Preventing Veteran Suicide

An overview of testimony by Rajeev Ramchand presented before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies on April 27, 2017.

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  • A watercolor painting of a silhouette profile

    Is Suicide Preventable? Insights from Research

    Conventional wisdom about suicide prevention suggests that one just needs to know what warning signs to look for. But that's not the case.

    May 8, 2017

  • U.S. military personnel fold the American flag at a funeral

    Community-Based Programs Are Critical to Veteran Suicide Prevention

    The VA provides high-quality mental health care. Its biggest challenge is preventing suicide among those who are not enrolled, such as veterans with other-than-honorable discharges and women. Strengthening community-based programs could prevent veteran suicide and help slow national suicide rates.

    Apr 27, 2017

    Rajeev Ramchand

  • An honor detail at a military funeral

    Three Priorities for Preventing Veteran Suicide

    Post-9/11 veterans have a higher risk of taking their own lives upon leaving the military. This risk is even greater for veterans with other than honorable discharges and for women veterans. Policymakers could consider directing policies and programs to high-risk groups. Such policies and programs might include expanding services to veterans who leave the service with "bad paper" and ensuring those who have experienced sexual assault have access to high-quality care.

    Nov 11, 2015

    Rajeev Ramchand

  • Congressional Briefing Podcast

    The War Within: Preventing Suicide in the U.S. Military

    In this May 2011 Congressional Briefing, behavioral scientist Rajeev Ramchand presents RAND research and analysis on recent increases in suicides among members of the U.S. military.

    May 10, 2011