Blue Star Mothers push suicide prevention awareness for Veterans

Blue Star Mothers of America is marking National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with a call for stronger connection, community support and action for Veterans and military families. The group pointed to new VA data showing 6,398 Veteran suicide deaths in 2023 and urged Americans to check in, listen and help people reach support.

Why it matters: - Veteran suicide remains an urgent public health issue, even as the latest federal data shows a small decline year over year. - Blue Star Mothers of America says prevention depends on more than clinical care, with families, friends, employers and communities all playing a role. - The group is using National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month to push Americans to stay connected to Veterans and military families beyond September.

What happened: - Blue Star Mothers of America marked National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by urging awareness of Veteran suicide and reminding service members, Veterans and military families that connection, support and hope can save lives. - The organization highlighted U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data showing 6,398 Veterans died by suicide in 2023, an average of 17.5 deaths per day. - The 2023 total was down from 6,442 Veteran suicide deaths in 2022. - National President Karen Stillwell said every Veteran is more than a number and that suicide prevention starts with reaching out, listening and helping someone find support.

The details: - Blue Star Mothers said the long-used “22 a Day” phrase helped bring attention to Veteran suicide, but current data gives a more accurate picture of the crisis. - The VA’s latest National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report showed that 61% of Veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received Veterans Health Administration care in the year of or prior year to their death. - The organization said military service can create lifelong bonds, but the transition to civilian life can bring challenges tied to purpose, connection, relationships, employment, health and adjustment. - Blue Star Mothers volunteers with Veterans, visits Veterans Affairs facilities and state veterans homes, sends care packages to deployed service members, supports military families and takes part in community outreach. - The group said support can start with a simple question like “How are you doing?” followed by real listening. - Blue Star Mothers is a national organization founded in 1942 for mothers of children serving or who have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. - Through chapters nationwide, the group supports service members, Veterans, military families and families of Fallen Heroes through volunteer service, Veteran outreach, care packages, patriotic programs and community involvement.

Between the lines: - The VA data suggests many Veterans who die by suicide are not connected to the Veterans Health Administration, which puts more weight on non-medical touchpoints. - Blue Star Mothers is framing suicide prevention as a community responsibility, not only a health system issue. - The message also reflects a broader shift away from relying on a single shorthand like “22 a Day” and toward a more precise, data-driven public conversation.

What's next: - Blue Star Mothers is encouraging Americans to check on Veterans and military families, learn warning signs of crisis, find available resources and create spaces where asking for help is met with compassion. - The organization wants September to be a starting point for ongoing action, not a one-month campaign. - Veterans in crisis can call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or use the Veterans Crisis Line online. - Anyone experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis can also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. - Blue Star Mothers is directing people to more information about the organization through its social media presence.

The bottom line: - Blue Star Mothers says every Veteran life matters, and suicide prevention depends on sustained connection, not just awareness campaigns.