Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Facebook Launches Suicide-Prevention Services for Military Families, Active Duty Members and Veterans


Last week, Facebook announced a new partnership with Blue Star Families and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide customized crisis support to military families who are at risk for depression or suicide. Facebook launched suicide-prevention services in December, but the new, military-centric service will provide users connected to active-duty service members, military family members and veterans with content and services tailored to the military – including the Veterans Crisis Line.  

Facebook is a lifeline and a major way of communication for many members of military families. Not only do they use the social network to talk to deployed family member and loved ones, but can use it to connect with other military families going through similar experiences. The 2012 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey showed that 90 percent of the 4,000 military families surveyed reported some level of Facebook usage. Eight-six percent said they were on the Facebook website daily. The survey also revealed that the percentage of military family members who have pondered suicide is nearly equal to the number of service members who have also contemplated suicide. 

Connie Milstein serves as a member of the Blue Star Families Board of Directors.

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