{"id":171641,"date":"2024-05-07T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-07T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=171641"},"modified":"2024-05-08T19:34:24","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T19:34:24","slug":"cnics-sail-program-assists-sailors-helps-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=171641","title":{"rendered":"CNIC\u2019s SAIL Program Assists Sailors, Helps Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
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SAIL is a suicide intervention program at Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), designed to assist Sailors who have been identified to be at risk of suicide due to suicide ideation or attempt. The program’s main goal is to provide ongoing clinical case management, care coordination, and reintegration assistance for Sailors identified during the 90 days after a suicide-related behavior (SRB), which is the period of highest risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cSAIL provides resources and support to Sailors who have experienced a suicide-related behavior,\u201d said Cornealius Stamps, LCSW, LCSW-C, clinical counseling program analyst. \u201cIt also helps to reintegrate them back into their commands and strengthens existing mental health treatment by offering clinical case management services.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stamps, a six-year veteran at the Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP) with the SAIL program at CNIC headquarters, added that suicide prevention also requires continuous efforts of leadership to promote mental and physical health, giving Sailors a sense of community that reaches every level of a command.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeadership plays a crucial role in addressing suicide by changing negative perceptions about seeking help and reducing barriers to support services,\u201d said Stamps. \u201cStaying connected with Sailors and recognizing signs of stress early can help make them feel more comfortable when seeking help.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to the Department of Defense Suicide Event Report (DoDSER) (DoD, 2021), the suicide rate in the armed forces hit a new high in 2020, with 580 suicide deaths reported across the active, reserve, and the guard branches. This represents an increase of 18.8% compared to 498 deaths in 2019.<\/p>\n

It’s important to remember that there are many more instances of suicidal-related behaviors for every suicide death reported. So, it\u2019s essential to take proactive steps to address this issue and provide support to those in need. SAIL becomes a very successful program for Sailors when a command is involved. OPNAVINST 1720.4B<\/a> requires that commanding officers ensure their Suicide Prevention Coordinators (SPCs) refer all Sailors who experience an SRB to the SAIL program.<\/p>\n

The acceptance rates of the SAIL program have been steadily increasing since its inception. In 2020, there were 2,871 referrals made to the program, out of which 1,335 Sailors accepted the services, which resulted in a 46.50% acceptance rate. In 2023, referrals increased to 3,908, with 2,449 Sailors accepting services, resulting in a 62.67% acceptance rate. This increase is indicative of increased command referrals, higher acceptance rates, and a reduction in the number of suicides among Sailors.<\/p>\n

Beginning in 2022, the Navy transitioned the SAIL program from an in-person to a virtual model. This virtual model is now fully staffed with 44 SAIL case managers and eight SAIL supervisors who are dedicated remote counselors from the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), who work in regionally based teams to serve and support Sailors throughout CNIC\u2019s regions. The transition was recently completed in January 2024.<\/p>\n

Along with leadership and case managers, it takes everyone\u2019s awareness of suicide prevention and what to do to help someone who is suffering from suicide ideation.<\/p>\n

According to Stamps, screening is crucial to saving a life, when a change is noticed – no matter how small it may seem.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe first step in effective suicide prevention is to identify anyone who requires assistance and remember the term \u201cACT\u201d (Ask, Care, and Treat),\u201d said Stamps. \u201cAsk if someone is thinking about suicide, actively listen, and let them know you care. Then you should immediately find them professional treatment, by using any of the available resources. For instance, 988, Military One Source, or contact the behavioral health department at your installation\u2019s medical facility.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also, it is very important to never leave a person alone who is considering suicide or has made a suicide plan, she added.<\/p>\n

For suicide prevention to be successful it takes involvement, from the seaman to the CNO. Leadership must continuously promote mental fitness, be attentive to suicidal-related behaviors, and know what to do when a Sailor needs help. It\u2019s clear that a healthy and happy Sailor increases and maintains force readiness.<\/p>\n

The Navy, the DoD, and other organizations have been focusing their efforts on mental health and will continue to bring the best services available to keep our people safe and our Navy strong.<\/p>\n

The Navy\u2019s Quality of Life (QoL) mission is to strengthen the warfighting capability of the fleet, fighter, and family by providing essential services that enhance well-being, resilience, and retention. The Fleet and Family Readiness\u2019 mission, \u201ctakes care of our people by building great people, great leaders, and great teams.\u201d<\/p>\n

Here are some resources available to Navy leadership and Sailors to address suicide prevention.<\/p>\n