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Why LA County Needs To Learn More About Veteran Suicide
(Credit: Israel Palacios on Unsplash)
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Suicide among military veterans is an ongoing problem, but efforts to cope with it are hampered by data that’s often old and incomplete.
There’s a push in L.A. County to get a better, real-time understanding of not just the number of veterans who are lost to suicide, but more information on the indivuals behind the numbers.
A study of all L.A. County suicide deaths during the past five years found nearly 6% could be confirmed as veterans. That’s in a county where veterans make up about 3% of the larger population. Sharon Birman, Chief of Suicide Prevention at the West L.A. V.A. Medical Center, presented the data at a virtual conference this fall.
“That’s really scary, that’s compelling data,” Birman said. “That says ... we need to pay attention to this vulnerable population.”
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ASK FOR HELP:
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
- Steinberg Institute website, links to mental health resources and care throughout California,
- Institute on Aging's 24/7 Friendship Line (especially for people who have disabilities or are over 60), 1-800-971-0016 or call 415-750-4138 to volunteer.
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, 24/7 Access Line 1-800-854-7771, links to COVID-19 information.
- The Crisis Text Line, Text "HOME" (741-741) to reach a trained crisis counselor.
- California Psychological Association Find a Psychologist Locator
- Psychology Today guide to therapists
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