Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness

Veteran Suicide Prevention Awareness | By Mighty Oaks

Veteran suicide awareness has never been higher here in America. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of veteran suicide prevention awareness. On November 2nd, the White House unveiled its new plan to end military and veteran suicide. Their plan focused on firearm safety and broadening mental health options for those who are struggling. (Curious to see The Facts About PTSD & Veteran Suicide? Press here.)

This administration is not the first to make the veteran suicide epidemic a higher priority. Prior administration put a focus on public awareness hoping it would strengthen prevention efforts through the American people. The last three administrations have attempted to find a solution to the staggering statistics of over 20 lives a day being taken by suicide in the veteran and military communities. 

According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Annual Report, the veteran suicide rate was 31.6 per 100,000 in 2019. The report goes on to say that non-veteran U.S. adults have a significantly lower rate of 16.8 per 100,000. 

With numerous administrations’ efforts to defeat the staggering 31.6 Veterans-A-Day who commit suicide, that number remains unaffected. Previous efforts had concentrated on a multitude of things, while the new plan places a focus on firearm safety and broadening mental health options. Mighty Oaks knows that the true path to veteran suicide prevention lies in resiliency, the power of testimony, and brotherhood. 

What Is Mighty Oaks Doing About it?

We’re proud to say that we have one of the highest success rates in the country when it comes to veteran suicide prevention. Our program leadership team has been paramount in our success. Every member of our leadership team is a graduate of our program. Our programs are peer-to-peer, which gives our leadership a chance to pay it forward to current and future students.

These warriors feel a loss of purpose and direction in their everyday life. Introduce self-isolation and the belief that there is not another soul who understands the hurt they have to endure, and they have to battle alone. Mighty Oaks knows these warriors are not alone in their battle, fortunately, there are many warriors alive, healthy, and strong. Many of whom are Peer Leaders acting with Mighty Oaks to serve the lost. Our Peer Leaders operate directly among the men or women who come through the Legacy Programs, from a place of experience and understanding. They know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the table. 

Over the years we have been blessed to see over 4,000 warriors graduate from our legacy programs, and over 200,000 active-duty members have attended our Resiliency Events. With one of the highest success rates in the nation, we have been able to offer hope and understanding to those who need it most. 

How Can You Get Involved?

It’s through the generosity of a grateful nation that we’re able to offer all of our programs and resources at no cost to veterans, active-duty members, and first responders. You can learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of our nation’s warriors by visiting MightyOaksPrograms.org/Donate. You can also provide a gift in a loved one’s name and receive an eCard to send them as a gift.

We know that the road to ending the veteran suicide epidemic is a long one, but through your support and gracious giving, we will continue to save lives, restore families and change legacies. Don’t let them fight alone. 

(If there is any chance you may be battling with PTSD, please click here to be taken to our application page. We are here for you.)