A Pentagon report reveals a decrease in military suicide rates in 2024, though the National Guard saw an increase. Advocates emphasize the need for continued efforts to prevent veteran suicides, which remain higher than those of nonveterans.
"Dial 988 then Press 1" is seen at the entrance to the Nebraska National Guard air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Sept. 9, 2022. A Pentagon report this week found fewer members of the military died by suicide in 2024 than the year before, but advocates say much work remains if more lives are to be saved.
The total force suicide rate, 23.2 per 100,000 service members, dropped about 11%.But the National Guard suicide rate increased 13%. Of the troops who died by suicide in 2024, most were enlisted males under 30, according to the report.The report comes a couple of months after the Department of Veterans Affairs released its annual report on suicides, which showed thelead at USAA, said Wednesday that it’s encouraging to see the military’s suicide numbers decreasing. And he said addressing vital needs for troops while they’re still in uniform might prevent future veteran suicides. The veteran suicide rate far exceeds that of nonveterans, 35.2 per 100,000 for veterans compared to 16.9 for nonveteran adults. Face the Fight is a coalition of nonprofits, corporations and government liaisons working to reduce veteran suicides. USAA helped launch it a little over two and a half years ago and has since grown the alliance to over 300. “A continued emphasis on increasing access to suicide-specific care, eliminating mandatory reporting from community-based care providers, further destigmatizing help-seeking behaviors for service members, and emphasizing safe and secure storage of firearms are essential,” Ford said via email., also applauded the decrease in suicides within the military as a step in the right direction. But any life lost is still too many, he said. And Whaley said collaboration among various groups, including the government and veteran service organizations like his, is key to addressing the massive problem of military and veteran suicide. “The goal must remain zero,” Whaley said via email. “At Mission Roll Call, veterans are telling us clearly, support can’t start at the point of crisis. It has to start earlier, in our communities, in our connections, and in how we show up for one another every day." The military’s report highlighted its efforts intended to foster a supportive environment, improve the delivery of mental health care, address stigma and other barriers to care, revise suicide prevention training, and promote a culture of lethal means safety.Most firearm deaths occurred with a personally owned firearm, which reinforces the importance of practicing lethal means safety, according to the Pentagon report. Safe firearm storage can take many forms, including storing the gun and ammunition separately or using a cable or trigger lock.Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, and those who know a service member or veteran in crisis, can call the Veterans/Military Crisis Line for confidential support available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 988 and Press 1, text 838225, chat online atWATCH IT LIVESAN ANTONIO - A man was found shot to death early Wednseday morning on the East Side.This happened just after 1 a.m. Wednesday on Center Street between North Walters and North Gevers Streets.Police respondedSAN ANTONIO -New details continue to emerge following the Monday morning shooting at Hill Country College Preparatory High School, where a teacher was woundedApril’s full moon, known as the Pink Moon, will shine brightly over South Texas.SAN ANTONIO - A court hearing for a man who has been arrested six times since being shot by a San Antonio police officer in 2022 is expected to take place this morning.RELATED:Bond set for $90K for Erik Cantu after bein
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Pentagon Report Shows Decline in Military Suicides, But National Guard Rates RiseA recent Pentagon report reveals a decrease in military suicides, but the National Guard saw an increase. The overall suicide rate across the total force decreased by approximately 11%, reaching 23.2 per 100,000 service members. The report highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing mental health within the military, with experts and advocates expressing both encouragement and concern. The focus remains on improving mental health care access, reducing stigma, and promoting lethal means safety.
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