11 suicides at Fort Campbell prompts stand-down

11 suicides at Campbell prompts stand-down
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky.
By Kristin M. Hall - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday May 27, 2009 15:26:04 EDT

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — Regular duties are suspended for three days at Fort Campbell, which leads the Army in suicides this year, so commanders can identify and help soldiers who are struggling with the stress of war and most at risk for killing themselves.

The post began a stand-down Wednesday so soldiers can focus on suicide prevention training in the wake of 11 confirmed suicides by Campbell soldiers this year. More deaths are being investigated as possible suicides.

“This is not a place where Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division want to be,” said Brig. Gen. Stephen Townsend. “We don’t want to lead the Army in this statistic.”

From January to March, the installation on averaged one suicide per week, Townsend said. After an Army-wide suicide prevention campaign in started in March, there were no suicides for six weeks, he said.

“But last week we had two. Two in a week,” Townsend said.

“You wouldn’t hesitate to seek medical attention for a physical wound or injury,” Townsend said. “Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention for a psychological injury.”