September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
The Hawaiʻi National Guard is focused on bringing greater attention to suicide prevention efforts and connecting Guardsmen community to resources.
Support for All Who Serve
The Military Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
Free & Confidential
There’s no charge and you decide how much information to share.
Always Available
Accessible 24/7/365
Trained Counselors
Many are Veterans who understand the challenges service members and their loved ones face.
Signs of Crisis
The end of a relationship. Loss of a job. Housing instability. Feeling a loss of purpose. At some point, everyone will face a challenge. Some of those challenges may develop into a crisis. Recognizing a crisis in yourself or those you care about can help you know when to find support.
Take a Self-Check Assessment
People cope with stressful situations in different ways. If you feel like you might be heading toward a crisis, VA or community-based services could help. Take a confidential, anonymous risk assessment to see if stress and depression might be affecting you.
Take the assessmentStart a Conversation
You don’t have to be an expert to talk to a Veteran facing challenges. You just need to show genuine care and concern. Here are some things to remember:
- It’s okay to ask directly: “Are you thinking about taking your own life?”
- Asking about thoughts of suicide doesn’t increase their suicide risk.
- Remind them you are there for them.
- Listen more than you speak—don’t dominate the conversation.
- Let them decide how much to share.
- Make supportive and encouraging comments, don’t ask invasive personal questions.
- Don’t inject judgment or emotion in the conversation. Stay calm.
What is the Hawaiʻi National Guard doing?
Attend a FREE safeTalk Suicide Awareness Workshop
The HING Military and Family Readiness Center hosts a vital safeTalk workshop to equip our volunteers and family members with the skills to recognize the signs of suicide and connect individuals in need with help.
What: safeTalk Workshop
Where: 29th Brigade (Kalaeloa)
When: Saturday 27 Sept 2025
- Registration: 0830-0900
- Workshop: 0900-1200
Who: As volunteers and family members, you are often the first line of defense. This workshop will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference in someone’s life. Learn to:
- Recognize signs that someone may be thinking about suicide.
- Engage with individuals at risk in a supportive and helpful way.
- Connect them to life-saving resources.
If You Seek Help, We WILL Answer With Action
This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Adjutant General and Deputy Adjutant General of the Hawai‘i Army and Air National Guard are calling on leaders at every level to make this a standing priority. Because leadership isn’t just about mission readiness . . . it’s about protecting the people who make the mission possible. We see you. We hear you. We will act.
We’re Trained For This
As warriors, we’re conditioned to sense when something’s off: in the field and in our teams. The same instincts that keep us safe in combat can save lives in crisis. This message comes from the highest level of our enlisted leadership. Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Kumalae of the Hawai‘i National Guard shares how every one of us has a role to play. If you’re struggling, know this: you are seen. You are needed. Your presence makes a difference. We’ve got your six.
Stay in the Fight . . . with Yourself Too
This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the Commanders of the Hawai‘i Army and Air National Guard are speaking directly to the force. They’re reminding us: struggle is human, support is strength, and leadership means having each other’s backs — on and off the field. If the pressure’s building, don’t wait. Say something. We WILL answer with action.
Fold a Crane. Share a message.
Inspire a community.
The Messages of Hope crane display is a powerful community awareness initiative that brings together the Hawaiʻi National Guard and wider community to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. This is a visual display of thousands of hand-folded origami cranes, each carry a message of encouragement and represents our shared commitment to building a suicide-safe community.
Join our community art display at the Navy Exchange Mall
Create Cranes: 1 AUG – 22 AUG
Display: Month of September