On average, we lose 7 military and veterans to suicide in Mississippi every day. During an interview with SuperTalk Mississippi on Veteran’s Day, Mississippi Veterans Affairs Director Stacey Pickering told us it is an epidemic. “But the good news is nationally last year, that number went down from 20 to 17 a day among the veteran community. So we’re seeing some progress.”
One of the biggest spikes in suicide comes 3 to 5 years after they separate from the service, whether they’re 27 or 57. “That’s a difficult transition for a lot of our veterans. We’re working in Mississippi not just with training our clergy, but also workforce placement. Helping them get that job, that future and helping them make that transition.”
If you’re a veteran in crisis, or concerned about one, confidential support is available 24/7 through the Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255
