Name: How the US can address the tragedy of veteran suicide
Uploaded: 2020-05-22T14:54:04Z
Duration: 8 min 43 s
Description: Veterans in the United States take their own lives at an alarming rate. Suggesting new ways to prioritize mental health in the military, veterans advocate Charles P. Smith offers a data-driven plan to help prevent suicide and ensure service members get proper care before, during and after active duty.

Charles P. Smith: How the US can address the tragedy of veteran suicide

How the US can address the tragedy of veteran suicide

Veterans in the United States take their own lives at an alarming rate. Suggesting new ways to prioritize mental health in the military, veterans advocate Charles P. Smith offers a data-driven plan to help prevent suicide and ensure service members get proper care before, during and after active duty.

Veterans in the United States are dying by suicide at a rate that outpaces combat deaths by 21 to 1. Personal stories and national statistics highlight deep gaps in mental health support before, during, and after military service. Standardized mental health evaluations for recruits and thorough in-person exit interviews could save lives. Harnessing health data across agencies may reveal which units are most at risk, opening doors for targeted care.