Battling the high rate of service member suicide
Death by suicide at a rate of nearly 22 veterans a day. A study by the VA found that in 2010 soldiers were coming home from war, to face a battle they weren't prepared to fight.
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A key piece of legislation for our nation's veterans is signed by the President to combat the high rate of service member suicide.
Death by suicide at a rate of nearly 22 veterans a day. A study by the VA found that in 2010 soldiers were coming home from war, to face a battle they weren't prepared to fight.
"22 veterans is more than we lose to combat so this is a war that veterans are fighting on their own ground," said Dr. Ttikesha Leslie-Jones of the Veteran's Home of California.
The president signed the suicide prevention law Thursday. It requires suicide prevention programs to become more easily available to veterans. The law also offers financial incentives to mental health professionals to work for the VA and help military members transition to veteran status.
"As a nation we should not be satisfied and will not be satisfied until every man in uniform every veteran gets the help that they need to stay strong and healthy," said President Barack Obama.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an issue gaining more exposure, thanks to movies like American Sniper. It follows Navy Seal Sniper Chris Kyle -- who after serving four tours in the Middle East -- was killed by a fellow veteran suffering from PTSD. Dr. Leslie-Jones of said this assistance is long overdue.
"I think the more that the government makes suicide and mental health an issue as important as your physical health that the public will see it as an important issue," Dr. Leslie-Jones said.
An important issue that helps those who've made the ultimate sacrifice. The law will also require the pentagon and VA department to independently review their suicide prevention programs.
