A program to prevent suicide among Air Force personnel
Official title: Effectiveness Trial of Wingman-Connect Implemented Across Career Phases
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10908673 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well the Wingman-Connect Program helps U.S. Air Force members build strong relationships and coping skills to reduce the risk of suicide, and it involves some participants getting the program while others do not, all in real-life military settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,442,522 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH131738-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908673 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are active-duty U.S. Air Force personnel, particularly those in early career phases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not currently serving in the U.S. Air Force or those who are not in the early stages of their military careers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of the Wingman-Connect Program, a group-based intervention designed to strengthen protective relationships and skills among U.S. Air Force personnel. The program aims to reduce vulnerability to suicide by addressing personal and career challenges faced by service members. Participants will be involved in a randomized trial where some will receive the intervention while others will be part of a control group, allowing researchers to assess the program's impact on suicide risk and attempts. The study will take place in real-world conditions, ensuring that the findings are applicable to everyday military life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicide rates among Air Force personnel by providing effective preventive strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that group-based interventions can be effective in reducing mental health issues, but this specific approach is novel in the military context.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wyman, Peter a — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wyman, Peter a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.