Suicide rate prompts Utah Air Force base to hire psychologist; at least 25 since 2006

Utah Air Force base dealing with rash of suicides

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Hill Air Force Base has hired a psychologist and others to deal with a rash of suicides, mostly among civilians complaining of harsh working conditions.

Ogden Air Logistics Center commander Maj. Gen. Andrew Busch says two civilians and an airman have committed suicide this year.

A Hill spokesman says that brings to at least 25 confirmed suicides since 2006 that were mostly committed off the base.

Bonnie Carroll, a military widow who founded the advocacy group Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, says suicides also have been a problem at Fort Campbell, an Army base in Kentucky and Tennessee.

She says the Defense Department has added thousands of mental health professionals to the ranks of the military because of a greater awareness of the problem.