Words to Live By

Every week 5 North Carolina veterans die by suicide. Of the estimated 20+ Veterans who die by suicide each day, 70% have not been in contact with VA. SAMHSA, in collaboration with NC DHHS, VA, and community partners, continues to look for ways to reach the 70%. One out of every ten persons living in the State is a Veteran or military member. At least five Veterans die by suicide in North Carolina each week (three of whom are Vietnam era Veterans), which has led to a current initiative by the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families—to mount a multi-pronged campaign to increase community awareness about this tragic issue.