LDVA Shares VA National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Findings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) is sharing key findings from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which analyzes Veteran suicide data from 2001–2023, the most recent year available.

According to the report, 6,398 Veterans died by suicide in 2023, a slight decrease from 6,442 in 2022. The average number of Veteran suicides per day also declined slightly, from 17.6 to 17.5.

The report highlights several important findings:

• 61% of Veterans who died by suicide in 2023 were not receiving VA health care in the year prior to their death.

• Suicide rates remain elevated among Veterans ages 18–34 and those experiencing risk factors such as homelessness, health problems, and chronic pain.

• Among Veterans whose deaths were reported by VA suicide prevention teams from 2021–2023, pain was the most frequently identified risk factor.

Suicide prevention remains the top clinical priority for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. All VA health care facilities provide same-day emergency mental health care access for Veterans in need. Under VA Secretary Doug Collins, VA is conducting a comprehensive review of its suicide prevention programs to strengthen successful efforts and improve areas needing refinement.

VA reports several national improvements in suicide prevention efforts, including expanded outreach to unenrolled Veterans, increased coordination with civilian health care providers, enhanced screening and tracking, and continued investment in community-based prevention grants.

LDVA encourages Louisiana Veterans, family members, and caregivers to be aware of available federal resources and to seek help when needed.

“Veteran suicide has been a scourge on our nation for far too long,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Most Veterans who die by suicide were not in recent VA care, so making it easier for those who have worn the uniform to access the VA benefits they have earned is key.”

Veterans in crisis or those concerned about a Veteran are encouraged to contact the Veterans Crisis Line for free, confidential, 24/7 support by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or benefits to receive assistance.

LDVA remains committed to sharing timely information and connecting Louisiana Veterans with the resources they have earned through their service.

Please visit https://vetaffairs.la.gov/news for the latest Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs releases, photos, and videos.

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