Every day, approximately 17 Veterans die by suicide. Each September, Suicide Prevention Month calls us not only to recognize this heavy toll, but also to reflect on how each of us can be part of the solution. One conversation, one act of care, one connection can save a life.

None of us are immune to the struggles that can lead to suicide. For Veterans, the risks are even higher. Military service leaves lasting impacts that can make it harder to ask for help, see warning signs, or feel connected to others.

At Nation’s Finest, we walk alongside Veterans in some of their most vulnerable moments. We know that suicide is rarely the cause of a single event, and that prevention is most successful when communities come together to support a Veteran long before a crisis happens.

All of us—friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, health care and service providers, businesses, and policymakers—have a collective responsibility in ensuring our nation’s Veterans feel seen, heard, and supported.

Suicide is a leading cause of death in America, and among Veterans, the numbers remain alarmingly high. More than 6,000 Veterans die by suicide each year, an average of 17 lives lost every day. Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-Veteran adults, with the highest risk among those aged 18-34. Male Veterans account for the majority of these deaths, but women Veterans also face suicide rates that are 2.5 times higher than civilian women. While there has been a slight decrease in overall Veteran suicide rates since 2018, the numbers remain urgent.

Research shows that prevention works. Strong protective factors like evidence-based care, housing stability, social connection, and trust in providers can make all the difference. But contrary to popular belief, many Veterans who die by suicide have no mental health diagnosis on record. Stressors such as chronic pain, housing instability, financial strain, relationship challenges, or major life changes can all contribute.

There is power in every act of connection— every conversation, listening ear, kind word, or service provided. These simple acts create a safety net that can catch a Veteran long before a crisis point. We’re all part of that critical network of support.

For more than 50 years, Nation’s Finest has stood alongside Veterans and their families. With multiple service areas and more than 150 staff, we meet Veterans where they are with confidential, wraparound care that doesn’t discriminate.

Though we provide comprehensive services, those specific to mental health include:

• Clinical counseling and therapy
• Peer support (Veterans helping Veterans)
• Suicide prevention and intervention
• Long-term residential care through permanent supportive housing
• Case management to help navigate stressors (housing, employment, health, connection to community resources)

Perhaps one of our strongest bridges to healing is our team of peer support staff. Because they are Veterans themselves, peer support specialists (PSS) bring a unique understanding that builds trust with other Veterans where it matters most. As Rob Holley, a PSS in Santa Rosa with Nation’s Finest’s suicide prevention team, explains: “We speak the same language, we take the same creed, that same honor and lifelong oath, and there is some trust in that.”

That trust often becomes the first step toward connection, stability, and hope. Learn more about our services here.

Everyone has a role to play in preventing Veteran suicide. Here are three steps you can take today:

1. Check in. Reach out to a Veteran in your life. Sometimes the smallest conversations mean the most.
2. Share information. Help spread the word about the Veterans Crisis Line (see below), Nation’s Finest services, and other supportive resources.
3. Stand with us. Businesses, policymakers, and community partners can join Nation’s Finest in building stronger safety nets for Veterans through support, collaboration, and advocacy. To learn how you can help, or to direct your support to a specific Nation’s Fund fund or location, email info@nationsfinest.org or click here to donate.

If you are a Veteran in crisis, or you’re worried about one, support is available 24/7/365 through the Veterans Crisis Line:

• Dial 988 then press 1
• Chat online at net/Chat
• Text 838255

Veterans in California, Arizona, and Nevada can also contact their nearest Nation’s Finest location to connect with services and find support. Click here to find a location near you.

You don’t have to wait until it gets worse. We’ve got your six.