U.S. Losing Battle Against Military Suicides

A comprehensive, new report by the Center for a New American Society concludes that “America is losing its battle against suicide by veterans and service members. And as more troops return from deployment, the risk will only grow.” The report notes that from 2005-2010, service members committed suicide at a rate of approximately one every 36 hours, with a record-high 33 in July 2011. It identifies excess prescription drug use, flawed post-deployment mental health screening, and shortage of mental health care providers as factors contributing to the increase. The report includes policy recommendations that will help reduce the number of suicides.