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  • Published
  • By Brian Shreve
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  As the song says, "Everybody hurts sometimes."

But no matter the struggle, all of Team Robins need to be aware that they are far from alone, and that help is available here.

Counseling and other solutions involving everything from suicide prevention to substance abuse are formulated by an Integrated Delivery System collaboration of base agencies which includes mental health services, Family Member Readiness Services, the base chaplain and Military and Family Life consultants.

Trends are examined each month by IDS, which develops programs to counter each crisis; ideas are then sent to the Community Action Information Board for approval.

"We take a cross-functional look at the trends," said Lesley Darley, Community Support Coordinator. "For instance there may be a small increase in DUIs or with mental health issues. But, if you look at that cross-functionally, it may tell a bigger story."

Darley said there has been a slight but "alarming" increase in DUIs among Robins personnel this year, and that like any issue affecting those at the base, people need to be aware of available resources.

For example, first sergeants and commanders passed out flyers at the gates May 15, providing the telephone number for Airmen Against Drunk Driving - a program in place for many years that connects Airmen and civilians with designated drivers with no repercussions.

"I think we have all the right programs, but people are unaware or hear about them after the fact," said Darley. "As an installation, that's our biggest challenge. And, we need to make sure supervisors are aware that if someone is in distress, these are the programs available to them."

Currently in the works is a Relationship Enhancement Plan due to an increase in those seeking assistance in dealing with marital issues, relationships at the workplace, and between parents and children.

There have already been two suicides on base this year - both civilians - as well as several attempts by active duty airmen; as disturbing as those numbers are, Darley said many potential cases had been thwarted.

"The good news is we've had a lot of suicides saved as well," she said. "People are following the Wingman concept and intervening when people have threatened to harm themselves or others. There has been success in stopping those instances."