Stories in the civilian media often focus on the growing numbers of suicides in the military, but behind the numbers are people with names, families and problems. Those who commit suicide leave behind friends and family members who often are left guilt-ridden and wondering if they could have done more.

Michael Reed, Fort Gordon’s employee assistance coordinator, would like people to realize suicide prevention is more than just knowing the signs of someone at risk, it’s about knowing the person at risk.

“Suicide is always going to be an issue,” he said.

September is suicide prevention month, and a movie which puts a face on suicide will be shown several times including 1:30 p.m., Sept. 23 at Alexander Hall. To Save a Life is a film about the effect of suicide on a teen-ager and how he seeks to help someone else after the death of a friend.

“The character learns it can be done,” said Chaplain Donald Stover.

Also upcoming is the Applied Suicide Intervention Skill Training.

“The ASIST program is an in-depth suicide prevention training program targeted toward providing skills training for gatekeepers and caregivers. Generally, suicide prevention training is offered annually in each unit. Typically, a Soldier will receive a 30-45 minute block of instruction by an instructor,” said Stover. “What differentiates the ASIST program from the annual suicide prevention training is that ASIST is in-depth training that takes place eight hours for two days. It provides a potential caregiver and gatekeeper with handson training to increase the potential caregiver and gatekeepers skills to identify and know how to provide help for a Soldier who may be at risk of suicide.”

Upcoming classes for ASIST will be Sept. 27 and 28, Oct. 4 and 5, Oct. 25 and 26 and Nov. 15 and 16 at the Religious Support Office, Building 29601.

Throughout the month, several static displays about suicide prevention have been set up on-post. Also, Reed’s office has created a new suicide prevention brochure.

For more information on ASIST, call 791-2553.