In 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs began an intensive effort to reduce suicide among Veterans. This effort had its roots in the Mental Health staffing expansion and the Joshua Omvig Bill, and it included both attention to Veterans in crisis as well as those determined to be at high risk for suicide. The effort also included the development of data systems to increase understanding of suicide among Veterans and inform both the VA and other suicide prevention programs. Information on the characteristics and outcomes of Veterans at risk for suicide is critical to the development of improved suicide prevention programs.
