Operation Guardian Sentinel is a mental health initiative designed to equip Hometown Hero Outdoors (HHO) field staff and volunteers with the skills to intervene in suicide crises through Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). This two-day training, costing approximately $300 per participant (including lodging and meals), provides life-saving strategies for recognizing and responding to suicide risks.
First responders and military personnel face disproportionately high suicide rates, with studies showing they are five times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, over 200 firefighters die by suicide annually—more than the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths. In law enforcement, suicide rates have increased by 33% over the last decade. Additionally, 1 in 4 first responders experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression, significantly affecting their mental health (American Psychological Association, 2020).
ASIST training directly addresses these issues, empowering field staff and volunteers with the tools to recognize warning signs and offer life-saving support. It also helps normalize mental health discussions within these high-stress professions, reducing stigma and encouraging individuals to seek help.
HHO's recreation programs, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking, foster peer connections that are essential for breaking isolation. These activities provide a space for individuals to open up about their struggles, creating a network of support and building resilience within the communities we serve.
Goal:
To equip HHO field staff and volunteers with suicide intervention skills through ASIST training, create a supportive culture around mental health, and reduce the risk of suicide among first responders and veterans. By combining training with outdoor recreation, we aim to foster resilience, promote well-being, and offer a peer network of support.
