1 00:00:00,220 --> 00:00:02,442 Hello , I'm Lloyd Austin , Secretary of 2 00:00:02,442 --> 00:00:04,331 Defense and I'm Denis McDonough , 3 00:00:04,331 --> 00:00:06,730 Secretary of Veterans Affairs september 4 00:00:06,730 --> 00:00:08,952 is suicide prevention awareness month . 5 00:00:09,040 --> 00:00:11,380 And suicide is a national public health 6 00:00:11,380 --> 00:00:13,820 issue that impacts americans from all 7 00:00:13,820 --> 00:00:16,200 walks of life . That's right , Dennis , 8 00:00:16,750 --> 00:00:19,200 one death by suicide is one too many . 9 00:00:19,870 --> 00:00:21,981 But the rate of suicide among service 10 00:00:21,981 --> 00:00:24,700 members and veterans is far too high 11 00:00:25,670 --> 00:00:27,940 and each one creates waves of grief and 12 00:00:27,940 --> 00:00:30,390 pain for our community . You know , 13 00:00:30,390 --> 00:00:32,057 this is a problem that I take 14 00:00:32,057 --> 00:00:34,310 personally and we've got to do all that 15 00:00:34,310 --> 00:00:36,800 we can to prevent these tragic losses . 16 00:00:37,570 --> 00:00:39,681 It's important to remember that there 17 00:00:39,681 --> 00:00:43,060 is hope suicide prevention is possible 18 00:00:43,690 --> 00:00:45,634 and we have made great strides and 19 00:00:45,634 --> 00:00:47,357 veteran suicide prevention and 20 00:00:47,357 --> 00:00:50,030 intervention but we still have a lot of 21 00:00:50,030 --> 00:00:52,380 work to do . That's why suicide 22 00:00:52,380 --> 00:00:55,220 prevention is a top priority for all of 23 00:00:55,220 --> 00:00:57,740 us and we can honor the memory of those 24 00:00:57,740 --> 00:01:00,300 that we've lost by making sure that 25 00:01:00,310 --> 00:01:02,800 everyone in our community gets the 26 00:01:02,800 --> 00:01:05,420 support and the care that they need 27 00:01:05,430 --> 00:01:08,430 when they need it . Let's be clear , 28 00:01:08,970 --> 00:01:12,910 mental health is health period and 29 00:01:12,910 --> 00:01:15,250 it's on all of us to end the stigma of 30 00:01:15,260 --> 00:01:18,090 asking for help and support when 31 00:01:19,010 --> 00:01:21,460 we or someone we know is feeling 32 00:01:21,460 --> 00:01:24,710 distressed or anxious or isolated . 33 00:01:25,690 --> 00:01:27,910 And so I want to ask each of you , 34 00:01:28,520 --> 00:01:30,631 regardless of rank or title , to stay 35 00:01:30,631 --> 00:01:32,687 connected with your your friends and 36 00:01:32,687 --> 00:01:34,964 your family members and your teammates . 37 00:01:34,964 --> 00:01:38,180 And if you're hurting support is within 38 00:01:38,180 --> 00:01:41,400 reach and reaching out can be hard . 39 00:01:41,460 --> 00:01:44,590 But if you're in crisis please know 40 00:01:44,590 --> 00:01:46,990 that you are not alone . If you're 41 00:01:46,990 --> 00:01:49,040 having thoughts of suicide or if 42 00:01:49,040 --> 00:01:50,984 someone you know , is having those 43 00:01:50,984 --> 00:01:54,090 thoughts contact the military and 44 00:01:54,090 --> 00:01:57,460 veterans crisis line 24 hours a day , 45 00:01:57,480 --> 00:02:01,370 seven days a week , 365 days a year 46 00:02:01,380 --> 00:02:04,510 for free confidential support and 47 00:02:04,510 --> 00:02:08,360 crisis intervention . Just dial 988 , 48 00:02:08,840 --> 00:02:12,410 then Press one . Or you can text at 49 00:02:12,420 --> 00:02:15,170 838255 . 50 00:02:16,370 --> 00:02:18,370 The Department of Defense is deeply 51 00:02:18,370 --> 00:02:20,481 committed to working with our friends 52 00:02:20,481 --> 00:02:22,592 at the Department of Veterans Affairs 53 00:02:22,592 --> 00:02:25,210 on Lifesaving efforts this month and 54 00:02:25,210 --> 00:02:28,040 all year long . But we need your help 55 00:02:28,890 --> 00:02:31,410 together . We can overcome the 56 00:02:31,410 --> 00:02:35,270 challenges we face in life , stay safe , 57 00:02:35,280 --> 00:02:37,640 be well and thank you for your 58 00:02:37,640 --> 00:02:40,280 courageous service and for taking care 59 00:02:40,280 --> 00:02:40,980 of each other .