to do so.  The Brandon Act will help prevent military suicides and spare other parents, but there is more to be done to increase access to mental health care, and to educate those serving at all levels about how to help.  There is useful information to share with your organizations at this link.  Please use this resource to communicate about this vital issue, not just this month, but all year.

I wish you and your families well as we enter this new season and thank you for all you do every day.  As always, stay safe!

This entry was posted in ASDHA and tagged .

Leave a comment