The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has published its annual report on preventing suicide among veterans. This year’s report indicates a decrease in the number of veterans who die by suicide. In 2024, it is estimated that 6,488 veterans died by suicide, compared with 6,662 in 2023. While any reduction in the number of veterans who die by suicide is positive news, there are still approximately 18 veterans who die by suicide each day.

There’s still a great deal of work to do.

One statistic from the report stands out: approximately 62% of veterans who died by suicide had not been using VA health care within the last few years. Additionally, between 2001 and 2024, the suicide rate among veterans receiving VA health care decreased slightly while the suicide rate among veterans not receiving VA health care increased by more than 70%. This statistic suggests an opportunity to connect more veterans with the care and support they need.

At DAV, we live that importance every day. Our national service officers work with veterans who’ve struggled for years, sometimes decades, to navigate the complexities of their military service.

Some may be unaware of the benefits they have earned through their service. Others have grown frustrated with the system or don’t know where to turn first. Often, a disability claim is what brings a veteran through our doors. However, it’s rarely the only reason a veteran needs our help. Our service officers understand that helping veterans means listening to their concerns, identifying unmet needs and connecting them with resources that can improve their lives.

Whether that means assisting with a disability claim, providing information about VA health care or referring a veteran to another organization or service, these interactions can open doors that would otherwise be closed.

Of course, suicide prevention can’t rely solely on the VA or organizations such as DAV. Suicide prevention requires families, friends, fellow veterans and communities willing to reach out, listen and support those who may be struggling.

We must also recognize that veterans don’t always ask for help, even when they need it most. Therefore, meaningful connections matter long before someone reaches a crisis point. The latest suicide prevention report provides some hope. However, we can’t measure progress by statistics alone.

Progress must also be measured by our willingness to connect with veterans who remain isolated, remove barriers to care and ensure no veteran feels they have to face their challenges alone. We may never know how much difference a conversation, a helping hand or a connection to care can make in someone’s life. However, we know those connections matter.

And at DAV, we will continue making them.

Veterans in crisis can dial 988 and press 1 for immediate support.