Suicide Prevention Week observed on base Sept. 4-11 Published Sept. 2, 2010 By Capt. Donna Burrowes 81st Medical Operations Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The number of lives lost by suicide is a growing concern for the Air Force, with more than 18 Airmen, eight Guardsmen and Reservists and three civilians of all ranks and specialties taking their own lives in the past year. Suicide negatively impacts not only the family of those lost, but friends, co-workers, and peers. During this year's observance of International Suicide Prevention Week, representatives from the 81st Training Wing chaplain corps, family advocacy program, mental health clinic, airman and family readiness center and health and wellness center have partnered to promote awareness and outreach for suicide prevention. The slogan for Keesler's observance is "The individual nourishes, Keesler flourishes: Be the ray of sunshine in someone's life." To raise awareness during the week, a giant sunflower is displayed in various locations throughout the base. Sept. 10, Worldwide Suicide Prevention Day, there'll be guest speakers and briefings in the Welch Auditorium at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to discuss the impact of suicide and strategies for keeping our Air Force families safe and healthy. The presentations are open to all military and civilian personnel on base. Outreach briefings for suicide prevention are being offered to interested units during the week. To find out what you can do to support suicide prevention and awareness or to schedule a briefing, call the mental health clinic, 376-0385, or Chaplain (Capt.) Charles Seligman, 377-4859.