Starting Thursday at Air Force 11th Fighter Wing in Daegu, program to visit 7 bases nationwide through December

NCT's Doyoung [Yonhap]
NCT's Doyoung [Yonhap]

The Korea Suicide Prevention Foundation announced Thursday it is launching a nationwide outreach initiative to promote mental health and a culture of life respect among military service members.

The program — a mobile mental health and snack service — kicked off Thursday at the Air Force 11th Fighter Wing in Daegu and will visit seven major bases across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps through December.

The initiative was funded by a donation from NCT singer Doyoung, who serves as a "life ambassador" for the Cheonmyeong Jikim Project, a national suicide prevention campaign.

At each base, troops receive suicide prevention education and depression screenings using the PHQ-9 questionnaire, along with beverages and desserts provided by a snack cart.

"The mental health of young service members fulfilling their duty to defend the nation is an important responsibility that our society must embrace together," foundation Chairperson Jeong Yun-sun said. "We will continue to strengthen the suicide prevention safety net within the military."

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.


thlee@heraldcorp.com