29 percent drop in Marine suicides in 2010 - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

29 percent drop in Marine suicides in 2010

The Marine Corps ended 2010 with its lowest suicide rate since 2008. There were 37 confirmed or suspected suicides in 2010, compared with 52 in 2009, according to preliminary numbers released this week by the Marine Corps Suicide Prevention Program.

The drop is a 29 percent reduction from the 2009 figures.

Attempted suicides, however, have continued to rise every year since 2006. This year, the figure rose by nine for a total of 173 attempted suicides.

The entire military, not just the Corps, has grappled with rising suicide rates after nearly a decade at war. Marine leadership has attempted to address the problem by revamping and bolstering suicide prevention efforts.

Recently, Commandant Gen. Jim Amos announced plans to extend the NCO Suicide Prevention Program, which began in 2008. The Corps also recently unveiled the DSTRESS hotline for West Coast Marines. While not a suicide hotline per se, the 24/7 call center allows Marines who are experiencing an array of personal- or work-related problems, to speak with former Marines and experienced counselors.