Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all races, ages and backgrounds. Approximately 80% of all people who die by suicide are of working age (18-65), making the workplace the most cross-cutting system for intervention. As employees spend a significant portion of their lives at work, it is crucial that we create an environment that fosters psychological and emotional well-being.  

Addressing mental health issues, including suicide prevention, is a top priority for the Forest Service, and I am thrilled to serve as the new Chief Well-Being Officer. This role is pivotal to our ongoing efforts to prioritize and enhance mental health services and reflects the Forest Service’s commitment to employee well-being.

Prior to joining the Forest Service, I served as deputy director for Employee Behavioral Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as director for the Employee Assistance Program. Before that, I served in the U.S. Coast Guard at enlisted and officer ranks, rising to senior medical administration officer focusing on work-life issues, Employee Assistance Program and Behavioral Health Services. 

Historically, suicide, mental health and well-being have been underrepresented in workplace health and safety efforts, but this is changing. The Surgeon General’s Framework for Mental Health & Well-Being in the Workplace underscores the connection between employee well-being and the health of organizations. Employees spend a significant amount of time at work, and co-workers and supervisors often notice important changes in thoughts or behaviors that may be signals for increased suicide risk.  

When employees experience positive mental health, they are engaged, productive and motivated at work. Conversely, neglecting mental health can lead to burnout, absenteeism, decreased performance and even suicidal ideation. By coming together, we can create a culture of support and help prevent suicide. 

One way the Forest Service continues to invest in the health and safety of all employees is through its blended Employee Assistance Program model. This is a very important and valuable resource that provide employees with a vast array of tools and resources that support the overall well-being, comprehensive health, and resilience of employees. For more information, please visit the Employee Support & Well-Being Hub (internal link).

The agency has also partnered with #BeThe1To and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provide additional resources for suicide awareness and prevention. A tool employees may find helpful is the #BeThe1To 5 action steps that outline what a person can do to help someone who might be in crisis. Furthermore, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline allows anyone who is concerned about themselves or someone else to talk directly with a counselor by either texting or calling 988 to chat online or in person. 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all. However, we need to remember that suicide prevention is important every day of the year. Thank you for making suicide prevention a health and safety priority. For more information and resources, visit Suicide Prevention Resources (internal link).

Editor's Note: Provide feedback about this column, submit questions or suggest topics for future columns through the FS-Employee Feedback inbox.