Military Matters: New study shows AZ vets twice as likely to commit suicide

ASU Study blames a lack of resources

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT)-Military Matters: The latest study out of Arizona State University (ASU) shows that veterans living in Arizona are twice as likely to commit suicide compared to non-veterans.

The study was completed by the ASU Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

The report examined 3,601 suicides recorded by the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System between 2015 and 2017.

According to researchers, one of the main contributors is resources the study found that many counties in Arizona just don’t have adequate resources to help those in need.

In many communities, veterans turn to support groups or other veterans for support. During the study period, researchers found that one out of every five suicides were veterans.

ASU hopes that the study will help push legislation to provide assistance to veterans as soon as they leave the military.