By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - Approximately 50,000 US veterans utilized an emergency suicide prevention program in 2023 that was initiated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
A total of 49,714 veterans and former service members have used the program, which allows eligible veterans and certain former service members in acute suicidal crises to access no-cost emergency health care at any VA or non-VA facility.
The benefit provides veterans with life-saving care and savings of more than $64 million in health care costs, the agency said in a statement.
"This policy has helped prevent Veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to eligible individuals in times of crisis — including emergency room care, inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days, outpatient care for up to 90 days, and transportation costs," it said.
VA Secretary Denis McDonough said there is nothing more important to the VA than preventing Veteran suicide.
"We want all Veterans to know they can get the care they need, when they need it, no matter where they are," he said.
Veterans are at a 57% higher risk of suicide than those who have not served, according to the Stop Soldier Suicide organization.