September 7–13 marks National Suicide Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and take meaningful steps toward preventing suicide in our communities. For our nation’s veterans, this week carries special urgency. The mental health crisis among those who’ve served continues to deepen, and it’s one we must face together.

Veteran Suicide Is a National Crisis

The numbers are sobering:

• According to the VA’s 2024 annual report, an estimated 17.6 veterans die by suicide every day.
• But other research suggests the true number could be significantly higher. A study by America’s Warrior Partnership, Operation Deep Dive, estimates as many as 44 veteran suicides per day when accounting for drug-related deaths and self-injury mortality.
• That means we could be losing more than 16,000 veterans each year—more than all U.S. combat deaths since Vietnam.

Behind every number is a person. A family. A story that ended too soon.

Understanding the Risk

Transitioning out of the military can be one of the most vulnerable times in a veteran’s life. Studies show that the first two years after leaving active duty are especially high-risk due to challenges like isolation, loss of identity, and limited access to care.

There are also alarming disparities across groups:

• Male veterans are 60% more likely to die by suicide than civilian men.
• Women veterans face a 92% higher suicide rate than civilian women.

Post-traumatic stress continues to affect a significant portion of the veteran community. About 15% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience PTS in any given year, and roughly 1 in 3 will experience it at some point in their lifetime.

Access to care remains a major barrier as well. Nearly 45% of veterans report long wait times or delays in receiving health care through the VA. In some areas, wait times for mental health care exceed 50 days.

Progress Is Happening — But It’s Not Enough

The recent passage of the Elizabeth Dole Act has been a step in the right direction. It expands resources for employment, disability claims, mental health care, and support for the 7.8 million caregivers who walk alongside our veterans every day.

But policy alone can’t solve this crisis. It takes all of us veterans, families, communities, and advocates working together to ensure no veteran is left behind.

Support Starts Here

If you or someone you know is struggling, please know you’re not alone.

• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1
• Veterans Resource Directory
• Mission Roll Call Suicide Prevention Page

Together, we can build a future where no veteran feels that suicide is their only option.

Get Involved: Ride & Run 4 Their Lives with HBOT4Heroes

This National Suicide Prevention Week, MRC is teaming up with HBOT4Heroes to help turn awareness into action through two powerful events that support veteran suicide prevention efforts and honor those we’ve lost:

Ride 4 Their Lives with Raging Bull Harley-Davidson

Sunday, Sept. 7 | Durham, NC
Kick off National Suicide Prevention Week with a scenic group ride to the Orange County Veterans Memorial.

• Registration at 10 AM | Kickstands up at 11 AM
• Riders: $25 pre-registration | $30 day-of
• Raffle prizes, community vendors, and more
  Register here: hbot4heroes.org/events/ride-4-their-lives

Run 4 Their Lives 5K

Saturday, Sept. 13 | American Tobacco Trail
Run, walk, or roll — every step you take honors the 44 veterans we lose to suicide each day and helps protect the living.

• Family-friendly and fully accessible
• All proceeds support suicide prevention outreach and treatment
  Register here: hbot4heroes.org/events/5k-run4theirlives

Can’t ride or run? You can still stand with us.

• Donate.
• Spread the word.
• Volunteer.
• Share your story.

National Suicide Prevention Week reminds us that hope is real, and help is out there. We honor those we’ve lost by showing up for one another, speaking out, and standing together in the fight for life.

Let’s ride. Let’s run. Let’s rise for their lives.