VA Reports Steady Veteran Suicide Rates in 2022, Progress Noted Among Younger and Female Veterans

 Veteran suicide rates have improved since their peak in 2018, but the issue remains long-term, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs' 2024 Annual Suicide Prevention Report. In 2022, 6,407 veterans committed suicide, for a rate of 34.7 per 100,000—more than double the rate among non-veterans.

Positive results include a 24% decrease in suicides among female veterans and a nearly 4% decline among veterans aged 18 to 34. Furthermore, suicide rates among newly released service personnel decreased from 51 per 100,000 in 2021 to 46.2 per 100,000 in 2022. However, Marine Corps veterans continue to experience much higher rates, at 67.9 per 100,000.

The paper emphasizes the continuing role of weapons in veteran suicides, which will account for 73.5% of deaths in 2022, a 7% rise over 2021. The VA prioritizes firearm safety by distributing over 3.2 million gun locks and promoting secure storage.

The VA has upped its spending in mental health and suicide prevention from $13 billion in 2022 to a targeted $17.1 billion by 2025. The Veterans Crisis Line, which showed a nearly 23% decrease in suicide rates among users by 2022, and collaborations with community organizations to promote access to mental health services are two examples.

"Every suicide is a tragedy," declared VA Secretary Denis McDonough. "We are committed to saving lives and learning from this report to serve veterans better."

Veterans in crisis can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, press 1, text 838255, or chat online for assistance.

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