Military Service Members and Veterans

Suicide rates among veterans and some military service members are higher than among the general population. Previous estimates from the U.S. Department of Veterans (VA) have indicated that approximately 18 veterans die by suicide each day. Among these veterans, 14 were not engaged in VA health care at their time of death. According to 2018 data in the Annual Suicide Report from the Department of Defense, the suicide mortality rates were 24.8 per 100,000 for Active-duty service members, 22.9 for Reserve service members, and 30.6 for National Guard service members. Suicide rates among military families were 6.8 per 100,000. With timely access to suicide-related care, military service members, veterans, and their families face better outcomes.

The Action Alliance sought to strengthen systems that would help link service members, veterans, and their families to timely, safe, and effective care when needed. Action Alliance efforts focused on advancing public-private sector strategies to scale up comprehensive community-based suicide prevention and building community capacity to support all service members, veterans, and their families—especially those in crisis—anywhere and at any time.

To support these efforts, the Action Alliance established the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Advisory Group. This diverse group of public and private sector partners provided sector and industry-specific trends, insights, and opportunities to advance suicide prevention efforts for military service members, veterans, and their families.

To view a list of Veteran and Military Suicide Prevention Resources, click here.