ASU: AZ Veterans twice more likely to commit suicide than non-veterans

Remembrance for Veterans Day

YUMA, Ariz - Something to keep in mind during this upcoming Veterans Day: In a new study from Arizona State University (ASU), it was found that veterans in Arizona are over twice more likely to commit suicide compared to the rest of the state population.

Researchers based at ASU's watts college of Public service and Community Solutions found that over 50 veterans out of a 100,000 population in Arizona committed suicide between 2015 and 2017.

This number is significantly higher compared to the non-veteran rate,  just over 21 out of 100,000.

During the same period, researchers also found the following:

• Female veteran's suicide rate is three times the rate of non-veteran women
• More than one in three veteran suicide victims had reported a physical health problem.
• Veterans are far more likely to use a firearm in committing suicide 

“Our findings should give pause to all of us who support our troops, especially as we honor veterans this month,” said Professor Charles Katz, the Watts Family Director.

“Many of these suicides are the result of the physical and mental problems they have experienced. If you are close to a veteran, talk to them, communicate with them. Most of all, sympathize with the experiences they share with you, and encourage them to contact their local veterans center, VA Medical Center, or a suicide prevention coordinator.”

For a copy of the full report or to schedule an interview with faculty who performed the study, please contact Mark Scarp, Watts College media relations officer, mark.scarp@asu.edu or 602-496-0001.