Editor’s note: [This is the first installment of a series on suicide as a national public health problem, including among service veterans, and how at-risk veterans can find the help they need to return to happy, healthy lives.]

Suicide is a serious national public health problem that affects communities everywhere. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs concurs with that statement. The VA’s website states that preventing suicide among all Veterans is a top priority — “including among those who do not, and may never, seek care within our system. We are working to reach Veterans where they live, work, and thrive.”

In Lansing, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) and the Governor’s Office share that priority.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday announced a $1.2 million investment in veteran suicide prevention programs, improving the health and well-being of Michigan’s more than 550,000 military veterans and their families. This represents the largest investment in veteran suicide prevention outreach since at least the year 2000 and likely the largest in Michigan history according to available data. The investment was announced Wed. following a roundtable discussion with veterans and veteran advocates attended by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II and MVAA Director Zaneta Adams.

Whitmer said in a Wed. statement that suicide remains a persistent problem in Michigan, as well as nationwide and every resource and tool available must be used to protect the lives of Michigan’s former service member.

“Today’s investment will expand funding for suicide prevention efforts in Michigan,” said Whitmer, “and build on the ongoing efforts of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency to keep veterans and their families safe and healthy.”

Gilchrist said the funding a step forward in the state’s efforts to end suicides among Michigan veterans and that every veteran, and their family, can find opportunity, access healthcare and thrive.

Gilchrist said he and Governor Whitmer are grateful for the partnership of the MVAA in funding this holistic approach to connecting veterans with resources and we are committed to continuing to Stand Tall for veterans in Michigan.

The release from the Governor’s Office stated that according to the latest available data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 704 Michigan veterans died by suicide from 2016-19, an average of 176 suicides annually over four years.

One way the MVAA and Governor’s Challenge is addressing veteran suicide is by stressing safe gun storage and free gun locks through the VA., the release states. Nearly 70% of veteran suicides are the result of firearm injuries. In addition, the suicide prevention team is promoting the VA’s easy-to-remember new Crisis Line number; veterans can now simply dial 988 and press 1 to be connected to a crisis counselor.  

Military Times on Sept. 17, 2022 posted an article that suggests some statistics may not be accurate. The article, written by Leo Shane III is titled, Veterans suicide rate may be double federal estimates, study suggests.

The joint study, conducted by officials from America’s Warrior Partnership with University of Alabama and Duke University, reviewed census death data from 2014 to 2018 for eight states and found thousands of cases of suspected or confirmed suicides not included in federal calculations, the article states. The rate of suicide among veterans may be more than double federal reports annually, because of undercounting drug-related overdose deaths and service record errors, the article states.

The article stated that Jim Lorraine, president of AWP and an Air Force veteranwho works in health care, reported that the largest category of overlooked deaths — about 60% of the uncounted cases, by the report’s estimate — concern drug overdoses. Lorraine said that in the states his researchers reviewed, many drug deaths were classified as accidents or unknown intent even though indications were that the fatalities should be grouped alongside suicides.

A May 23, 2022 report published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Pub.med website stated that despite public attention over recent decades, SUDs, including alcohol use, remains a problem among veterans and military members. In these populations, alcohol use is common and is often used for stress relief and socializing. The report stated that one study on military personnel found that approximately 30% of completed suicides and around 20% of deaths due to high-risk behavior were attributable to alcohol or drug use. In the general U.S. population, alcohol is the fourth leading cause of preventable death, and 31% of driving-related fatalities involve alcohol intoxication.

“These are all preventable deaths,” Lorraine is quoted as saying. “The number is less important than the methodology of tracking them and making sure we have an accurate count … that can lead us to prevention steps.”

If you’re a Veteran having thoughts of suicide or you know one who is, contact the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7/365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, chat online at http://veteranscrisisline.net/Chat, or text to 838255.