Oral

Over the past several years, suicide among those serving in the military and Veterans has received a great deal of public and scientific attention. Until recently, comparatively little has been known about the epidemiology of risk for suicide among those with history of military service or factors that may uniquely increase risk for suicide among members of this population. In March of this year, the American Journal of Public Health will publish a supplement issue dedicated to the topic of Suicide among Veterans of Military Service. This session will highlight important findings reported in the supplement on suicide among Veterans and focus on three general areas: 1) Epidemiology of Suicide among Active Duty Service Members and Veterans: Improvements in Surveillance of Suicide and Suicide Attempts; 2) Evaluation of Veteran-centric Suicide Prevention Programs and 3) Prevalence and Characteristics of Suicide among High Risk Veteran Groups. The purpose of this session is to provide attendees with an overview of findings reported in the supplement on suicide among Veterans and discuss public health and policy recommendations in each focus area. Discussion will include decision making within the context of available evidence, and areas of research needed to advance public health. Purpose: The purpose of this session is to provide educators, clinicians and public health practitioners with an overview of findings reported in the supplement issue on suicide among Veterans and discuss recommendations within the context of available evidence and gaps in current knowledge. Relevance and Importance: This session will not only provide a summary of current science and major public health recommendations reported in a special issue of the American Journal of Public Health and provide attendees with an example of the application of a public health framework for reducing the rate of suicide. Presenters will also highlight areas of research which are needed to advance public health.

Session Objectives: Attendees will gain an understanding of: 1. Prevalence and characteristics of suicide and suicide attempts among Veterans of military service; 2. Impact of suicide prevention programs and mental health enhancements within the Veteran’s Health Administration; 3. Veteran groups with evidence of increased risk for suicide; 4. Discussion of available evidence and research needed to address current gaps in knowledge.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)