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.
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.
