Reducing the rate of military suicides

In a joint venture to reduce suicides, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the Vet Centers have hooked up to provide counseling and outreach to the National Guard on drill weekends and during training. In 2017, the National Guard had the highest rate of suicide of all the military.

Now, however, the rate of National Guard members using the Vet Centers has risen 38%, and the suicide rate has fallen to its the lowest level in five years. It's thought that the increased use of the Vet Center services could be the reason.

Meanwhile, the Defense Suicide Prevention Office's most recent report saw 2018 deathsby-suicide numbers that were mostly higher than the year before: Air Force 60, Army 139, Marine Corps 58, Navy 68, Reserves 216 and National Guard 135.

As the VA continues to try to understand the reasons for veteran suicides, it's looking at limited access to health care and isolation. Up until 2016, Vermont had the nation's highest rate of veteran suicide. By this year, it was reported in Congress that Montana had the highest rate. First thoughts point to rural living and cold weather, yet in California, sunny and warm San Diego has the highest rate for that state.

If you think you might be in trouble, or if you know a veteran who is, call the Veterans Crisis Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or go online to www.veterans crisisline.net. You also can send a text to 838255.

Besides the 24/7 hotline, National Guard and Reservists are eligible to use the services of the Vet Centers (there are 300) and Mobile Vet Centers (there are 80). To find out more about what the Vet Centers do, or to find one in your area, go online to www. vetcenter.va.gov.