Veterans, Active Military, & Their Families
Quick Facts
- Approximately 6,000 Veterans die by suicide each year in the United States.
- Veterans are at greater risk for suicide than the general population. From 2001 to 2019, the rate of suicide among Veterans increased by 36% compared to a 30% increase among the general population.
- The children of Veterans and active-duty service members are also at higher risk for suicide. A large study in California found that over a seven-year period, nearly 25% of military-connected students in California schools had considered or attempted suicide. The risk is increased if the family member is deployed. Subsequent studies in other states showed similar results.
#BeThere Campaign
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 988 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 988 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
Caregivers on the homefront
Caregivers on the Homefront was created by Shawn Moore in 2017. Shawn serves as a caregiver for her husband, Bryan, a 23-year Army veteran, who suffers from numerous mental and physical disabilities. Shawn felt isolated and without resources when trying to help her husband and after speaking with a variety of individuals she realized her story was not unique, that there was a gap in the resources and support structure for our nation’s caregivers. Caregivers on the Homefront fills that gap by providing evidence-based mental health and wellness programs. We also take pride in advocating for the caregiver at the local, state, and national levels.