Erik Paulsen: “September is National Suicide Prevention Month, reminding us that we lose too many to suicide each and every day.…”

“September is National Suicide Prevention Month, reminding us that we lose too many to suicide each and every day. Unfortunately, suicide is all too common among the men and women who have served our Nation in uniform, a population that is particularly at risk of suicide. In fact, the VA estimates that 20 veterans and servicemembers lose their lives each and every day, and veterans are 22 percent more likely to commit suicide than nonvets. Among female veterans, the risk of suicide is a staggering 250 percent higher. Veterans are just 10 percent of the U.S. population but constitute 20 percent of suicides. Measures like the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act, which we have already passed into law, are already making a difference, but even one veteran suicide is too many. We should always remind our veterans, Mr. Speaker, and those who are in need, that there are always ways to get help. Veterans can always call the VA's crisis hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ____________________”