Jul 31, 2009 — Congressman John McHugh took mostly polite questions in a two and a half hour hearing today to become the next Secretary of the Army. The North Country Republican gave a somber assessment of the Army. He spoke about high suicide rates and deployment stress, recruitment challenges, and the future of "don't ask, don't tell". The toughest questions came from fellow Republican, John McCain, who criticized some of McHugh's campaign contributions. Still, members of the Senate Armed Services committee promised a swift confirmation. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Fort Drum, NY, Apr 07, 2009 — Senator Kirsten Gillibrand focused on the wellness of soldiers and their families at Fort Drum yesterday. It was the Democrat's first visit to the Army base near Watertown. Gillibrand praised Fort Drum's role in protecting the country and revitalizing the local economy. But she said soldiers need more downtime and more mental health resources. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 15, 2008 — Fort Drum soldiers are training for yet another mission overseas. Defense officials announced last week that the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade will lead a surge of forces in Afghanistan likely early next year. The quick tempo of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan is being blamed for the growing problem of suicide among soldiers. The Army has responded with new suicide prevention programs. But the number of soldiers taking their own lives this year is expected to break the record set last year. On Friday, Fort Drum held a memorial march to draw attention to the issue. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Sep 10, 2008 — The United States Army is facing a particularly grim statistic. After a record number of soldiers killed themselves last year, the number of suicides is on pace to be even higher this year. According to the Associated Press, there are 62 confirmed suicides among active duty soldiers and Guard and Reserve troops called to active duty in 2008. Another 31 deaths appear to be suicides but are still being investigated. Army Secretary Pete Geren told the AP, "Army leaders are fully aware that repeated deployments have led to increased distress and anxiety for both soldiers and their families." Friday morning at Fort Drum, officials are drawing attention to the danger of suicide with a memorial walk at 11 am. The public is invited to attend. David Sommerstein spoke with Ralph Marcellus, the coordinator of Fort Drum's suicide awareness and prevention campaign.  Go to full article

Oct 25, 2007 — Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for men in the U.S. In the North Country, suicide rates are nearly twice as high as in New York City. Experts say isolation and depression are major risk factors. And even though it touches many, discussion of suicide and its aftermath remain taboo. SUNY Potsdam will host an "Out of the Darkness Community Walk" on Saturday, November 3rd. Organizers want to raise awareness and prevention of suicide. Dr. Colleen Livingston, a psychiatrist in Canton who's helping to promote the Potsdam event, says suicide affects people of all age groups and backgrounds and is the fourth leading cause of death among adults. She spoke with Todd Moe.  Go to full article

May 04, 2007 — Suicide is a painful subject, complicated by sorrow and stigma, but public health experts say silence can be deadly. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Here in the North Country, suicide rates are nearly twice as high as in New York City. Experts say isolation and the easy availability of firearms are big factors. Yesterday in Lake Placid, more than four hundred activists, mental health experts and suicide survivors gathered to look for strategies that might slow the rate of suicide. As Brian Mann reports, they say the first step is speaking out.  Go to full article