Saving Our Veterans: The Shocking New Trend In Military Suicide

January 18, 2026 1

These numbers are specifically for the veterans with traumatic brain injuries – which means the group with the highest rate has seen the most dramatic drop in suicides.

After decades of rising veteran suicide rates, new research has revealed a dramatic downward trend since the pandemic. While various outreach programs and expanded crisis resources appear to be working, experts are now racing to identify which specific initiatives are driving this life-saving shift. Our guests discuss how community partnerships and early intervention strategies are successfully reaching those most at risk.

Guest Information:

Jeffrey Howard, professor of public health, University of Texas at San Antonio
Todd Burnett, PsyD, acting executive director, VA Office of Suicide Prevention

One service working toward this goal is the ‘Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grants Program’. It provides resources to community organizations that are filling in the gaps where the VA can’t yet reach.