WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) held a virtual press conference to highlight the crisis of veteran and active-duty military suicides. A recent report shows active-duty suicides within the Army rose 46 percent, while veteran suicides occur at a rate of 17 a day.
Watch the full press conference here.
Hudson, Tillis speak about concerns over veteran, active-duty military suicides
North Carolina Congressman Richard Hudson and Senator Thom Tillis held a virtual press conference Tuesday to highlight veteran and active-duty military suicides.
Hudson spoke about the troubling statistics of veteran and active-duty military suicides, stating that more than 17 veterans commit suicide every day, which he said comes from a 2019 study. So the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and failed withdrawal from Afghanistan isn’t taken into account.
Hudson also said the statistic used to be 22 a day, but even 17 is too high.
Tillis spoke on the ways to lower this number, such as looking back at records of veterans who had behavioral changes that could be caused by PTSD or traumatic brain injury. Another way Tillis mentions to lower the active-duty and veteran suicide rate is to reach out and check on how they are doing.
Tillis encouraged people to reach out to service members or veterans to thank them for their service and ask how they’re doing on November 21, National Warrior Call Day.
They both encourage people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or other mental health issues, to call the Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or text 838-255. They can also visit veterancrisisline.net.
Read the full story here.
NC lawmakers calling for national day to help prevent veteran suicides
Politicians in our state are calling for Nov. 21st to be designated ‘National Warrior Call Day’ to raise awareness on suicide prevention among veterans and active-duty service members.
Senator Thom Tillis and Congressman Richard Hudson said there needs to be more of an individual focus on each veteran and service member in terms of treating them based on what they experienced, and checking in on their needs consistently.
Read the full story here.
Tillis, Hudson call for more support to reduce suicides among military personnel, veterans
An estimated 20 active-duty service members or veterans die by suicide every day, and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and 8th District Congressman Richard Hudson said Tuesday that the nation needs to do more to push that number to zero.
Read the full story here.
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