An Average Of Eighteen American Veterans Kill Themselves Every Day

On The Line: Inside A Veterans Crisis Hotline -- Ashley Gilbertson / VII Network

According to a recent estimate by the C.D.C. an average of eighteen American veterans kill themselves every day. That number accounts for 1/5th of all of suicides in the United States.

These images are of call responders working for the Department of Veteran Affairs in Canandaigua, New York talking vets back from the edge. It's the frontline of the government's attempt to curb the rising suicide rate among active duty service members and veterans. The center is the only one of its type in the country, and was established in 2007 by the VA.

That year, the line received about 10,000 callers. In 2008, it received almost 70,000, and in 2009, just under 120,000. By June of this year alone, operators had already taken just under 100,000 calls.

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My Comment: A riveting report and photo gallery on veteran suicides. The key paragraph is the following ....

That year, the line received about 10,000 callers. In 2008, it received almost 70,000, and in 2009, just under 120,000. By June of this year alone, operators had already taken just under 100,000 calls.

Read and watch the gallery.