Veteran suicides fell 7% in 2019, report finds

By the numbers: There were 6,261 deaths by suicide among veterans in 2019, 399 fewer than in 2018, per the release.

• The last time the total number of veteran suicide deaths was about 6,200 was in 2007, with the number having peaked in 2014.
• The drop in suicide rates among veterans is more pronounced than the general population, with female veterans seeing the largest decrease.
• The rate of suicide among veterans in 2019 was still over 50% higher than that of the non-veteran adult population, per the VA.

What they're saying: “Suicide prevention remains a top priority for VA, with the most significant amount of resources ever appropriated and apportioned to VA suicide prevention,” Denis McDonough, VA secretary, said in a press release.

• "Suicide is preventable, and everyone has a role to play in saving lives."

If you or someone you know may be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.