Author: Joel Schofer, MD, MBA, CPE
From Acting DHA Director, Dr. David Smith: Suicide Prevention
Teammates,
Suicide remains a leading cause of death in the United States, and an enduring challenge within the Department of Defense.
Within our military communities, we know that challenges like deployments, family separation, financial stressors, combat experiences, the transition to civilian life, and workload can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being.
I want to reinforce a crucial message: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The federal government, the Department of Defense, and the Military Health System have developed resources and tools to help individuals and families with managing their mental health. We’ve made important strides in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health care and ensuring you and those we serve have access to all available resources.
This email outlines the many resources available to you, your family, your team members, and our patient population.
Immediate support (if you or someone you know is in crisis):
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call, text, or chat 988 anytime for immediate, confidential support.
- Military Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
- Emergency Services: If you feel you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Behavioral health resources:
- inTransition Program: Provides confidential, specialized support for service members, veterans, and their families seeking mental healthcare.
- Psychological Health Resource Center (PHRC): Offers information and resources on psychological health concerns for service members, veterans, and their families.
- Military OneSource: Provides a wide range of free and confidential resources, including counseling, financial assistance, and legal support, in addition to TRICARE services.
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Offers recreational activities and programs that can promote well-being and build social connections.
- Chaplains: Provide confidential counseling and spiritual guidance.
- Substance Use Disorder Programs: Offers support and treatment for substance use disorders.
- TRICARE Mental Health Services: Information about mental health coverage and finding providers.
Supporting a Teammate:
If you notice a teammate struggling, here’s how you can help:
- Start a private conversation: Let them know you’re concerned and available to listen without judgment. Show empathy and create a safe space for them to share. Sometimes, simply listening and validating their feelings can make a significant difference.
- Encourage professional help: Suggest they consider speaking with a Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) or a mental health professional. Reassure them that seeking help is a sign of strength.
- Emphasize confidentiality: Remind them that many resources offer confidential support.
- Offer resource suggestions: Share information about financial counseling, behavioral health, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (see more information below), or chaplain services.
- Promote the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Remind them that immediate help is available 24/7 by calling, texting, or chatting 988.
- Follow up: Check in with your teammate regularly to see how they are doing and offer ongoing support.
- Be brave: Don’t be afraid to alert their chain of command, family, or someone else in a position to influence them to seek help.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
The DHA offers a confidential EAP for civilians, managed by Magellan Ascend Federal, which is available 24/7/365 at 866-580-9046. Contact them for support with:
- Counseling Services: Addressing financial issues, legal concerns (estate planning, family law, etc.), and credit restoration.
- Senior Care Management: Assessing caregiving needs and recommending appropriate solutions.
- Online Programs: Accessing self-guided programs for stress management, resilience building, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and substance misuse.
- Monthly Live Webinars: Participating in free webinars on relevant topics. Recordings are available on the Magellan Ascend website within 10 business days.
One life lost to suicide is too many. We are all in this together. Please look after yourselves and your teammates.
V/R Dave
David J. Smith, M.D.
Acting Director, Defense Health Agency
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A Message from the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
Colleagues,
Once again, the past two weeks have been truly inspiring. I am continually amazed at the level of talent within the Military Health System. Every place I visit, the professionalism, the passion and the commitment to excellence are simply second to none.
This was clearly demonstrated at the Heroes of Military Medicine ceremony which I attended last Thursday night at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Hosted by Dr. Joseph Caravalho and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, the evening was a powerful reminder of our mission and the people who bring it to life. Several military health care leaders were recognized at this event. The Army recognized Colonel (Doctor) Benjamin Donham; the Navy recognized Captain (Doctor) Matthew Tadlock; the Air Force recognized Colonel (Doctor) Daniel Brown; and the Defense Health Agency recognized Dr. Troy Akers. The May 8th event coincided with the 80th anniversary of V-E Day, always a solemn reminder of our need to be vigilant and ever-ready while also reminding us of the many unsung heroes who saved innumerable lives and contributed to the proud tradition of military medicine.
Seeing firsthand the dedication and commitment of these individuals—true heroes in every sense of the word—was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. They really embody the professionalism and readiness that defines our medical force. I congratulate all our awardees for their accomplishments and, perhaps most importantly, how they support a Medically Ready Force and a Ready Medical Force.
As the only United States health care system that goes to war, we must have the best medical talent to take care of America’s sons and daughters. Our unwavering commitment to our warfighters and their families is what sets us apart. Readiness is not just a slogan—it’s our operational reality. Thank you to all who continue to advance this mission every day.
I also had the great privilege of participating in the Cellular Therapies and Transfusion Medicine in Trauma and Critical Care Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. This insightful event brought together leading experts in trauma, transfusion, and regenerative medicine to explore emerging therapies and technologies. Sessions focused on cellular and blood-derived therapeutics, regenerative strategies for organ and tissue repair, and innovations in hemorrhage control, particularly in trauma and battlefield settings.
Discussions also highlighted advancements in stem cell-derived blood components, novel plasma-based treatments for sepsis and TBI, and gene-editing technologies for enhancing cell therapy applications. Military-focused panels addressed strategies for managing organ failure, brain injury, and wound care in austere environments, emphasizing collaboration between civilian and military medicine. As we confront unprecedented challenges in the Indo-Pacific battle space, these types of innovations empower more effective resuscitative techniques and prolonged field care, providing the strategic edge we need to fight and win.
What struck me most was the emphasis on collaboration, particularly between civilian and military medicine. This really resonated with me because, as I said at the Military Health System Conference in Cleveland, relationships are the pathway to progress. I truly believe that.
So, I want to extend a personal thanks to each of you. Thank you for working together across offices and teams to strengthen relationships and support our warfighters. They depend on us, and together we are making a difference. Thank you for all that you do—it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Very respectfully,
Steve
Stephen Ferrara, M.D.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs
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