For the five years prior to the program, the Air Force averaged 60 deaths annually at a rate of 14.3 per 100,000 personnel. Since beginning the initiative, the Air Force has had a noticeable reduction in the number of suicides, Talcott said. From 1998 through 2000 the service has averaged 28 suicides annually at a rate of 7.9 per 100,000 personnel. The Air Force surgeon general said he is thankful to each and every airman who is helping to make these dramatic reductions a reality. Our efforts are working and we have demonstrated that with an increased focus on taking care of our own, lives can be saved.
Suicide is preventable.
Air Force communities cannot afford to let their guard down in light of the program's success, Talcott said. So far in 2001, there have been 15 Air Force suicides. It's all about saving the lives of members of our Air Force family.