The U.S. Air Force Has Ordered a One-Day Stand Down to Address a Growing Suicide Problem

Quartz

In response to rising suicide rates, the U.S. Air Force has ordered a daylong stand down. Over the last six weeks of the summer, commanders must choose one day for their units to take an operational pause. Service members will use that time to focus on their well-being and discuss how suicide has affected them. In a video sent to commanders, Chief Master Sergeant Kaleth Wright encouraged them to make suicide prevention a long-term priority. “Most importantly, keep this as a primary focus beyond this pause,” said Wright. “Make every single [service member] count, every single day. You know, someone right now, in your organization, is struggling.”

Spark Extra! Learn more about preventing suicide among military service members.