We have high standards that we have set. And as you have said, we are not meeting our own standards.

We are very encouraged by what we are seeing in 2009, which was a couple years after we implemented the very beginnings of our suicide prevention program.

We have heard testimony about how the different VA facilities do things differently.

We must reduce this fatal outcome.

suicide among veterans is an absolute crisis.

Thank you very much.

the influence Tom Tarantino and Tom Berger have had on our current campaigns has been tremendous.

we are making a difference. Those rates are going down.

Can you comment further on what was recommended? Of the numerous action items outlined in this strategy, what pieces are still outstanding?

What can be done to improve outreach to servicemembers and veterans needing mental health care services, especially those veterans most at-risk?

Approximately 20 percent of these deaths were veterans, although they only make up 1 percent of our population.