The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued its annual veteran suicide prevention report, putting Texas vets at the national average.
The 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention annual report shows a decrease from 2018 to 2019 in the total number of veteran suicide deaths and a reduction in the rate of veteran suicides per 100,000.
This drop is noteworthy when compared to the generally rising rates observed in earlier years.
“Suicide prevention remains a top priority for VA, with the most significant amount of resources ever appropriated and apportioned to VA suicide prevention,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough.
This latest report provides the most comprehensive data to date regarding suicide among U.S. Veterans from 2001-2019.
Key national findings include that in 2019, there were 6,261 veteran suicide deaths — 399 fewer than in 2018. Furthermore, in 2019, the veteran suicide rate was 31.6 per 100,000, which is substantially higher than non-veteran adults (16.8 per 100,000).
In Texas, 514 veterans took their lives. Of those, 91% were males. The report indicates the 55-74 age group had the most suicides with 181.
The report says that while the Texas veteran suicide rate is “not significantly different from the national veteran suicide rate,” it was “significantly higher than the national general population suicide rate.”
Most Texas veterans take their lives with a firearm at 73%, while 14% use suffocation.
To date, the VA has not observed increases in documented suicide-related indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 800-273-8255 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
