::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

buzzz worthy. . . WASHINGTON  - In its most comprehensive study of veteran suicide rates to date, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced today the number of veterans who die by suicide is 20 per day. Preliminary data indicate that suicides among veterans utilizing VA care increased by 8.8 percent between 2001 and 2014 while the rate of suicide among those veterans who didn’t access care during the same time jumped 38.6 percent. The VA will release its final report later this month. “The VA’s findings confirm that for those receiving it, treatment works,” said Kim Ruocco, TAPS Chief External Relations Officer for Suicide Prevention and Postvention. “However, we want to make sure the successes of treatment are highlighted rather than the number of deaths. When the number of deaths is used constantly, it creates a sense of hoplessness and helplessness about the ability to get care that works. The information released today indicates those in VA care are mu...