Santana: Shining a Light on Orange County, Urgency to Address the Veteran Suicide Crisis

It’s a slogan that could arguably be prominently displayed at the entrance of every military recruiting office in America.

“The ongoing risk of suicide remains relevant for veterans.”

This sobering insight is drawn from the recently released 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, highlighting the persistent and often overlooked crisis of suicide, especially prevalent among young veterans. It ranks as the second leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45.

This crisis illuminates the inadequacy of available support services for veterans.

“The majority of veterans who succumb to suicide are not actively engaged in VHA care. It is imperative to uphold effective outreach methods and engagement strategies for all veterans, ensuring they are informed about available resources and support. This includes not only within the VA but also within their local communities. Connection can be a lifeline,” concludes the report.