Episode 73 - The Right Direction

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the VA's top clinical priority is preventing suicide among all Veterans, whether they seek their medical care here or not.  When it comes to Veteran suicide, the one statistic you may have heard most prominently is "22 Veterans a day take their own life."  Whether it is on Social Media posts, in conversations with friends or even on bumper stickers, "22 A Day" has become synonymous with the fight to prevent Veterans from ending their own lives.  But, is that number still accurate, and is that number getting smaller?

On this episode of The 9 Line, we'll speak with Joe Lasky, VASNHS Suicide Prevention Program Manager, about the steps the VA is taking to combat Veteran Suicide, how that is impacting the numbers, and examine some of the reasons Veterans choose to end their lives.  We'll also let you know how you can help a Veteran in crisis or get help if you are that Veteran.