The VA has released the newest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. It includes suicide data from 2001 through 2023. This update explains what the numbers show and why they matter.

What the Suicide Prevention Report Is

The report tracks suicide among Veterans to help the VA understand:

• Trends over time

• Risk factors

• Where more support is needed

The newest report includes data through the end of 2023.

Key Findings From the New Report

The VA shared several important updates:

• 6,398 Veteran suicides in 2023

• 6,442 in 2022

• The daily average dropped slightly from 17.6 to 17.5

Other findings include:

• 61% of Veterans who died by suicide in 2023 were not receiving VA health care in the year before their death

• Suicide rates per 100,000 Veterans increased slightly for both men and women

• Rates remain highest among Veterans ages 18–34

• Pain was the most common risk factor from 2021–2023

• Homelessness, health problems, and other stressors also increase risk

Why the VA Is Taking Action

The VA says suicide prevention is its top clinical priority. The department is reviewing all programs to:

• Measure what is working

• Improve programs that need changes

• Reach more Veterans who are not enrolled in VA care

What the VA Is Doing to Prevent Suicide

The VA shared several major efforts:

• Since January 2026, 33,000+ unenrolled Veterans signed up for VA care after new outreach

• Partnerships with civilian health systems identified 140,000 at‑risk Veterans

• In 2025, the VA completed 5.3 million suicide risk screenings

• The Veterans Crisis Line handled 1.3 million calls, chats, and texts in FY2025, with 97% satisfaction

• 95 community groups received grants through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

• These groups made 24,400+ referrals for suicide prevention support

• In May 2025, the VA announced $52 million in additional grants

• The VA housed the largest number of homeless Veterans in seven years

What Veterans Should Do If They Need Help Now

All VA health care facilities offer same‑day emergency mental health services.

Veterans can call, text, or chat with the Veterans Crisis Line anytime.
Dial 988, then press 1.

Veterans do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use this service.

How to Apply for VA Care

Veterans can enroll by:

• Visiting VA.gov

• Contacting a local VA medical center

• Working with a Veterans Service Organization

When This Report Applies

The data covers suicides through 2023.
Prevention efforts are active right now.

Final Thoughts

This report shows both progress and ongoing challenges. While the daily number dropped slightly, suicide rates remain high—especially among young Veterans and those not connected to VA care.

Veterans and families should stay informed, reach out early, and encourage others to connect with VA services if they are struggling.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 and press 1.

Social Media Posts

Facebook / X / Threads

The VA has released the 2023 Veteran Suicide Prevention Report.
There were 6,398 Veteran suicides in 2023, slightly fewer than in 2022.
But 61% of those who died were not receiving VA care.
The VA is expanding outreach, screenings, and crisis support to reach more Veterans.
If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 and press 1.

Instagram / LinkedIn

The VA’s new 2023 Veteran Suicide Prevention Report shows both progress and urgent challenges.
Suicides dropped slightly from 2022 to 2023, but rates remain highest among Veterans ages 18–34.
More than 33,000 unenrolled Veterans have joined VA care since 2026, and the Veterans Crisis Line handled 1.3 million contacts last year with 97% satisfaction.
The VA continues to expand outreach, screenings, and community partnerships to save lives.

TikTok / X Short Caption

VA releases 2023 suicide report.
Daily average drops slightly, but risk remains high—especially for young Veterans.
Help is always available: 988, press 1.

30‑Second Video Script

Opening:
“The VA has released the 2023 Veteran Suicide Prevention Report, showing both progress and serious challenges.”

Key numbers:
“In 2023, 6,398 Veterans died by suicide—slightly fewer than in 2022. But 61% were not receiving VA health care in the year before their death.”

Why it matters:
“Suicide rates remain highest among Veterans ages 18 to 34. Pain, homelessness, and health problems continue to increase risk.”

What the VA is doing:
“The VA completed over 5 million suicide risk screenings last year, expanded crisis support, and helped more than 33,000 unenrolled Veterans join VA care.”

Closing:
“If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988 and press 1. Help is available 24/7.”