Suicides among America's active soldiers and veterans are outpacing combat casualties -- and the numbers are increasing — even as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down. Last week, the Associated Press reported some daunting statistics: 154 suicides in 155 days among American troops on active duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs says veterans are killing themselves at an average rate of 18 a day. The total deaths from suicide far exceed combat casualties in the past ten years of war. We hear how family survivors, the Pentagon and others are searching for answers.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: offers 24/7 free and confidential, nationwide network of crisis centers. Veterans can press 1 with confidentiality and privacy
800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or www.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors:
800-959-TAPS (800-959-8277) or
taps.org
