Taye Diggs, Peter Gallagher et al. Team Up for Military Family Suicide Prevention

Starting this week, Discovery Communication's Military Channel will air a series of PSAs produced by The Creative Coalition in partnership with Blue Star Families, with support from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) and Health Net, Inc. Directed by actor and President of The Creative Coalition Tim Daly, the PSAs promote a toll-free suicide prevention help line.

The PSAs feature celebrities and athletes such as Cher, Academy Award-winner Melissa Leo (THE FIGHTER), Michael Chiklis (FANTASTIC FOUR, "The Shield"), football star Terrell Owens, and Taye Diggs ("Private Practice"). In addition the PSAs also feature: Minnie Driver (CONVICTION); Omar Epps ("House"); Peter Gallagher ("Covert Affairs"); Aaron Staton ("Mad Men"); Emmy Award-winner Alfre Woodard ("Memphis Beat"); Tom Arnold (TRUE LIES); Ariel Winter ("Modern Family"); Ashley Jones ("True Blood"); Bridget Moynahan (BATTLE: LOS ANGELES); CCH Pounder (Avatar); Eliza Dushku ("Dollhouse"); Esai Morales (GUN HILL ROAD); Emmy Award-winner Hector Elizondo ("Grey's Anatomy"); Holt McCallany ("Lights Out") James Denton ("Desperate Housewives"); Jon Huertas ("Castle"); Karina Smirnoff ("Dancing with the Stars"); Lea Thompson ("Caroline in the City"); Maria Menounos ("Access Hollywood"); Richard Kind (A SERIOUS MAN); Robert Davi ("Criminal Minds" ); Sara Rue ("Less Than Perfect") ; Steven Weber ("Wings"); and Wendie Malick ("Hot in Cleveland"), just to name a few.

Beginning this month, in addition to the Military Channel, the PSAs also are airing on the Lifetime network's mylifetime.com, Elle.com, MakingOf.com, as well as on taxi cab screens in New York City, Boston, Miami, and Chicago.

National statistics show that veterans constitute about 20 percent of the 30,000 to 32,000 U.S. deaths each year from suicide. On average, 18 veterans attempt suicide each day. Seven of them will actually succeed. Suicides also are increasing among military family members, who are the support system of our service men and women.

"We are grateful to the Military Channel for providing a platform to allow America's artists to help bring a lifesaving message to our service men and women, and their families," said CEO of The Creative Coalition Robin Bronk.

"Military Channel is pleased to partner with The Creative Coalition and Blue Star Families to employ the power of the arts to shed light on this crisis. The artists who participated are true patriots, and we thank them for their contribution to this cause," said Henry Schleiff, General Manager and President of Military Channel.

"We are thankful to the Military Channel for helping us reach military families, veterans, and service members in crisis," said Blue Star Families Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Roth-Douquet. "While our military families are resilient, we want them to know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness."

The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premiere nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning PSA campaigns. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization's President.

Blue Star Families (http://www.bluestarfam.org) is a national nonprofit organization of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserves. Blue Star Families mission is to support, connect and empower military families. In addition to morale and empowerment programs, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Membership includes military spouses, children and parents as well as service members, veterans and civilians.

The Military Channel brings viewers compelling, real-world stories of heroism, military strategy, and significant turning points in history. Currently available in more than 57.7 million homes, the network takes viewers "behind the lines" to hear the personal stories of servicemen and women and offers in-depth explorations of military training, aviation technology and cutting-edge weaponry. As the only cable network devoted to military subjects, it also provides unique access to this world, allowing viewers to understand the full spectrum of experiences intrinsic to the armed forces, as well as the long-held traditions of the military. For more information, please visit military.discovery.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos