Overview
Suicide affects all Americans. The White House and VA joined efforts in launching the REACH on July 7, 2020, a national public health campaign aimed at empowering all Americans to support suicide prevention. Veterans are committing suicide at a higher rate than the general population. Thoughts of suicide are painful. Those who have previously attempted suicide are at a risk for future attempts. Let’s stop the pain and be there for our Veterans. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save lives. NAAV is committed to helping our at-risk Veterans. To Learn more about preventing Veteran suicide, visit www.va.gov and search suicide prevention. If you know or meet a Veteran in crisis, encourage them to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 option 1. Together we can REACH our Veterans at-risk of suicide.
Veteran Suicide Data
- The rate of suicide for women Veterans has increased from 1.8 percent in 2016 to 2.2 percent in 2017. This means that Women Veterans compared to non-Veteran adult women are 2.2 times more likely to take their own lives.
- The rate of suicide for male Veterans decreased from 1.4 percent in 2016 to 1.3 percent in 2017.
- Male Veteran ages 18-34 experience the highest rates of suicide
- Male Veterans ages 55 and older had the highest count of suicide
- 69% of all Veteran suicide deaths resulted from a firearm injury
What Can We Do?
Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save a life. First, let’s change how we view mental health and suicide. We can begin by removing the stigma and help the at-risk Veteran by listening and advocating. Here at NAAV we will listen and direct our Veterans to the available resources to meet their needs. When we lose a Veteran, we lose a family member, a friend, and a member of our community. VA wants to reduce Veteran suicide to 20% by 2025. NAAV will join VA in reducing Veteran suicide. Join us in helping our at-risk Veterans from suicide.
Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources
NAAV wants to provide at-risk Veterans the available resources to help during a crisis. Each VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) to receive counseling and services. Sometimes it may be best to speak with someone else that specializes in helping our at-risk Veteran. You may contact the Veterans Crisis Line/Chat/Text @ 1-800-272-8255 and press 1 or VeteransCrisisLine.net Text to 838255. Also contact your nearest Vet Center or the VET Center Call Center at 1-877-927-8387. NAAV has a list of other VA posted information and resources to help prevent Veteran suicide. Check out our resources and learn more about Veteran suicide.