Army Report: Suicides Double In National Guard And Reserves
By: VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions
Updated: January 20, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A new Pentagon report indicates the number of suicides by troops in the Army National Guard and Reserves doubled last year.
In all, there were 343 suicides among all active-duty and reserve soldiers, Army civilians, and family members in 2010.
Army Vice Chief of Staff General Peter Chiarelli noted the latest figures actually reflect a slight decline in suicides compared to 2009.
He added the drop of 69 deaths can be attributed to programs such as pain management plans and other policies implemented last March.
Chiarelli also said the Army has initiated post-deployment behavioral health screenings for all returning brigades to better identify at-risk soldiers.
The screenings will also assure they receive appropriate treatment.
Chiarelli said the focus of the Army in dealing with suicides among service members will be to expand the reach and accessibility of programs that have a positive impact on the lives of soldiers.
(Copyright 2011 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
In all, there were 343 suicides among all active-duty and reserve soldiers, Army civilians, and family members in 2010.
Army Vice Chief of Staff General Peter Chiarelli noted the latest figures actually reflect a slight decline in suicides compared to 2009.
He added the drop of 69 deaths can be attributed to programs such as pain management plans and other policies implemented last March.
Chiarelli also said the Army has initiated post-deployment behavioral health screenings for all returning brigades to better identify at-risk soldiers.
The screenings will also assure they receive appropriate treatment.
Chiarelli said the focus of the Army in dealing with suicides among service members will be to expand the reach and accessibility of programs that have a positive impact on the lives of soldiers.
(Copyright 2011 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)
