September is Suicide Prevention Month: ‘Connect to Protect’
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for Soldiers, Army Civilians, Family members and the entire Fort McCoy community to strengthen connections, recognize when someone may be struggling and take action to help.
The Army’s 2026 campaign theme is “We Are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect.” The campaign emphasizes the importance of positive relationships, belonging, help-seeking and making connections before a crisis occurs. Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one person or one organization. The Army describes suicide and self-harm as complex issues influenced by environmental, psychological, physical and social factors. Its prevention approach therefore emphasizes building resilience, reducing stigma, encouraging help-seeking and strengthening connections across the Army community.
Know the warning signs A person may be at greater risk when concerning behaviors are new, increasing or connected to a painful event, loss or significant change. Warning signs can include:
• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or like a burden.
• Looking for ways to kill themselves.
• Increasing alcohol or drug use.
• Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly.
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
• Experiencing extreme mood swings.
• Talking about unbearable pain or having no reason to live.
Recognizing a warning sign is a reason to connect, not ignore.
Remember ACE: Ask, Care, Escort The Army uses Ask, Care, Escort — ACE as an intervention model for helping someone who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
ASK: Talk directly with the person. If you are concerned, ask whether they are thinking about suicide. The Army notes that asking about suicide does not increase the likelihood that someone will attempt suicide.
CARE: Listen and take the person seriously. Remain calm, avoid judgment and let them know they are not alone. If possible, remove access to lethal means and stay with the person.
ESCORT: Help the person get professional assistance. This can include an emergency room, behavioral health professional or other appropriate resource. If someone refuses assistance, do not leave them alone and seek additional help.
Help is available at Fort McCoy Fort McCoy maintains suicide-prevention resources for members of the installation community. In an emergency, call 911. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7; military service members and veterans can press 1, or text 838255.
Additional Fort McCoy resources include:
• 24/7 Chaplain Line: 502-898-6073
• Religious Support Office: 502-898-3528
• Military OneSource: 800-342-9647
• Army Substance Abuse Program: 502-898-2441
Fort McCoy’s Army Substance Abuse Program also provides suicide-prevention resources and training, while the installation’s Army Community Service programs support resilience, stability and other needs affecting Soldiers and families.
Make the connection Suicide prevention can begin with something simple: checking in.
A phone call, conversation over coffee, message to a battle buddy or visit with a Family member can open the door to support. If someone you know is struggling, you do not have to have all the answers. Be present, listen, take concerns seriously and help connect the person with professional support.
The Army’s message for September is straightforward: “We are stronger together. Connect to protect.”
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line, or text 838255.
(Article prepared by the Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office.)
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