MCSPP ESB

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UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Marine Corps Suicide
Prevention Program (MCSPP) Update October 2009
CDR Aaron D. Werbel, Ph.D. Suicide Prevention
Program Manager Headquarters, Marine Corps
(MRA) aaron.werbel_at_usmc.mil 703-784-9542
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USMC Suicides with Deployment History(confirmed
and suspected)

USMC Rate per 100,000
Civilian Rate per 100,000
Number of Suicides
Through September
2001-2007 final rates were within range of
expected fluctuations around mean of
14.9/100,000 CY2008 final rate was outside of
that range
Last available civilian suicide rate information
from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Rate adjusted for Marine
demographics. Data from 2001-2008 has been
standardized in accord with DoD policy. Source
HQMC (MRS-4) 2009Oct02
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USMC Suicides and Attempts
Through September
Average Number of Attempts 100
A DoD workgroup is meeting to assess and
standardize suicide attempt data reporting across
all Services.
MRA, N1 and BUMED are finalizing SOP for using
DODSER to collect data on suicide attempts.
Expected 1 January 2010
2001-2009 suicide data is standardized in accord
with DoD policy. 2003-2009 data was obtained
from START database. 2000-2002 data was manually
entered. Source HQMC (MRS-4) 2009Oct02
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CY09 Suicide Demographics
Through 30 September 2009
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CY 2009 USMC Suicide Prevention Initiatives (In
Progress or Development)
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USMC Suicide Prevention Continuing Initiatives

• HQMC Suicide Prevention Website
• www.usmc-mccs.org/suicideprevent
• Toolboxes for leaders, Marine/family members,
  providers

Leaders Guide for Managing Marines in
Distress www.usmc-mccs.org/leadersguide Pocket
guide Wave top information for the initial
crisis Available at www.militaryonesource.com For
all leaders from fire team to commander
Combat Operational Stress Control
(COSC) www.manpower.usmc.mil/cosc Marine
Operational Stress Training (MOST) Program To
maintain a ready fighting force To protect and
restore the health of Marines and their family
members For all leaders from fire team to
commander
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USMC Suicide Prevention Continuing Initiatives
Operational Stress Control and Readiness
(OSCAR) Program to embed mental health
professionals within operational units to
increase familiarity and reduce stigma attached
with seeking care. Providers organic to units who
train, deploy and redeploy with their
Marines. For all Marines and leaders

• Distance Learning Course
• www.marinenet.usmc.milInteractive, graphic,
  concise trainingPerfect for geographically
  separated Marines such as II and Reservists
• For all Marines

Frontline Supervisors Training Responding to
Marines in Distress Peer led suicide prevention
training for junior leaders Fills the gap between
basic awareness and senior leadership briefs For
Non-Commissioned Officers
Annual Conferences January 2010, Washington
D.C. Annual DoD/VA Military Suicide Prevention
Conference w/Marine Corps Breakout For all
leaders and specifically suicide prevention
program officers
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USMC Suicide Prevention Continuing Initiatives
Are You Listening? Training Recreation/Retail
Program Staff as gatekeepers Program was touted
by OSD(HA) as leading the way in outside the box
training for community involvement in suicide
prevention. For MCCS Support Staff
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk Training
in core competencies for all MCCS Counselors
Gold standard, evidence based training For
MFS Counselors, Mental Health Providers and
Chaplains
Installation Level Suicide Prevention Program
Liaison One-stop contact for unit program
officers Semper Fit/Health Promotions
Directors For command and unit suicide prevention
officers
Marketing for Stigma Reduction Posters, Brochures
Marine Corps Order Draft in Progress