Preventing suicide among Veterans is a critical priority for VA. In 2014, an average of 20 Veterans died from suicide each day. Between 2001 and 2014, the rate of suicide increased among both Veterans and civilians, but the increase was larger among Veterans (32%) than among adult civilians (23%). In addition, the increasing rate of suicides among women Veterans prompted Congress to pass the Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act, which was signed into law on June 30, 2016.
September Cyberseminars on Suicide Prevention

While VA works to reach Veterans who need mental healthcare—more than 1.6 million Veterans received specialized mental healthcare in FY20154—VA’s Health Services Research & Development Service focuses research and implementation efforts on suicide prevention through Centers of Innovation with a particular focus on mental health and suicide prevention, and individually-funded research studies. HSR&D’s work is supplemented by dissemination of findings via multiple channels and ongoing educational efforts.