Nearly 50,000 veterans in 2023 took advantage of free emergency suicide prevention programs, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“There is nothing more important to VA than preventing Veteran suicide — and this expansion of no-cost care has likely saved thousands of lives this year,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said in a press statement on Wednesday.
The VA instituted a new policy in January 2023 that allowed veterans no-cost emergent mental health treatment regardless of enrollment in the VA medical system.
The program allows eligible veterans to receive up to 30 days of inpatient and 90 days of outpatient emergency suicide care, as well as reimbursement for transportation costs and appropriate referrals for follow-up.
The program provided approximately $64 million in “lifesaving care,” according to the VA.
Suicide is a national epidemic, with suicide rates increasing by approximately 36% between 2000 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 14 and between 20 and 34.
The veteran suicide rate has outpaced that of the general population, however, with suicide rates for veterans being 71.8% higher than non-veterans, adjusted for age and sex differences.
The VA reported that 6,392 died by suicide in 2023, an average of more than 17 veterans per day.
Addressing suicidality, depression, and isolation has been a part of President Joe Biden’s “Unity Agenda” and a top priority for public health officials.
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Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can call the crisis hotline 988 to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention, available at all times. Veterans can dial 988 and then press 1 to receive specialized care.
“We want all Veterans to know they can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they are,” McDonough said.
