Suicide Rate Continues to Climb in Military Community

App users, tap here to watch video report.

By Mike Ruzzi

ERIE, Pa. (Erie News Now) – According to a report by the Department of Defense, suicide in the Military is at it’s highest rate in 84 years.


Since the 9/11 attacks nearly 21 years ago, more than 30,000 Veterans have taken their own lives.

Those numbers are not going unnoticed by the Erie V.A. Medical Center.

There are a number of programs available to local Veterans in need.



Brandon Wiley of the Erie V.A. Medical Center told Erie News Now, “We have a Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Program available. Team members are very engaging with the Veterans.”

“We all have issues exposing our soul and feeling vulnerable, Wiley continued, but when you are real about your mental health and real about your crisis, you can talk to somebody and we have the resources here.”

The Erie V.A. Medical has a new Crisis Center Hotline and it’s open 24 hours.

Dial 9-8-8, then press One.



 

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