VA Secretary Doug Collins on New Strategy to Prevent Veteran Suicide

Veteran Suicide Rates and Prevention Efforts

• 💔 Despite significant investment, veteran suicide rates have remained largely unchanged since 2008, with approximately 6,170 to 6,900 veterans dying by suicide annually.
• 💰 Over $588 million has been spent on suicide prevention and $2.3 billion on care and counseling, yet the numbers have not improved.

A New Outreach Strategy

• 🎯 Secretary Collins is implementing a new approach to reach more veterans, recognizing that about half of those who die by suicide have never had contact with the VA.
• 🎙️ This strategy involves actively seeking out veterans through various platforms, including podcasts and interviews, to encourage them to reach out for help.
• 🤝 Veterans are urged to connect with the VA if they need support, but also to look out for their "battle buddies" and "wingmen" to ensure mutual well-being.

VA Budget and Staffing

• 📈 The VA's 2026 budget request includes a 4 percent increase, with funds earmarked for overhauling the agency's electronic health record system.
• ⚖️ The department, a large federal employer, has also faced challenges related to staffing cuts, with recent legal actions temporarily halting such efforts.