Posted on November 9, 2021
The Biden Administration directed federal agencies to take new steps aimed at reducing suicide deaths among veterans, who make up 7.9% of the U.S. population, but account for about 13.5% of suicides. The transition out of military life can present unique challenges for veterans. “That first year post-transition is a high-risk time,” said Sherman Gillums, Jr., NAMI CSO, “and many (veterans) don't make it into the VA, especially if they've got bad paper — a punitive discharge or things that were related to their mental illness.” “And I know a lot of (veterans) that were discharged because of a mental illness, and never got the connection to the VA that they needed,” he said.
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text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
