Suicide and the US Army: National Security Implications

Harvard Faculty, Fellows, Staff, and Students

Please join the Belfer Center’s Defense Project for a seminar on Suicide Prevention in the US Military on Wednesday, April 26th at 1:00 PM in Fainsod Room. This event features Army Psychiatrist and former Director of the Army's Behavioral Health Division Colonel Samuel Preston, DO.

Please RSVP here.

Date: Wed, Apr 26, 2023 Time: 01:00pm - 02:00pm Location: Littauer Building - Fainsod Room, 324

Suicide and the US Army: National Security Implications

At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, Army suicide and mental health diagnosis rates increased after a steady decline over the previous five years. President Biden's recent comments during the State of the Union only highlight the significant impact of this epidemic. Colonel Preston will speak about observations regarding Army suicides, the social considerations impacting suicide, community-based prevention strategies, and policy opportunities to affect positive change.

This conversation features Army Psychiatrist and former Director of the Army's Behavioral Health Division Colonel Samuel Preston, DO and will be moderated by National Security Fellow and U.S. Army Medical Corps Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ben Donham, M.D.

This event is part of the For the Common Defense seminar series, run by the Harvard Kennedy School's National Security Fellows. Each seminar explores a different national security or defense-related subject chosen by Fellows to share insights, policy relevant knowledge, and professional expertise with students and fellows.

Please RSVP here.