The suicide rate among the U.S. military has risen by 15 percent in 2012, recognizing fatalities in battles are no longer the main reason for soldiers' deaths.
Dating back to 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs started efforts to combat the suicide rates among Veterans.
According to the 2012 numbers, at least 177 potential active-duty suicides and 126 potential non-active-duty suicides were reported last year. The numbers are an increase from 2011 figures when 165 confirmed active-duty and 118 non-active-duty suicides were reported.
The U.S. Army has the highest suicide rates among all branches with 32 per every 100,000 troops. The average suicide rate in the U.S. military is 24 per 100,000 soldiers.
According to NBC News, nearly 70 percent of all veteran suicide rates are among men and women ages 50 and older.
"The mental health and well-being of our courageous men and women who have served the nation is the highest priority for VA, and even one suicide is one too many," said Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. "We have more work to do and we will use this data to continue to strengthen our suicide prevention efforts and ensure all Veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve."
The report is considered to be an "initial attempt" in terms of understanding the overall picture of Veteran suicide and how to develop suicide prevention programs.
For the full Suicide Data Report, click here.
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