New executive order aims to reduce veteran suicide

WASHINGTON (AP) _ President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking to stem the number of veteran suicides with a plan to boost outreach by awarding grants to community programs.     

The president signed an order that directs his agencies to develop the plan within 12 months.     

A new task force will look to create a grant system similar to the Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing program, which provides funding to state and local programs.

It will also aim to better coordinate research on suicide across agencies.     

Currently, about 20 veterans die by suicide each day, nearly twice the rate among the civilian population.

Officials say about 14 of those 20 were not under VA care, pointing to a need for improved outreach.   

In Nebraska, the veteran suicide rate is 20.3 (per latest available data, rates per every 100,000 people).  That’s lower than the national veteran suicide rate of 30.1, but just above Nebraska’s overall suicide rate of 16.3. 

The White House did not indicate expected costs of the program.

If you or someone you know is having trouble dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder or having difficulty transitioning from military to civilian life, the Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs has readily available resources.  

Call 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit their website at www.veterans.nebraska.gov.