Suicide rates remain high among Veterans. Back in September of 2017, VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin stated, “We know that of the 20 suicides a day that we reported last year, 14 are not under VA care. This is a national public health issue that requires a concerted, national approach.”
Every suicide is a tragic loss to our nation and those impacted. The family and friends left behind who must deal with the aftermath of the event and put those events in perspective, may in some cases never know why the Service member or Veteran took their life. The Defense Suicide Prevention Office is committed to fostering collaboration and cooperation to develop suicide prevention efforts among all stakeholders including the Military Services; Federal agencies; public, private, international entities, and institutions of higher education.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law wants to start the New Year by recognizing this crisis and helping families of Veterans to be aware of the signs of mental illness and the resources available to them.
Family and friends can play an important role in helping to save a life. For information, please download this important Suicide Prevention handout.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are also continuing efforts to address the alarming statistics through genuine actions, not just words.
For more information on the VA’s suicide prevention campaign, visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/bethere. For information on SAMHSA’s suicide prevention efforts, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/suicide-prevention/samhsas-efforts.
Veterans in crisis or having thoughts of suicide – and those who know a Veteran in crisis – should call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Call 800.273.8255 and press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text to 838255.
Sources: https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2951
http://www.dspo.mil
