Firearms remain a major factor in veteran suicides | PA program looks to help
WORMLEYSBURG, Pa. —
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and Pennsylvania leaders are highlighting the crisis facing veterans and active-duty service members.
National data from 2023 shows 17 veterans died by suicide every day. In Pennsylvania that same year, the state recorded 268 veteran deaths by suicide, up 16% from the previous year.
State leaders, advocates discuss warning signs
State agencies and veterans’ advocates gathered this week at American Legion headquarters in Cumberland County to discuss warning signs and resources available to veterans and their families.
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said military members can face financial and relationship pressures like anyone else. Advocates said deployment and the transition to civilian life can disrupt important support networks.
Officials are encouraging friends, relatives and community members to listen and directly ask someone who may be struggling whether they are considering suicide.
“Being a member of the American Legion or the VFW or even a church, a book club, a gym, all of those things are super important to support,” said Tara John, a first lieutenant of the Pennsylvania National Guard. “So, if you are the one, maybe, bringing them into those certain spaces to help, longer-term connections for whenever they eventually transition out, I think is a really good way to support.”
Firearms and veteran suicide
Advocates said veterans face a higher suicide risk than the general population, and firearms are used in a large majority of veteran suicide deaths. Officials said firearm attempts are fatal about 90% of the time.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says female veterans have a 144% higher chance of suicide when a firearm is involved, and men have an almost 70% greater chance.
That data shows veteran firearm suicide rates have increased 65% since 2001.
Grant supports prevention campaign
Because of that, a nearly $144,000 federal grant is supporting the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ “Plan. Pause. Protect.” campaign.
The program distributes firearm cable locks and safe-storage devices. It also helps veterans create safety plans and visible reminders, like pictures, of the people, pets or other reasons they want to keep living.
The campaign emphasizes that safe storage is about creating time and distance during a crisis — not taking firearms away from lawful owners.
“I really feel like we’re the right agency at the state level to have the firearm conversation,” said Patti Tanner, a Veterans Mental and Behavioral Health Subject Matter Expert for the department. “I’m a veteran. I own guns. I hunt. I’m just here because I want you to be safe.”
Help and crisis resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Pennsylvania also has mobile crisis services in every county, along with PA VetConnect, which links veterans with community-based assistance for mental health, housing, employment and addiction. State officials said veterans do not have to be enrolled in the VA to call 988 or use local crisis services, and help is free and confidential.