Army STARRS: Volume 5, Issue 3, Updated September 29, 2021

This document is an ongoing continuous summary of Army STARRS and STARRS-LS publications. Army STARRS (2009-2015) was the largest and most comprehensive research project of mental health among U.S. Army Soldiers ever conducted. The project was designed to examine a broad range of risk and resilience (protective) factors across a complex set of outcomes including suicidal behaviors and associated mental health issues. Army STARRS scientists created a series of large and extensive databases with the potential to achieve groundbreaking results. These databases allow scientists to investigate a diverse combination of factors from demographic, psychological, biological, neurological, behavioral, and social domains with the goal of generating actionable findings for the Army. The project was designed using an adaptive approach which means it evolved as new information became available over the course of the project. The research team shared preliminary findings, as they became available, with senior Army leadership so the Army could apply them to its ongoing health promotion, risk reduction, and suicide prevention efforts. The work is continuing under the STARRS Longitudinal Study (STARRS-LS) which runs from 2015 to 2020.

Trauma and Resiliency in Military Families, with Dr. Stephen Cozza

DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES TO SUPPORT RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE IDA

Catastrophic natural disasters, such as Hurricane Ida, cause extreme disruption for communities, which can be worsened by other disasters, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (resources can be found HERE). Brief and easy-to-read education fact sheets with recommended actions to protect the mental health and well-being of individuals, communities, and organizations during Hurricane Ida can be found HERE.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Rates of suicide in the United States has risen and it continues to be a leading cause of death. In 2019 alone, more than 47,500 lives were lost to suicide (CDC Report, 2020).

Please click HERE for information and resources to support suicide awareness.

Resources in Response to the Recent Terrorist Attack and Afghanistan Transition

In response to the recent terrorist attack in Kabul and to address those transitioning out of Afghanistan, our partners at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network have organized resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Resources are available HERE