22 Veterans Commit Suicide Every Day

Alarming rates on veteran suicides released by VA report!

Cruising the news recently I came across some shocking statistics about U.S. Veterans and suicide.  A VA study released in 2012 found that an average of 22 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (IAVA) commit suicide every day.  I was further concerned to discover that less than one-quarter of these vets are enrolled in the agency’s health-care system.  What’s going on here?  It’s truly shameful that the people who put their lives on the line in the name of their flag are abandoned and left with an inadequate care system upon returning home from their service.

We felt it was important to share this information with everyone to help promote awareness about veteran mental health and suicide.  Perhaps you know someone who has served? They could be a part of your family, a friend, or someone you pass by on your daily routine.

2.6 million Americans have been sent to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001 and more than half of them are suffering from physical and mental health issues as a result.  One would think that our country would have a strong safety net in place for veterans after the publicized sufferings of our Vietnam vets.  Sad to see that there hasn’t been adequate progess in improving health care for these individuals.  Each and every one of them deserves to be treated for the traumas they have suffered.

Others alarmed that 22 veterans commit suicide every day participated on Thursday, March 27, 2014, in an event titled Storm the Hill, IAVA members planted 1,892 American flags on the Mall in Washington’s Capital Hill to represent the veterans who have already committed suicide so far this year alone, based on the VA calculation.

by marquette_magazine