“A.S.I.S.T. Program Boosts Suicide Prevention at Holloman Air Force Base”
In the high-pressure environment of the military, being able to identify when someone is silently struggling can be a matter of life and death. That’s where the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T.) program makes a difference.
The A.S.I.S.T. program, developed in 1983 by LivingWorks, is a two-day course that provides caregivers with essential tools to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide, offering life-saving support during a critical moment.
“A.S.I.S.T. isn’t just about recognizing the signs,” explained U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Elisa Panek, the U.S. Air Force Academy religious affairs superintendent. “It’s about stepping in at the right moment, connecting with that person, and helping them find a way forward.”
This program emphasizes practical intervention techniques, equipping participants with the confidence to engage with individuals in crisis. It employs the P.A.L. (Pathway for Assisting Life) model, which guides caregivers through three key phases: Connecting with Suicide, Understanding Choices, and Assisting Life.
“One of the most critical parts of the training is the ‘Understanding Choices’ phase,” Panek shared. “In this phase, you listen to the person’s story, the events, feelings, and struggles that brought them to this point, and this is where trust is built.”
By focusing on listening and building a connection, the A.S.I.S.T. program helps caregivers understand each person’s unique circumstances, creating a safe space where individuals feel supported and open to conversation.
“For many, directly asking, ‘Are you thinking about suicide?’ can be a difficult question to ask,” Panek said. “But it’s an essential part of the process. The program teaches you how to ask that question in a way that encourages dialogue rather than shutting it down.”
At Holloman Air Force Base, the A.S.I.S.T. program serves as a safety net for Airmen and service members. Classes will be routinely held to ensure personnel receive the vital training and knowledge the program offers.
“A.S.I.S.T. helps us take care of our own,” Panek emphasized. “In the military, we support each other, especially when it comes to mental health. This program equips us with the skills to do that effectively.”
Participants of the A.S.I.S.T. training receive workbooks, a quick-reference toolkit, and ongoing support from trainers, ensuring that the learning continues even after the course ends.
The program is adaptable, catering to different audiences, including military personnel, healthcare workers, and first responders. This flexibility ensures that the training remains relevant and impactful, providing crucial support to Airmen and their families at Holloman AFB.
“This class was just the beginning,” said Ted Brinegar, 49th Wing integrated prevention chief. “We are reaching out to people across the installation and the Alamogordo community who want to improve at helping others find their way through challenges to a turning point that helps them move forward.”
What sets the A.S.I.S.T. program apart from other suicide prevention initiatives is its hands-on approach. It not only teaches participants how to discuss suicide openly but also guides them in working with individuals to develop a safety plan.
“A.S.I.S.T. doesn’t just help people talk about suicide—it helps them find a reason to live, even if it’s just for the moment,” Panek concluded. “It’s about creating a safety plan and helping that person stay connected to life, even when things feel overwhelming.”
This valuable program is making a real impact at Holloman Air Force Base, offering crucial training and support to those dedicated to helping others in their moments of greatest need.
