MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Marine Corps' suicide rate, perennially the highest among the services, is taking a turn for the better this year. Meanwhile, the Semper Fit Division of Marine Corps Community Services hopes to keep the trend in reverse through a new program designed to raise awareness about the problem.
Semper Fit's Health Promotion Department here has developed a new suicide alert card with help from the Base's Suicide Alert Committee.
The laminated, business-size cards include information to help Marines aid fellow service members in making positive decisions. The cards include phone numbers that can be called around the clock. Nicole M. Ayan, the base's Semper Fit Health Promotion director, hopes Marines will carry the cards.
"We developed the suicide alert card with the realization that any death due to suicide is needless and preventable," Ayan said. "Many times, when Marines are faced with this issue, either because of their own suicidal thoughts or a buddy's, there is the sense of not knowing where to go for help or what to do.
Ayan hopes the new card will empower Marines by providing them an open line to an expert.
"The intent of this card is to give them options. With this card, no matter what the physical location of the Marine is on Camp Pendleton, or what time of day it is, they have a number to call for help," Ayan said.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Marines, said Navy Lt. Danisha Robbins, who manages suicide prevention programs for the Marine Corps.
"Military suicides have taken place within all age and rank groups," Robbins said. "Most Marine Corps suicides occur among unmarried Caucasian males under 30 in pay grades E-1 through E-3."
Leading suicide risk factors for Marines are occupational, relational, psychiatric, emotional, criminal and financial, Robbins said. Drugs and alcohol often play a role, she said.
To date, 12 Marines have committed suicide this calendar year, down from 21 last year, according to Semper Fit. "That's a 43 percent drop," Robbins said.
The decline ultimately could leave the Corps with its lowest suicide rate in years. Last year's total of 28 suicides was the highest count since 1996, when 29 Marines took their own lives. The lowest count since then was 20 in 1997.
Last year, the Corps' suicide rate per 100,000 Marines climbed to 16, up from 14 the previous year. In contrast, the Navy and Air Force had slightly more than 10 suicides per 100,000 while the Army had roughly nine, according to Semper Fit.
Suicides typically increase around year-end holidays, so the Marine Corps' numbers are likely to climb before Jan. 1.
The suicide awareness cards can be obtained in bulk from the Semper Fit Health Promotion Office in Building 1253, or call 763-3794.
Individuals also can receive cards from suicide awareness briefs, area chaplains or from the Life Skills Management Department at 725-6636.