The Department of War honored Coast Guard Sector Northern New England (SNNE) and Port Security Unit (PSU) 309 for their exceptional suicide prevention initiatives during the 2024 DoW Suicide Prevention Recognition Ceremony held at the Pentagon on Thursday, September 4.
Sector Northern New England (SNNE)
Sector Northern New England distinguished itself through a series of impactful initiatives designed to raise suicide prevention awareness and provide support to Coast Guard members, particularly those stationed in remote locations. Key programs included:
- Operation Mental Thaw: This initiative brought Coast Guardsmen from remote units to Coast Guard facilities during the winter, offering easy access to medical care, training, and recreational events to combat isolation and promote well-being.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST): SNNE conducted four ASIST sessions, training 82 participants across various units, including those in remote areas of Maine and Vermont.
- Mental Health Enrichment Day and Resiliency Events: The sector organized nine Resiliency Days and a sector-wide, all-hands Resiliency Retreat to strengthen mental health awareness and foster community connections.
- Collaborative Outreach: SNNE partnered with the Maine Gun Safety Foundation, Auxiliary Air, and the Public Health Service to provide educational resources and support to the broader community.
These initiatives reflect SNNE’s proactive approach to addressing mental health challenges and ensuring Coast Guard members have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
If your unit wants to do events similar to Op Mental Thaw or Resiliency Events, reach out to CMC Trevor Hughes at SNNE to learn more.
Port Security Unit 309
PSU 309, in Port Clinton, Ohio, demonstrated exceptional leadership in suicide prevention through the courage and advocacy of one of its members, MK1 Mikey Mealey (ret), a suicide survivor who shared his personal story to inspire and support others. Key contributions included:
- Speaking Engagements: MK1 Mealey conducted 12 presentations across the U.S., reaching over 4,000 Coast Guardsmen. His powerful message emphasized the importance of resiliency, the value of creating connections, and the necessity of reaching out to a Battle Buddy during dark times.
- Impactful Outreach: Following his presentations, six Coast Guardsmen approached MK1 Mealey to express their gratitude and share their own experiences with suicide ideation. His story undoubtedly made a lasting impact on their well-being and reinforced the importance of seeking help.
PSU 309’s efforts highlight the transformative power of personal stories and peer support in fostering a culture of resilience and hope within the Coast Guard.
A Commitment to Mental Health and Resilience
Representing the Coast Guard at the ceremony, RDML Shane Steiner, Acting Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services, Deputy Commandant for Personnel CMC Malia Chasteen, and CDR LaMar Henderson, the Coast Guard’s Suicide Prevention Program Manager, presented certificates and coins to representatives from the award-winning units.
The recognition of Sector Northern New England and PSU 309 underscores the Coast Guard’s unwavering commitment to suicide prevention and mental health. These units have set a standard for innovation and compassion, demonstrating that proactive measures and community engagement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Coast Guard members.
As we continue to face the challenges of a dynamic security environment, the Coast Guard remains dedicated to supporting the mental health and resilience of our workforce. Let us draw inspiration from the efforts of SNNE and PSU 309 as we work together to foster a culture of care, connection, and hope across our Service.
For more information on suicide prevention resources and initiatives, please contact the Suicide Prevention Program Manager or visit the Coast Guard’s mental health support webpage.
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