Veteran’s Suicide at California VA Adds to Growing Mental Health Crisis

A soldier in his mid-30s was found dead in his car at the VA Loma Linda hospital in California. This is the latest in a string of suicides linked to the facility. The veteran was found on March 30 by police who were looking for him because they had an arrest order out for him. His name and legal situation have not been made public. The death is being looked into by the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office.

This is the latest in a string of suicides at VA Loma Linda by veterans and workers. In the past few years, several former service members who were dealing with PTSD, being harassed at work, or not getting help have killed themselves. Lawmakers, like Rep. Mark Takano, have been paying attention to the problem and have called for better mental health care for veterans.

With 6,407 cases recorded in 2022, suicide is still the leading cause of death among veterans across the country. Researchers have found that the risks are much higher for veterans who have mental health problems or a background of sexual trauma in the military. There are more crisis intervention programs and suicide prevention plans at the VA now, but advocates say more needs to be done.

Veterans who are having a crisis can text 838255 or call the Veteran Crisis Line at 988 to get help immediately.

‍