NFDW 2022 position paper on veteran and youth suicide in United States

1. Youth and Veteran Suicide in the United States of America
The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) commends
President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress for the leadership they
have shown in addressing the crisis of youth and veteran suicide within our
country. The Biden-Harris Administration has requested $598 million to
support the Department of Veteran Affairs suicide prevention outreach
efforts and has proposed $180 million to fund suicide prevention programs
with a focus on youth suicide prevention. The National Federation of
Democratic Women (NFDW) commends the Biden-Harris Administration for a
monumental step in helping to prevent youth and veteran suicide in the
United States of America.
The tenth leading cause of death in the United States is suicide. Each
day 130 Americans die by suicide. Suicide is a tragedy for the individual, the
family, the community, state, and country. Studies have shown that one
death will take place in the United States every 11 minutes. There is no age
limit on suicide nor any certain time of the day it may happen. Anyone can
be affected by suicide, even those whose family, friends, and co-workers
would never imagine capable of this act. The National Federation of
Democratic Women (NFDW) implores the president's administration and
Congress to provide more programs, resources, and interventions for each
citizen.
Veterans have a 50 percent higher suicide rate than civilians who have
not served in the armed forces. Since 2001, more than 114,000
veterans have died by suicide. Among post 9/11 veterans, suicide was the
second leading cause of death. An estimated 40% of female veterans report
military sexual harassment or military sexual trauma. Several reports show
female veterans who reported military sexual trauma or sexual harassment
and who were not taken seriously had a suicide rate of 50 percent more than
those taken seriously. Male and female veterans returning from combat that
suffered post-traumatic stress from war who did not report symptoms were

2. 80 percent more likely to commit suicide than veterans who reported post-
traumatic stress symptoms.
The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) calls on the
President's administration and Congress to provide more programs,
resources, and interventions for our veterans.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youths 15-24.
Sadly, research, however, reveals rising rates of suicide for youths younger
than 15 years old. One out of 15 high school students report attempting
suicide each year. Youth involved in child welfare and/or the juvenile justice
system, as well as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, American Indian, Alaska
Native, and military service members have rates that are even higher. The
mental health of our youth is the cornerstone of suicide prevention. The
National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) urges the president's
administration and Congress to provide more programs, resources, and
interventions to address mental health needs of youngsters and all
marginalized groups.
The future of our nation is our youth. Our nation has always been
protected and defended by our military. It is imperative to support active-
duty servicepersons and veterans with world-class care. NFDW implores the
Secretary of Defense and Congress to continue to work with the Biden-Harris
Administration to find even more ways to prevent veteran and youth suicide.
America’s families nationwide require funds, resources, and
preventive measures to save our nation.