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Military Suicides Rise in 2023
Military suicides increased in 2023, prompting increased funding and initiatives to improve mental healthcare access.
English
United States
Us PoliticsHealthMilitaryMental HealthMilitary TechnologyFundingPreventionSuicide
Defense DepartmentOffice Of Force ResiliencySuicide Prevention Response And Independent Review CommitteePentagonDepartment Of Veterans Affairs
Timothy HoytLloyd Austin
- What measures has the Pentagon taken to address the issue of military suicides?
- The Pentagon established a review committee to provide recommendations for reducing suicide deaths. While 20 of the committee's 83 recommendations have been completed, significant work remains to implement the remaining recommendations and improve mental healthcare access.
- What is the overall trend of suicides among active-duty military personnel in 2023?
- The number of suicides among active-duty military personnel increased from 331 in 2022 to 363 in 2023, continuing a gradual upward trend despite ongoing prevention efforts. This rise is concerning, especially given the demographic most affected: enlisted males under 30.
- What were the most common methods of suicide among active-duty service members in 2023?
- The most common method of suicide among active-duty service members was firearms (65%), followed by hanging or asphyxiation (28%). These methods highlight the need for targeted interventions and readily available mental health support.
- How do suicide rates among active-duty military members compare to the general U.S. population?
- Suicide rates among active-duty military personnel are comparable to national averages, but military members also face unique challenges that exacerbate existing mental health concerns, underscoring the need for tailored prevention programs.
- How much funding has the Department of Defense allocated for suicide prevention in fiscal year 2025?
- The Defense Department plans to invest \$250 million in suicide prevention in fiscal year 2025, the largest investment to date. This significant financial commitment underscores the Pentagon's serious approach to tackling this complex issue.