Suicides have declined at Robins Air Force Base in recent years, but military officials say they're continuing an anti-suicide campaign of hopes of further reducing the number of such deaths.
The program was launched after the central Georgia base experienced a record eight suicides in 2008, The Telegraph of Macon reported (http://bit.ly/KYnzY ).
Suicides declined to four in 2009, authorities said. There were three in 2010, and four last year.
"At Robins, absolutely our goal is zero," said Col. James Dienst, commander of the 78th Medical Group. "That's kind of our driving philosophy. We pray in 2012 we will have zero."
Authorities say the anti-suicide campaign aims for better coordination of services on base and mental health services in the community. It also emphasizes the importance of people reaching out when they're having trouble and encourages employees to take notice of co-workers.
In 2010, suicides among airmen throughout the Air Force hit a 17-year high. The Air Force has ordered "stand down" days for all units to discuss suicide prevention.
The 78th Medical Group had its own stand-down day last week. Non-essential operations were shut down and members broke into small groups to discuss suicide prevention.
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Information from: The Macon Telegraph, http://www.macontelegraph.com
