As a trauma surgeon, I've treated countless gunshot victims, mostly civilians. However, one patient I will never forget is a fellow veteran who attempted suicide with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. He survived, but far too many do not. This past Memorial Day, as we honored those who died while serving our nation, a sobering truth loomed over our veteran community: a painful paradox exists where those who served to protect our freedoms are now falling victim to a silent domestic enemy.
According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, suicide is the for veterans under 45 years old. Since 2010, have died by suicide, far exceeding the number of . Veterans are to attempt suicide than non-veterans, and among those veterans who die by suicide, from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The high suicide rate among veterans stems from a confluence of factors, including exposure to combat trauma, the struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, and barriers to accessing adequate mental healthcare.
This alarming rise in suicides demands targeted interventions to address the unique challenges within the veteran community. As a nation, we have a moral obligation to care for those who have selflessly served our country.
While veteran suicides exceed the national average, another disturbing trend has emerged: an increase in suicides among certain . American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans experienced the highest rates and a significant spike -- nearly 350% higher than the national average. Among other groups, the unadjusted suicide rate in 2021 was 36.3 per 100,000 for white veterans; 31.6 per 100,000 for Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander veterans; 17.4 per 100,000 for Black or African American Veterans; 19.7 per 100,000 for veterans with Hispanic ethnicity; and 6.7 per 100,000 for veterans of multiple races.
Although the rates for Black and Hispanic veterans were lower than white veterans, recent studies among younger Black and Hispanic veterans. The rising rates of veteran suicides, especially among certain minority veteran populations, is a national crisis demanding immediate and comprehensive action.
Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The is a crucial step toward addressing this crisis by expanding access to mental health care and suicide prevention services for veterans in crisis, regardless of their discharge status or enrollment in VA care. Despite Congress passing the law in 2020, full implementation is still pending, with gaps in funding, staffing, and outreach efforts thwarting its potential to save tens of thousands of lives.
We must demand full implementation of the Veterans COMPACT Act, ensuring sufficient resources to guarantee every veteran in crisis receives the timely and culturally competent care they deserve. This means investing in mental health resources tailored to the unique needs of veterans and increasing access to crisis intervention services.
Furthermore, we must advocate for federal policies that prioritize mental health care for veterans and address the systemic issues contributing to their suffering. This includes tackling the stigma surrounding mental health, supporting community-based organizations serving veterans, and ensuring access to affordable housing, employment opportunities, and education.
We must not let another Memorial Day pass without taking action to protect our veterans. We honor their service by demanding accountability from our leaders, advocating for comprehensive solutions, and working together to create a society where every veteran feels valued, supported, and empowered to seek help. The time for action is now. It's more than providing resources and treatment; it's a fight for justice, equity, and to honor the sacrifices of those who have served.
If you or a veteran you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit .
Brian Williams, MD, is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, a Harvard-trained trauma surgeon, and a former congressional health policy advisor. He previously served as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Medicine. His book, , is available anywhere books are sold. Follow him on X: .