Veteran suicide is a real and present problem in the community. U.S. Representative Kathy Castor of Tampa says it’s a growing and troublesome trend.
"The suicide rate among veterans age 18-24 has skyrocketed 70% during the past three years and the VA reports on average 22 veterans lose their lives to suicide every day", said Castor.
Castor brought together close to 50 mental health experts, researchers and veteran advocates at James A. Haley VA Hospital Monday to learn what’s being done to help veterans in crisis and what else is needed.
One thing Castor said she learned is that the group needed to be broadened to include active-duty military to help fight the stigma associated with asking for help.