Coalition Makes Significant Progress Toward Ambitious Goal

A national coalition dedicated to preventing veteran suicide has released encouraging data showing accelerated progress toward its mission. Face the Fight, formed three years ago by founding partners USAA, Reach Resilience, and the Humana Foundation, now projects it is on track to save nearly 11,000 veterans' lives from suicide by 2032—a substantial increase from last year's projection of 6,500 lives.

The coalition is working toward an ambitious goal of saving 15,000 veterans from suicide by its 2032 target date. Chris Ford, the Face the Fight lead at USAA, expressed optimism about the momentum building behind the effort. While acknowledging the gap that remains, Ford emphasized that the accelerated progress this year signals the coalition is heading in the right direction.

A Growing Movement Addressing Root Causes

Face the Fight has expanded to more than 300 coalition members, bringing together nonprofits, corporations, and government liaisons united in the fight against veteran suicide. The coalition's strategy goes beyond traditional suicide prevention, addressing the underlying challenges that can put veterans at risk—including financial stress, strained relationships, social isolation, substance use, and trauma.

This comprehensive approach means the coalition includes not only suicide prevention organizations but also groups providing housing assistance, food security support, and job transition services. As Face the Fight approaches its sixth round of grantmaking, it has already funded over 80 projects and awarded $41 million to organizations across the country working to prevent veteran suicide.

"What we're really trying to do is build an ecosystem-level change instead of just one-off investments and grants," Ford explained. To date, the coalition's work has reached 1.4 million people, from veterans to family members, survivors, and caregivers.

The Urgent Need Continues

The latest data from the Department of Veterans Affairs underscores why this work remains critical. In 2023, 6,398 veterans died by suicide, and the veteran suicide rate reached a six-year high. While the absolute number dropped slightly from 6,442 in 2022, suicide rates increased for both male and female veterans.

The statistics reveal a stark disparity: the overall veteran suicide rate stands at 35.2 per 100,000, more than double the rate of 16.9 for nonveteran adults. Ford noted that while most veterans are thriving, far too many still consider and take their lives.

Everyone Can Play a Role

Ford emphasized that preventing veteran suicide doesn't require specialized expertise. "I firmly believe that every American has the opportunity to be on the front line in the fight against veteran suicide," he said. It requires understanding what warning signs to look for, being comfortable asking questions when concerned about someone, and knowing how to refer them to credible, accessible care.

Veterans in crisis have free, confidential support available 24/7 through the Veterans Crisis Line. Help is accessible by dialing 988 and pressing 1, chatting online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or texting 838255.

This article is based on reporting by WBFF Baltimore.