What are the warning signs that someone is at risk for suicide?

• Feeling extreme depression, guilt, or shame.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Talking about, or preoccupation with, death or suicide.
• Preparing for death, such as updating/preparing a will, giving away possessions, or taking steps to access lethal means (buying a firearm, acquiring quantities of pills/medication, researching ways to die).
• Exhibiting a dramatic change in behavior, including withdrawal from friends or usual activities, increased alcohol/drug use, difficulties in sleeping or eating, decreased self-care.

What should I do if I suspect someone is experiencing a crisis or is hurting?

If you believe someone needs help, we encourage you to follow the ACE (Ask, Care, Escort) suicide prevention model, with these easy-to-remember steps:

Ask – Ask, "Are you thinking of killing yourself?” Although it may feel awkward, research shows that people having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks them in a caring way.

Care – Show you care. The context of caring makes it a lot easier to ask the hard questions about suicide. By actively listening and engaging, without judgment, you are showing that you care – this might just be enough to help the person feel relief and that they are not alone.

Escort – When someone acknowledges that they are feeling suicidal or hopeless, care enough to connect them to the nearest helping resource. Do not leave them alone! If possible, separate them from methods of harm.

What resources are available for someone who is suicidal or in need of help?

• Take the person to the nearest Emergency Room, where they will receive a full suicide assessment and receive needed care. If the person is hesitant to receive emergency healthcare, call 911.
• Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and follow their guidance. You can also visit their websitefor further information.

• If the person you know has a mental health professional that they see, help them schedule an urgent appointment. If they do not have an existing connection with a mental health professional, help them make an urgent appointment with their family physician.

What other resources are there for employees who may not be in a suicidal crisis, but need support?

• The DHS Suicide Prevention page provides risk factors and other ways to assist anyone who may need help.
• Your Component Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers a variety of useful, free, confidential services for DHS employees and their families, including counseling, financial consultation, legal aid, and dependent care resources, and elder care support.
• The DHS Employee Resources website offers information and resources to help you support your family, work-life balance, health and wellness, and mental well-being.

For more information on suicide prevention, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Free Pool Fridays

 

 Memorial Brick purchase for VFW Post 8738 Memorial Walk 

Please click the link below for online order placement 

 https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/vfwpost8738/

 

  

Steak Night

20 June 2025 5:30-7:30p

$20/person

(8 oz ribeye, baked potato, side salad & dessert) 

 

VFWSC State Convention

DoubleTree by Hilton

2100 Bush River Road

Columbia, SC 29210

20-22 June 2025

(To Register, please go to the vfwsc.org website)

 

VFW POST 8738 GALA 

 28 June 2025 5-10p

Tickets can be bought at the Canteen

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

 

Fish Fry 

04 July 2025 5-7p

 

12 July 2025

Back to School Bash

11a-1p

Free Backpacks and Supplies for the kids 

 

Steak Night

18 July 2025 5:30-7:30p

$20/person

(8 oz ribeye, baked potato, side salad & dessert) 

 Meat Loaf Dinner

26 July 2025 5-7p

 

VFW National Convention

Columbus, OH

09-14 August 2025