Challenge
Death by suicide continues to be an issue of major concern affecting military service members and veterans. Data from the U.S. Department of Defense Annual Suicide Report from 2019 indicate that the Active Component suicide rate increased from 2014 to 2019, reflecting an increase in rates across all services. The suicide rate among veterans is higher and has grown faster than for non-veterans since 2005, and in 2018, it was 1.5 times greater than for non-veterans.
EDC serves as a suicide prevention expert for the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance (SMVF TA) Center. The SMVF TA Center supports U.S. city, state, and territory military and civilian interagency teams in delivering TA that guides state and city leaders in implementing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies.
Key Activities
The SMVF TA Center has:
- Reached 27 states through the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
- Reached 22 cities through the Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
Impact
The SMVF TA Center has:
- Reached 7 states and will convene 28 more states through the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
- Reached 24 cities through the Mayor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families
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PROJECT DIRECTOR
DURATION
FUNDED BY
PARTNERS
Policy Research Associates