DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
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OFFICE SYMBOL                                                                                                 Date

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT: Battalion/Brigade Policy Memorandum #30 – Health Promotion, Risk Reduction, and Suicide Prevention

1.	Reference:  AR 600-20, Chapter 8, Army Command Policy.

2.	The readiness of our Army is paramount in our ability to fight and win on the battlefield.  Sustaining the heal and wellbeing of our Soldiers, Family members, and Civilians is a preeminent responsibility of Army senior leaders and personnel at all levels.  The Army’s strategic approach to mitigating suicide and high-risk behavior helps build cohesive units.  Promoting healthy lifestyles, reducing risk-seeking behavior and preventing suicide are priorities in this unit. 

3.	All commanders, leaders, supervisors, Soldiers, and Civilians are responsible for creating an environment that reduces the stigma of seeking help for behavioral health issues.  On a daily basis, it is incumbent on all of us to be aware of and recognize when someone may be at risk, and to be empowered to take appropriate action to save lives.  Each of us is responsible for eliminating policies ,procedures, and actions that inadvertently discriminate, punish, or discourage Soldiers and Civilians from seeking professional counseling.

4.	To this end, ensure that no Soldier is belittled for requesting assistance from behavioral health professionals.  Similarly, ensure Civilian employees are encouraged to access available resources.  Leader will utilize an extraordinary degree of discretion when identifying and sharing information regarding Soldiers and Civilians seeking help. 

5.	Each life lost to suicide is one life too many.  Suicide prevention spans the gamut of effort from prevention to intervention to post-intervention.  Each one of us has a personal role to play in preventing suicide.  Task forces and teams identify trends.  Annual training and refresher training provide information for intervention.  Response teams assist the commander in the event of a suicide.

6.	Point of contact for this memorandum is the undersigned at (123) 456-7890.

FIRST M. LAST 
XXX, XX
Commanding

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