First Responders and Veterans

According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (2019), the suicide rate among Veterans is 1.5 times greater than non-Veteran population ages 18+, with over 6,000 Veterans dying by suicide each year.  Despite accounting for just 7.9% of the population, Veterans account for 13.5% of all suicide deaths in the United States. 

Suicide has no single cause and no one approach can end it – but by treating and preventing mental health and substance use conditions, addressing access to lethal means (firearms accounted for 72% of Veteran suicide in 2021), and empowering Veterans and Service members to live and thrive in their communities, we can make a difference.

Police and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, according to research. Experts suggest that chronic workplace stress may place first responders at increased risk for suicide and mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse.