(The National News Desk) – Jim Whaley, the CEO of veterans’ advocacy group Mission Roll Call, said Wednesday that VA enrollment not only gives veterans access to needed care, but it can offer vital peer connections for those who have shared in the experience of serving our country.

Whaley said VA’s new report shows the “significant” difference that care and connection can make in preventing veteran suicide.

But he said veteran suicide remains “a very systemic issue,” regularly cited as the top concern among veterans his organization polls.

Whaley applauded VA’s recent efforts to team with the Department of Defense to smooth the transition from military life to civilian life, which he said is a critical step in safeguarding veterans’ mental health.

He said his group and others also work to connect veterans with their peers following military service. Whaley said a successful transition to civilian life often requires a veteran to find both a renewed sense of purpose and a supportive community.

Whaley said reports like this shouldn’t obscure the fact that most veterans are doing well. But he said even one veteran suicide is too many, and there’s always more that can be done to save lives.

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